'country squire' making a comeback?

The 'Country Squire' making a comeback?

From Inside Line:

http://blogs.edmunds.com/roadtests/2009/04/2009-ford-flex-country-squire-package.html




Article states that this is a dealer-installed kit right now (available soon), but they making consider making this a factory-installed option for 2010.

 

You can't hide a SUV!

 

As a follow-up, I will point out that it was originally posted on Inside Line on April 1, 2009..........

 

Norm, you can call it what you want but go see one. It's a station wagon in concept and reality.

This woody kit is flawed IMO. It needs to have glossy dynoc with the black lines on it and carry it on to the rear as well. Don't forget the Country Squire script badging on the sides as well.

 

Yeah - I agree, Steve. I've seen much better aftermarket 'woodie' kits than this....

Here's another one, maybe a bit better, but I still think it doesn't capture the 'spirit' of the original Country Squire.......

http://www.ptwoody.com/fordflex_01.html



I would do the following:
1. Eliminate the vertical moldings between the fender / front door; rear door / quarter
2. Lower upper threshold of wood trim surround to level of top of taillamp
3. Continue 'wood' to just over the front side marker, and make sharp curve down to forward edge of the side marker.
4. Continue 'wood' below the front side marker as well (I know - this would put the woodgrain on the side surface of the bumper cover. Figure it out! We're American engineers. We can do this! ) *
5. Raise lower threshold of wood trim surround to point of top of alloy wheel (or the second 'strake' up on the doors).
6. Do the same thing on the rear cover you did on the front, around the taillamp.
7. Wood trim surround should be a bit wider.

* Aftermarket trim company designed the kit to go around the bumper covers for simplicity of installation.

 

I don't like the way the front fender looks in these pictures. They should consider deleting the wood on the front fenders. Real woodies never had wood there anyway.

 

That was because the fenders on the old cars wern't flat enough to be able to put wood on them. Real wood installation has also advanced enough to go back to using it...... look at this company that puts real wood on P.T. Cruisers....

http://www.californiacruisers.com/wood_on_wheels.htm

 

It's a truck chassis.

Covered wagons weren't 'Station Wagons', either.

Just another big trailer hauler with all it's classiness drawn from our woodies. Probably hauls pretty good though after you take all the seats out.

 

Actually it's a Ford Taurus chassis. Originally sourced from Volvo when Ford came out with the 500. Same chassis on the Taurus X.

 

Taurus, eh? Rather bullish. I think I'm suffering from the Stolkholm syndrome, having napped in many a wagon, as a kid, and never in anything that looked like an SUV.

 

Bullish

They really do look like station wagons in person. Not high up like a suv or crossover at all. The only resemblance to an suv is the rear most seat doesn't face aft. It comes with a fridge though so maybe it's a camper.

 

OK! I give up. If they are lower, like a Hillman wagon, butterbox or a sleek box-top Farimont, then I buy the concept.

 

So, you buy one I get the commision?

 

Here's some comparison specs for you......

'91 Ford Country Squire:
Length: 215.7
Height: 56.5
Weight: 4028
Width: 79.3
Wheelbase: 114.3
Max cargo cap: 90 cu ft
Engine: 5.0 V8 - 150 HP, rear wheel drive
EPA MPG: 15/22

'96 Buick Roadmaster Wagon:
Length: 217.5
Height: 60.3
Weight: 4572
Width: 79.9
Wheelbase: 115.9
Max cargo cap: 92 cu ft
Engine - 5.7 V8, 260 HP, rear wheel drive
EPA MPG: 15/24

Ford Flex SEL 2WD
Length: 201.8"
Height: 68.0"
Weight: 4468
Width: 75.9"
Wheelbase: 117.9"
Max cargo cap: 83 cu ft
Engine: 3.5 V6, 262HP, front wheel drive (AWD opt.)
EPA MPG: 17/24

Yes, the Flex does sit a bit higher and is a bit shorter overall due to the front wheel drive layout, but other than that, the specs are pretty close.

 

You've got potential. I got my money on other stuff.