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1952 Ford Country Squire: A Woodie That Defined an Era

The 1952 Ford Country Squire was not just a car; it was a cultural icon that encapsulated the American spirit of adventure and family values. Born from the ingenuity of the Ford Motor Company, this station wagon with its distinctive wood-paneling became a symbol of suburban affluence and a harbinger of road trip culture. With its roots tracing back to the early 1920s, the Country Squire series reached its zenith in the post-war boom of the 1950s, where it stood out as a testament to Ford's commitment to innovation and style. A notable moment in its history was when it became synonymous with the term "Woodie," due to its wood-grain appearance, which has since become a beloved design feature among classic car enthusiasts.

Design and Innovation

The exterior of the 1952 Ford Country Squire was a harmonious blend of utility and elegance. The side panels, adorned with real wood until 1950 and then with Di-Noc woodgrain vinyl thereafter, gave it an air of sophistication that was unmatched by its all-steel contemporaries. The interior was equally impressive, boasting high-quality materials such as durable fabrics and chrome accents. Technologically, it featured advancements like the Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission, which was optional for those who preferred convenience over manual shifting. Color options ranged from Raven Black to Sea Island Green, with Timberline Green being a particularly popular choice among buyers. While several body styles were available, the eight-passenger Country Squire with its rear-folding seats was the quintessential family vehicle of its time.

Historical Significance

The 1952 Ford Country Squire's impact on automotive design was profound. It popularized the station wagon as a stylish family vehicle rather than just a utilitarian workhorse. Its integration of woodgrain into automotive design also set a trend that would be emulated by other manufacturers for years to come. The Country Squire's legacy is evident in how it paved the way for future generations of family-oriented vehicles and how it remains an emblematic figure in classic American automotive history.

Performance and Handling

Underneath its charming exterior, the 1952 Ford Country Squire was powered by a reliable flathead V8 engine that could propel it to respectable top speeds for its time. Though exact figures vary, acceleration from 0-60 mph took around 15 seconds—a commendable feat for a family wagon. On the road, drivers appreciated its solid handling characteristics, capable of absorbing bumps while providing enough stability through windy conditions. Behind the wheel, one could hear the distinct purr of the V8 engine—a sound that still resonates with car enthusiasts today—and feel connected to an era when driving was about more than just getting from point A to point B.

Ownership Experience

The 1952 Ford Country Squire was versatile enough to serve as a daily driver or take center stage at classic car shows. Its maintenance and reliability were hallmarks of Ford's engineering at the time, making repairs straightforward for even average owners. However, like any vintage vehicle, upkeep could be challenging due to parts availability and the specialized nature of its woodgrain paneling.

Fun Facts

This Woodie wagon has been owned by celebrities and featured in numerous films and TV shows, cementing its status in popular culture. Although not known for breaking speed records, it certainly set sales records for station wagons during its heyday. Some criticisms revolved around its fuel efficiency and size but were generally overshadowed by its charm and practicality.

Collector's Information

Today, collectors cherish the 1952 Ford Country Squire for its nostalgic appeal and rarity. While production numbers were not as meticulously recorded during that era as they are today, estimates suggest that tens of thousands were produced. As for value range, well-preserved models can fetch anywhere from $20,000 to $60,000 or more depending on their condition and originality. The market has seen these Woodies appreciate over time as they become rarer and more sought after by collectors.

Conclusion

The 1952 Ford Country Squire is more than just a vintage vehicle; it's a piece of Americana that carries with it stories of family outings, road trips across country landscapes, and an era where cars were built with character. Its significance in automotive history is undeniable—a true classic that continues to captivate enthusiasts around the world.

1952 Ford Country Squire 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

1952 Ford Country Squire Shock Absorber Grommet. 1" bottom O.D-BN 6Shock Absorber Grommet. 1" bottom O.D. X 1/2" high, with 3/8" I.D. Each

1952 Ford Country Squire Clutch and Brake Pedal Pads-CB 90-BClutch and Brake Pedal Pads. For models with standard transmission. 2-1/4" wide X 3-1/4" long. Pair

1952 Ford Country Squire Brake Pedal Pad. Correct reproduction of a difficult part-CB 90-CBrake Pedal Pad. Correct reproduction of a difficult part. 2-1/2" wide X 4-1/2" long. Each

1952 Ford Country Squire Hood Bumper. Each-HF 8Hood Bumper. Each

1952 Ford Country Squire Door Handle Pads. 2-1/2" long & 1-1/2" long. Set R&L-MP 716Door Handle Pads. 2-1/2" long & 1-1/2" long. Set R&L

1952 Ford Country Squire Tail-light Pads. 6-1/2" O.D. Pair-MP 785Tail-light Pads. 6-1/2" O.D. Pair

1952 Ford Country Squire Hood Bumpers. 3/8" O.D., 3/4" Long. Set of four-SB 900Hood Bumpers. 3/8" O.D., 3/4" Long. Set of four

1952 Ford Country Squire 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

1952 Ford Country Squire Vertical Seals for Vent Window. Each piece is 17" long-VS 6Vertical Seals for Vent Window. Each piece is 17" long. Pair

1952 Ford Country Squire Vertical Seal for Vent Window. Sold by the foot.-VS 6/FTVertical Seal for Vent Window. Sold by the foot.

1952 Ford Country Squire 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.

1952 Ford Country Squire Front Suspension Bumper. For lower arm. 2" O.D-XB 22Front Suspension Bumper. For lower arm. 2" O.D., 2-1/8" high. Each