Curbside Classic Outtake: The Family Truckster

by Paul Niedermeyer

Published: September 23rd, 2010

curbside classic outtake the family truckster

Some folks around here seem to think that I’m just not getting into the Panther spirit this week. I’m trying, honestly! Well, there just aren’t very many here, except for what the cops drive. And I’m not going take pictures of them; our police is quite Taser trigger-happy. This is just not Panther country, but then that’s pretty much the case for the whole West Coast. Panthers tend to have a certain regional appeal, as well as political. But I did snag one yesterday, and a Family Truckster, no less.

I couldn’t get a front shot, but you all know how it looks.

These wagons always look too wide in the back compared to the length. One of the result’s of Ford’s downsizing, I assume, but without bringing them up by name, a certain competitor’s otherwise similar wagons seemed to have a more balanced proportions. Must be my prejudice again. And those wheel wells! Those 14″ life savers look so lost; at least those fine wire wheel covers give them a bit of stature.

Given the wagon’s location, the only interior shot is a rear view. Looks like the headliner is having its typical issues here too; it was a common ailment of cars of this era.

Our featured Truckster has had a better outcome than its more famous counterpart. Is this how most of them ended up? “Goddamn Ford!” Yes, they’re mighty hard to come by anymore.

Paul Niedermeyer

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Michaelhagerty on Sep 25, 2010

I rented an icebox white Country Sedan in '84 to move my girlfriend down from Reno to Las Vegas. It was cheaper as a round-trip rental, so I got it in Vegas, drove 450 miles to Reno, loaded up her stuff and drove 450 miles back. I expected to hate it. It was surprisingly okay. But then, a month before, I'd made the same trip with all my stuff in a Ryder rental truck with only an AM radio. So I may have been judging on a curve.

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Armadamaster on Oct 21, 2010

"If you think you hate it now, wait until you drive it". I used to abhor station wagons, til I bought a 1991 Caprice wagon off my parent's last year, I think I am hooked. There is a Country Squire lingering on the Houston Craigslist for about $2k, hmm.

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