Image of 1958 Ford Ranch Wagon, sourced from www.classicautomall.com , Image Link.

Introduction

The 1958 Ford Ranch Wagon is a testament to American ingenuity and the era's burgeoning love affair with the automobile. Born from the Ford Motor Company's commitment to providing a blend of utility and style, this two-door station wagon was designed to meet the needs of the post-war family. With its origins rooted in the practical demands of transportation, the Ranch Wagon emerged as an emblem of suburban life during the late 1950s. A unique fact about this model is that it was part of Ford's strategy to offer a vehicle for every purse and purpose, which led to a diverse lineup of cars with shared mechanicals but different levels of luxury.

Design and Innovation

The exterior styling of the 1958 Ford Ranch Wagon was a harmonious blend of function and fashion. Its long, straight lines and pronounced tailfins echoed the space-age optimism of the time. The car's broad grille and round headlights gave it a friendly yet confident face that appealed to many. Inside, passengers were greeted with a spacious cabin adorned with durable materials designed to withstand the rigors of family life. Technological features for its time included innovations like the Magic Circle steering wheel and optional Fordomatic transmission. Color options ranged from understated single tones to vibrant two-tones, with Colonial White and Seaspray Green being among popular choices. The most iconic body style was undoubtedly the two-door variant, which offered ample cargo space without compromising on style.

Historical Significance

The 1958 Ford Ranch Wagon played a pivotal role in solidifying the station wagon as a mainstay in American culture. It set itself apart from contemporaries by offering an attractive price point without sacrificing size or utility. Its success paved the way for future generations of family vehicles, influencing automotive design with its emphasis on versatility combined with passenger comfort.

Performance and Handling

Underneath its utilitarian exterior, the Ranch Wagon boasted commendable performance for its class. Equipped with a range of engines, including the robust 352 cubic inch V8, it could achieve a top speed that challenged many sedans of its time. The acceleration from 0-60 mph was modest by today's standards but respectable during its era. Handling was straightforward; drivers could expect a smooth ride over bumps thanks to its coil-spring suspension, while windy roads were navigated with relative ease. The driving experience was characterized by the throaty rumble of its V8 engine—a sound that still resonates with car enthusiasts today.

Ownership Experience

The 1958 Ford Ranch Wagon found its place as a versatile vehicle suitable for various roles—from daily driver to show car, and occasionally even racing in modified forms. Maintenance was relatively straightforward, making it an accessible classic for today's enthusiasts who value reliability alongside nostalgia. Parts are still available due to the shared underpinnings with other Ford models from that era.

Fun Facts

This workhorse station wagon has had its share of limelight—rare editions have surfaced over time, including models with special trim packages or engines. While not known for breaking speed records, it certainly made its mark in sales figures and endurance on America's growing network of highways. Criticisms were few but often pointed towards its conservative mechanical layout when compared to more innovative competitors.

Collector's Information

Today, collectors value the 1958 Ford Ranch Wagon for its nostalgic appeal and relative rarity. While production numbers were significant, many have not survived through the decades. A well-preserved or expertly restored Ranch Wagon can fetch anywhere from $15,000 to $40,000 depending on condition and originality. The market has seen a gradual appreciation for these wagons as they become scarcer and interest in mid-century Americana grows.

Conclusion

The 1958 Ford Ranch Wagon stands as an enduring icon of an optimistic era in American history—a time when cars were designed with equal parts practicality and promise. It remains cherished among collectors for its simplicity, reliability, and undeniable charm—a true classic that continues to capture hearts across generations.

1958 Ford Ranch Wagon Shock Absorber Grommet. 1-1/4" bottom O.D., 1" high-BN 12Shock Absorber Grommet. 1-1/4" bottom O.D., 1" high., with 3/4" I.D. Each

1958 Ford Ranch Wagon Spring and Shackle Bushing. 7/8" bottom O.D-BN 19Spring and Shackle Bushing. 7/8" bottom O.D. X 1-1/4" high, with 1/2" I.D. Each

1958 Ford Ranch Wagon Front Stabilizer Bar Bushings. Four used per car-BN 32Front Stabilizer Bar Bushings. Four used per car. 1-3/4" long X 1-5/16" wide X 1-9/16" high, with 5/8" hole. Pair

1958 Ford Ranch Wagon Door, Hood and Trunk Bumper Cap for adjustment bolt-HA 6Door, Hood and Trunk Bumper Cap for adjustment bolt. 1-1/16" O.D. X 1/2" I.D. X 7/16" thick. Each

1958 Ford Ranch Wagon Hood Bumper. Each-HF 1Hood Bumper. Each

1958 Ford Ranch Wagon Hood Bumper. Each-HF 8Hood Bumper. Each

1958 Ford Ranch Wagon Door Handle Pads. 2-3/4" long & 1-5/8" long. Set R&L-MP 739Door Handle Pads. 2-3/4" long & 1-5/8" long. Set R&L

1958 Ford Ranch Wagon Antenna Pad. 1-1/4" wide X 3-5/8" long. Each-MP 780-DAntenna Pad. 1-1/4" wide X 3-5/8" long. Each

1958 Ford Ranch Wagon Hood Ornament Gasket. 28" long. Each-MP 800-CHood Ornament Gasket. 28" long. Each

1958 Ford Ranch Wagon Auxiliary Door Seals. Pair-RP 202Auxiliary Door Seals. Pair

1958 Ford Ranch Wagon Front Fender Lower Rear Plug and Door Vent Adjustment Plug-SB 58-AFront Fender Lower Rear Plug and Door Vent Adjustment Plug. Fits 1-5/16" hole. Each

1958 Ford Ranch Wagon Rear roll-up Seal. Two 18" sections sliced into metal track-VS 4Rear roll-up Seal. Two 18" sections sliced into metal track. this foot with no steel insert. Pair

1958 Ford Ranch Wagon Vertical Seals for Vent Window. Each piece is 17" long-VS 6Vertical Seals for Vent Window. Each piece is 17" long. Pair

1958 Ford Ranch Wagon Vertical Seal for Vent Window. Sold by the foot.-VS 6/FTVertical Seal for Vent Window. Sold by the foot.

1958 Ford Ranch Wagon Rigid division-bar channel-WC 28-96Rigid division-bar channel. Made with stainless steel bead, heavy steel core and pile lining. 96 in. long. Each. NOTE: $20 special shipping charge applies for domestic orders. Call or email for overseas shipping costs. Part can be sectioned in two or three equal lengths to reduce overseas shipping costs.

1958 Ford Ranch Wagon Flexible window sweeper. Made with stainless steel bead-WC 7-96Flexible window sweeper. Made with stainless steel bead. 96 in. long. Each. NOTE: $20 special shipping charge applies for domestic orders. Call or email for overseas shipping costs. Part can be sectioned in two or three equal lengths to reduce overseas shipping costs.