Just swapped out the 1998 Volvo wagon for a 1966 Ford Country Sedan. For the better. [UPDATE: I added pix to the thread, on page 2. Doh!]
And the pictures are where?!! Sounds like the '66 should be a lot more interesting than the Volvo. Definitely a good trade.
Yeah, another 66 Ford! Welcome Mark! Looking forward to some pictures. Once you get settled in here on the Forums, and get some pictures posted, we can see about getting your car added to the 66 Ford Full-Size Registry. http://66ford.fordregistries.com/ There are a number of 66 Fords on here: I have a Ranch Wagon. "66 Country Sedan" has already replied in this thread. "DeanstuD" also has a Country Sedan: http://www.stationwagonforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14623 "jdb1540" has a Country Squire: http://www.stationwagonforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15258 "Professor" has a 428-powered Country Squire: http://www.stationwagonforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14713
I'll bet a nickel that the reasons are: 1. Sick and tired of emissions testing in the "enhanced" testing area. 2. Sick and tired of spending 3 times more for each and every part. In the US if a vehicle is associated with a. recreation b. motorcycle c. Europe the parts are overpriced by a factor of 3. 3. Always wanted a cool old wagon that is a. cheap to repair b. cool c. pays the least amount for replacement parts and d. does not require emissions testing. Of course the only flaw in the plan is the carburated engine. They do not like 10% ethenol fuels. The fuel in the carbs will boil at a much lower temperature than straight gasoline but it can be overcome. Nice choice of wagons Mark
A bit more info, it's blue on blue, 240 big six engine, 3-speed manual with overdrive. Doesn't get around with the same authority that the 390 would, but I'm hoping for some fuel savings. We just moved down here to the sunshine from Seattle, so suddenly it was a bit more practical to own the old wagon I've always wanted for hauling kids and boards to the beach. And yes, as others mentioned, the simplicity and cheapness of parts is very welcome after the cantakerous Swedish priss. I was getting all sorts of clunks and clicks that turned out to be a bad driveshaft u-joint. So 4 bolts, one hour, and $20 in parts straight off the shelf and Bob's yer uncle. It just never went that way with the V70XC. Ah yes, of course, photos. Here are a couple shot by a friend on a little surf adventure down to Pacific Beach, and then the driveshaft repair:
I'd love the six. So simple and reliable. And those wheel covers. The absolute best looking Ford wheel covers in history. There's not that much difference in hp between the six and the 289 V8 and the torque is better. With the manual transmission you get all the torque. When I was a kid the next door neighbor bought a Chevy Custom Cab short bed truck with a 327, a/c and dual exhaust new. The first place he went was direct to the Ford dealer and bought four of those wheel covers and the Chevy looked fantastic in them.
