1971 Ford LTD Country Squire Station Wagon (10 passenger); body/style 71H
Original cost: $4,496.00 with the DFRS (Dual Facing Rear Seats) option which ours has
Previous owner(s): Owners (1971 – 2003) lived in Omaha ; Bernie and Janice Taulborg Collection
Number made: 130,644
Engine, etc.: V-8; overhead valve, 351 cu in.; 121 in. wheelbase; 4,358 lbs.
The Ford Country Squire full-sized station wagon was built from 1950 – 1991. It was the premium station wagon in Ford’s full-size car range and was initially built as a full “woodie”. Later models featured an all-steel body featuring body sides and tailgate covered by simulated wood trim and panels.
The sixth generation Country Squire started in 1969 and continued through 1972.
The LTD was the top trim level for full-sized Fords. Full-sized Fords were restyled for 1971. The look included a prominent vertical grille that evolved from the 1969 -70 LTDs and XLs. Head lights were exposed but recessed in deep cavities on each side of the central grille. The instrument panel was new, with a flatter design. A new power ventilation system was now standard. Growing concerns about vehicle safety were addressed with steel “guard rails” inside the doors.
The Country Squire station wagons included all trim of the Galaxie 500 (wood grain appliques, moldings, chrome window frames) plus wheel covers, power tailgate window, and pleated vinyl trim.
The 1971 Country Squire had Ford’s new “Three-Way Magic Doorgate” which could swing down as a tailgate, swing out as a door with the window down, or swing out as a door with the window up. The versatile door was first introduced by Ford in 1966 with the option of opening like a door or a tailgate.
The station wagon came either as a 6-passenger car or equipped for ten passengers (as ours is). The optional dual facing rear seats raised the base price from $4,380.00 to $4,496.00.
Sources: Standard Catalog of American Cars, 1946 – 1974. John Gunnell. Rev. 4th ed. Krause Publications, 2002.
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/1971-ford-ltd-convertible-coupe.htm (General information about 1971 Fords, mentions Country Squire Wagon.)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Country_Squire#1969.E2.80.931972
See also: http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Ford/1971_Ford/1971_FORD_FULL_SIZE/dirindex.html (Original 1971 brochure; pdf)
http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Ford/1971_Ford/1971_Ford_Foldout/dirindex.html (Original 1971 brochure; pdf)
