Dear Station Wagon Lovers, In today's mail was the latest L.L. Bean Catalog which featured an image that would warm the hearts of any 60s wagon fans. They claim in it is a reinterpretation of a 1966 catalog cover and features a wagon carrying a canoe on the roof-rack while towing a pop-up travel trailer. Unfortunately, they are trying to sell prints of the catalog cover so . . . no way to just link to an image. However, you can have a look at the image at this link: http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/7629...ted&attrValue_0=Multi Color&productId=1257280 Classic wagon fans . . . enjoy!! Cheers, Edouard
Thanks for the link, Edouard! At first, I thought it was an early Volvo 145, but after zooming in, I see it's a '63 Ford Fairlane 500.
From 2000-2008 Subaru and L.L.Bean partnered up to make the L.L.Bean model. There was L.L.Bean embossed on various interior areas-seats,head rests,etc. There was also L.L.Bean emblems on the exterior of the car.The model was based on the 6 cylinder models-bothe sedans,wagons and also the Forrester.
Initially, I looked at the photo and thought it looked a little cheesy that the steel wheels on the 63 Fairlane were painted silver. But after zooming in, it appears it has the chrome wheel covers that came on the 64-67 Mercury Cyclone that simulated the appearance of chrome reverse wheels. I kind of like the look.
You're absolutely correct, Jim. I had forgot all about those wheel covers. I'd venture to say they're pretty rare by now. Since this appears to be a drawing or painting, I wonder if there's an actual wagon out there like this.....? I'll do a little google crusing. ----------------------------------- Found a couple with the same paint scheme, but neither had those Cyclone wheel covers on. Suppose someone could have a extra set for special occasions....
Glad folks liked it - Kinda cheesey of L.L. Bean though Dear Vintage Station Wagon Lovers, Glad you all enjoyed the image. These catalog covers certainly fit well with L.L. Bean's image of creating rugged timeless clothing. I can see that the Christmas catalog season is starting up even earlier this year . . . but at least this catalog brought a smile to my face instead of sigh. I can't say I care so much for their marketing strategy though. The image is a nice snippet of nostalgia, but - selling limited addition prints!?!?! Hey, if I going to spend my hard earned money on nostalgia, I'll spend it on my very much alive vintage wagon , not on reconstituted images to clutter my wall!! Cheers, Edouard
Heres a 64 Cyclone I recently photographed at a Satuday morning Cars and Coffee cruise in at Great Falls, Virginia. It has those wheel covers. Those wheel covers would look good on any 60-67 Falcon, Fairlane, Meteor or Comet wagon. On the LL Bean picture, if you zoom in, it is apparent that it is an acual photo, and the caption indicates that they searched out appropriate period correct props for the photo shoot.
I went into the lunch room at work today and this catalogue was on the table, couldn't believe it. I don't know who brought it in, but I don't believe we have LL Bean in this area.
That is cool. I did a little search after checking the link. They based the photo for the cover off of their 1966 spring catalog cover. (Due to the hood scoop chrome it looks like a 4 eyed 60-63 Falcon wagon) Like alot of art ads of the time it is likely based on a real car, but not a specific car. That said, I like it. Here's the new 2012 cover for comparison: I like this one as well. Being a sucker for nastalgia, this is right up my alley. Love the way they "reinterpreted" the original. Neat to see them side by side.
I realize this is a few months old now, but that's my Fairlane wagon. The production company contacted the Failane Club of America and the FCA got in touch with me. We hauled the car to Bar Harbor, Maine for a photo shoot with all the vintage props that you guys mentioned. The trailer was actually brand new from a dealer in Bangor. It was a good day. If you go to LL Bean website there was a 2 minute video of the making of the cover photo's
That is freakin cool. For some reason the pics I posted comparing the original cover and the new one with your car are now just the dreaded red x.
