A 1978 Ford LTD Country Squire can be had for $2,500 - this one sold for a whopping $45,000!

This family favourite of the Seventies has 5,000 miles on the clock and a spotless body...

Last updated: March 25, 2020 | 14:36

2 MIN READ

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An average condition 1978 Ford LTD Country Squire does not cost that much these days. The station wagon starts from around $2,500 but this one has sold for a whopping $45,000 in its auction on Bring a Trailer!

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Station wagons are a rare sight on the road now but there was a time, before the current SUV craze, where it was the go-to vehicle for those with a large family. The 1978 Ford came at the pinnacle of that golden era...

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And this glorious example has sold for megabucks - but why?

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Because, this one is all original and only has 5,000 miles on the clock. What's more, the body and interior are both near-spotless too.

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Before the fuel crisis of 1974 all but killed large cars in the USA, the streets were littered with land-yachts like the Country Squire.

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This one is finished in Dark Jade Metallic over a Jade Duraweave interior, and is powered by a 351ci V8 mated to three-speed FMX automatic transmission.

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The car was sold new by John Stenach Ford of Plymouth, Pennsylvania, and was then passed from the original owners to their nephew. It has been in storage for the last 25 years...

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The exterior features wood grain applique along the sides of the body and tailgate and it has concealed headlights, a deluxe luggage rack, and bumper protectors.

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After adding LTD hood badging in 1968, the Country Squire was added to the model range for 1969, slotted above the (Galaxie) Country Sedan and (Custom 500) Ranch Wagon.

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It also features factory steel wheels with deep-dish aluminium covers and rides on Cooper Trendsetter whitewall tyres.

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1978 was the last year of the LTD Country Squire being almost boat-sized; when the eighth-gen arrived the following year, it had lost 10 inches in overall length and 7 inches in wheelbase.

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Inside, the green upholstery is accented with wood grain appliques on the door panels and dashboard.

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Amenities include power brakes, windows, and locks, as well as air conditioning and an AM/FM/8-track stereo.

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It also has third-row seating via two fold-down jump seats in the cargo area.

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The 351ci V8 (5.8-litre) is equipped with a two-barrel carburetor and looks as clean as a whistle. Whoever the new owner of this classic is sure has picked up arguably the best example out there.

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