1970 Buick Estate vs. 1966 Ford Country Squire

With the arrival of the Buick comes a decision. I can't keep two wagons. I am going to have to sacrifice one. I have been weighing the pros and cons. Both need paint and woodgrain. Buick is smoother. Ford seems quicker. I think the Buick will handle my Airstream better. Decisions, decisions.

I am sure this will open up some debate as to the better car. hahaha

 

What a quandry! The Ford with the 428 is probably the more collectible I'd say if the 428 is original that is? Was it offered in 66 in the CS? I think so?

 

Hey Mike,

It is a quandry. Yes, the 428 is original to the car. The first owner special ordered it. More collectible? I'm not sure. I find less Estate wagons than Squires.

 

I would love to see pix of these wagons next to each other, or at least here in this thread, for a comparison. And more info as to engines and options.

 

Yeah whatever..... thats what I said along time ago when I ended up with 2, now I have 3...........
.

 

Keep the Buick, sell the Ford to me... problem solved.

What's that honey? Too many cars already? Crap! Sorry Professor.

Dad had a '66 CS, maybe my brother would consider it??? We had a '66 with a 352 and a '67 with the, I wanna say the 427. All I know is my eldest brother, Pat, said it was the fastest 'stock' car he's driven and he's had a few cars. He really may be interested...

 

According to the original sticker/delivery sheet this is how the '66 was was ordered.

- Country Squire 4dr DFRS
- Wimbledon white
- 428 4V Thunderbird 7 litre
- Cruise o matic
- Courtesy light group
- 845x15 4PR WSW tires
- Chrome luggage rack
- Power windows
- Power front seat 6 way
- PWR strg & power disc brakes
- Selectaire Conditioner
- Stereosonic tape system
- Radio AM FM
- Deluxe seat belts frt and rr
- tinted glass
- visibility group
- HD suspension

 

Purchased from second owner in California. He bought it in 1972. Still has California blue/yellow plates.

1970 Buick Estate Wagon
- 455ci 4V (7.5 Liter)
- Automatic transmission
- Posi-traction rear end
- Power disc brakes
- Vinyl roof
- Woodgrain
- 9 passenger seating
- No roof rack
- Power windows
- Power seat
- Power locks
- Air conditioning
- Tilt steering column
- Cruise control
- Two-way tailgate
- AM/FM radio
- 8 track tape player

 

Oh....I remember that Buick...KK was going to look at it for me at one time way back. They are both very nice cars and, even though I own a GM wagon, I do not have a preference to them over Fords or most other wagons. IF that 1970 455 is the original engine in that Buick I would opt for that car. It also looks to be in a little better shape. I think you can get a good price for the Ford and put some of that money into the Buick and have and excellent wagon. They are both nice and you probably can't lose either way. But I I would keep the Buick.

 

Wow, a quandry indeed. They're both nice wagons and I'm not sure which one I like better. I guess if you are going to be towing with it, the Buick would be the one to keep. SF brings up a good point; if you sell the Ford you can take the cash and put it right back into the Buick and mint it out.
Good luck, which ever way you go.

 

I recall discussing the Buick recently. I'd have a very hard time letting it go. It has so many quality features and was built in
one on Buick's best years.
I would think parts, like window glass, for example, are much easier to come by as well.
The Ford looks like a great project car, prime for restoration and is very attractive but that Buick is a real unique car.
Not many around. I say, find room for both or get a close friend to 'care for' one until you do have room.

 

I read about the Squire and I was like "Oh, that one!" and then I read about the Estate and then I was like "No, that one!" and then I looked at the pictures, scanned through what little data I have in brain, and then I heard a loud pop noise and smoke started coming out of my ears... I think I blew a breaker and now I need to lye down...

 

LOL, X! That smoke is a scary thing.

 

100% keep the Buick.

Looks to be in better cosmetic condition, and the styling is much nicer. 455 Buick engines are torque-monsters, too.

I admit a lifelong GM bias, however.

 

Both cars are nice. The Ford probably has higher value as a collector car. Fords and Chevys were more popular when new, thus have higher value as collector cars (normally). Your Squire is unusually well equipped, and in a popular color, which adds to its value. If you decide to sell this car, I would consider at least getting the woodgrain restored, and then eBay it.

The Buick is also desirable, but probably won't reach the same price level the Ford will. Either wagon can likely tow a small trailer with ease, but I'd give a slight edge to the Buick, as it is a little newer. It also has more safety equipment, because it is newer (Collapsible steering column, shoulder belts, headrests, etc.).

Really, I'd have a hard time deciding between the two.