Before the Ford Country Squire became America’s favorite family wagon, Ford wagons were two-doors. The last full-size two-door Ford wagon was the 1961 Ranch Wagon but, after that, the Falcon offered a two-door wagon plus a Sedan Delivery, a similar vehicle for commercial use. One of those vehicles is our Pick of the Day: a 1962 Ford Falcon Sedan Delivery listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in North Woodstock, Connecticut. (Click the link to view the listing)
“For Sunday calling or Monday hauling, you can’t find a better, a more distinctive station wagon buy than this smart new four-door ’52 Ford Country Squire,” said the brochure when Ford’s new four-door woodie family hauler debuted. Wagons tended to either be an upscale way to move people around, or cheaper models for people with work needs, as highlighted in the copy for Ford’s two-door Ranch Wagon: “You can tote six big people in style and comfort or half-ton loads with ease in this practical, roomy, new two-door Ranch Wagon.” In other words, a car for work, a car for play. And then there was the all-work Courier, a two-door sedan delivery that was offered from 1952-60. Starting in 1961, Ford’s sedan delivery needs were met by the compact Falcon.
Introduced in 1960, the Falcon was Ford’s answer to the barrage of imports that had hit the U.S. that had started to take a bite out of Detroit’s market share. As most enthusiasts know, Ford’s take on the import invasion was the most conventional among the Big Three, more akin to the Ramblers and Studebakers that were already on the streets. However, with the 1960s embrace of youth-inspired sportiness, the Falcon was among those that led the charge with bucket seats and console, floor-mounted manual transmissions and, eventually, V8s. This type of compact evolved into what became known as the “pony car.”
The Falcon Sedan Delivery would continue into 1965, upon which it was discontinued. This 1962 Falcon Sedan Delivery, one of 1,568 built, has a story different than most: It was originally purchased new by the Kirby Lumber Company in Bessmay, Texas (in between Houston and Corpus Christi), but used as an ambulance. While provisions for rear passengers beyond the patient (like in a conventional wagon-based ambulance) are lacking, it does look like this Sedan Delivery was a fine solution for a company that had peripheral first aid needs.
This one is equipped with the 144 six with a three-speed, but what’s even more interesting is the six-digit DSO (district sales office) code, which indicates a special order. Considering the paint code is “W”, a code not used in 1962, it could be inferred the commercial aspect of this vehicle is the reason for this special order.
The seller is asking $11,995 for this 1962 Falcon Sedan Delivery. Considering its rarity, and the disposable nature of the type of car it is, there can’t be many out there. Combine that with its unique commission and special-order status, and this vehicle has more going for it than most for less than what most are asking.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
Oct 25, 2023
Had two, one wagon, one sedan…. engine would only last 30,000…top end lubrication was severally insufficient for rocker arms, cams…transmission was good for 30,000/tail shaft bearings would go out…. weak breaks, but we rebuilt everything 4 times and kept on rollin.
Shes great to look at and remember…that’s about it!!! My classmate/Jimmy Buffett had a convertible with 289…it lasted a little longer, but it was no Mustang!!1
Good Luck
I had a really beautiful 1961 with the same engine. That car has to be severely underpowered with that engine, and may or may not have a synchronized first gear – my did not, which was an even bigger pain. The Falcon’s are nice cars, but it wasn’t much fun to drive that underpowered, and pretty much leaked from several locations, even though it seemed to be a well cared for and maintained car. At 59,000 miles it was clearly tired from a mechanical point of view.
What’s amazing to me now is that a Ford EcoBoost 3.5 engine (about 40 ci more than this car) in 2019 made 375 hp and probably gets almost as good of mpg’s.