1959 Ford Country Sedan Station Wagon

Description

“You'll enjoy a new roomy standard of ‘Station Wagon Living’ in this Country Sedan Station Wagon.” The 1959 model year marked a milestone: Ford became the industry’s largest producer of station wagons, and the Country Sedan played a central role in that success. Positioned between the entry‑level Ranch Wagon and the premium Country Squire, the six‑passenger Country Sedan offered families the practicality of a full‑size wagon without the upscale trim and faux woodgrain of its more expensive sibling.

For 1959, the Country Sedan adopted Ford’s new “slab‑sided” look with a broad grille, sculpted rear quarter panels, and large tailfins that echoed late‑1950s design trends. Inside, the car emphasized comfort and utility, offering a spacious cargo area. Engine choices ranged from the reliable Mileage Maker six to a variety of V8s, including the 292 and 332ci options, giving buyers flexibility based on budget and performance needs.

This 1959 Fordor Country Sedan Station Wagon is powered by the more powerful factory 332ci engine mated to a two-speed Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission. It was repainted in its factory-correct colors of Torch Red and Colonial White in 2000, and has reportedly received regular maintenance. Tasteful upgrades include a Vintage Air air conditioning system, 15-inch wheels, and an electric fuel pump.

This Ford is now offered with an owner’s manual, 1959 Ford brochure, a custom indoor car cover, and a clean Texas title in the seller’s name.

Highlights

• Repainted in factory-correct colors of Torch Red and Colonial White

• Factory-optional 332ci FE “Thunderbird Special” 2-bbl V8 rated at 225 horsepower

• Optional Ford-O-Matic two-speed automatic transmission

• Vintage Air air conditioning system

Factory Equipment

• Conventional clamshell tailgate and rear window

• Deep‑dish safety steering wheel

• Flat-folding second seat for maximum cargo space

• The Data Plate decodes as:

  • Body: 71F – Station Wagon “Country Sedan” 6-Passenger

  • Color: RE – Torch Red and Colonial White

  • Trim: 46 – Radiant Colonial White Sof-Textured Vinyl Bolster and Red Thong Pattern Plasti-Fab Weave with Gold Strand

  • Date: 18B – 18 February 1959

  • Trans: 3 – Ford-O-Matic (2-Speed)

  • Axle: 1 – Regular 3.10:1

• The chassis number (B9NR132482) decodes as:

  • B – 332ci 2-bbl V8 225 hp

  • 9 – 1959 Model Year

  • N – Norfolk, Virginia, assembly plant

  • R – Custom station wagon

  • 132482 – Consecutive unit number

Modifications

• Aftermarket air conditioning by Vintage Air

• 15-inch wheels and tires

• Electric fuel pump

Servicing & Documentation

• 2022: New Continental tires

• 2012: Carpet replaced; new gas tank; electric fuel pump added; brakes, radiator, timing chain set replaced

• 2000: Repainted factory-correct Torch Red and Colonial White

Known Imperfections

• Original rear linoleum material is brittle

• Passenger door panel is warped

• Original weatherstripping shows age

• Leaks noted at the transmission and oil pan

• Clock is inoperable

• Cracked driver’s side window

Ownership History

Built in Norfolk, Virginia, the last two owners lived in Texas. The current owner acquired this Ford in 2022. Previous owners were in South Carolina (~2001-2006) and North Carolina (2006-2012).

Included Items

• Owner’s manual

• 1959 Ford brochure

• Other documents

• Custom indoor car cover

Additional Information

“This wagon is a well maintained and conserved example, original drive train, 332 FE, 2 speed Ford-o-Matic. Everything except the clock is functional. Interior is original except for the carpet. It has had Vintage Air AC added. A sweet, reliable wagon, which gets lots of looks and questions and compliments when it is at a show. Car is always garaged, I believe it has been all its life. Includes a custom indoor cover. Car has 15" wheels, 14" were original. The car runs and drives really well. No power steering or power brakes.

“I installed a new Holley 2-bbl carburetor with manual choke, the carb that was on the car when I bought it was not the original and was very worn. I also installed a Hall Effect sensor in the distributor, and new plugs. New Continental tires in 2022. Carpet was replaced, new gas tank, electric fuel pump added, brakes, radiator, timing chain set, other regular maintenance items done around 2012. Car has been repainted, probably at least 25 years ago, paint is in great condition.”