Michael SatterfieldSome of the best classic cars on the market are not the ones dominating auction headlines or starring in glossy coffee table books. They are the cars that quietly deliver charm, usability, and character without requiring a second mortgage. In my opinion the classic Ford Falcon Squire Station Wagon is one of the best classic car values on the market today.
While collectors chase six-figure Mustangs and E-Type Jaguars, a quick scan of the classifieds still shows clean driver-quality Falcon Squires trading comfortably under $25,000. That makes it one of the rare classics that can be enjoyed regularly rather than preserved behind velvet ropes. It stands out at cars and coffee, hauls gear with ease, and draws attention from both car lovers and non-car enthusiasts alike.
Why The Falcon Squire
Ford first introduced the Country Squire in 1950. Early cars wore genuine wood body panels sourced from Ford-owned forests in Michigan. By 1952, Ford moved to all-steel bodies with simulated woodgrain trim, a styling cue that would define family wagons for decades.
From the 1950s through the 1980s, Ford used the Squire name across nearly every size class, from full-size wagons down to subcompacts. There was even a Pinto Squire in the mid-1970s and the quirky Ranchero Squire pickup. The badge became shorthand for a wagon with a little extra flair and an eye toward style-conscious buyers.
The Falcon Arrives
The Falcon debuted in 1960 as Ford’s answer to a changing market. American buyers were warming to smaller, more efficient cars. European imports were gaining traction. Many households were purchasing second cars, and market research showed women in particular preferred something easier to drive and park than a full-size sedan.
Ford responded with the Falcon. Chevrolet countered with the Corvair. Dodge offered the Dart. Among them, the Falcon proved the most straightforward and adaptable. It launched as a full model family: sedans, wagons, a hardtop, convertible, sedan delivery, and the Ranchero pickup.
By modern standards it is midsize, but in its day it was compact, approachable, and priced for broad appeal. It also became one of Ford’s first true global platforms, built not only in the United States but also in Canada, Australia, Argentina, Chile, and Mexico. Overseas, the Falcon name survived into the twenty-first century.
Under the skin, the Falcon also provided the basis for another legend. Early Mustangs borrowed heavily from Falcon architecture. That shared DNA remains one of the Falcon’s biggest advantages today: parts availability and mechanical simplicity.
The Falcon Squire
In 1962, Ford introduced the Squire package on the four-door Falcon station wagon. It added woodgrain side panels, upgraded interior trim, and a more upscale feel. The Squire continued through the second and third Falcon generations until the nameplate left the US market in 1970.
Power came from Ford’s familiar inline-six or small-block V8 engines. Simple carburetion, conventional suspension, and rugged drivetrains mean these cars remain easy to maintain. That combination of style, practicality, and mechanical honesty is exactly why Falcon Squires have become quietly desirable among collectors who actually like to drive their classics.
A Daily Driver Classic
This 1965 Falcon Squire belongs to Hannah Cohen, who uses it as her daily driver in Southern California. It wears its faux wood proudly, carries surfboards and groceries with equal confidence, and proves that a classic wagon can still handle modern life without drama. That everyday usability is the Falcon’s secret weapon. It is not fragile. It is not intimidating. It simply works.
What to Look For When Buying a Classic Falcon
Part of the Falcon’s appeal is how straightforward it is to own. Still, any sixty-year-old car has predictable trouble spots. Here is what smart buyers check first.
Rust Hot Zones: Like most 1960s American cars, rust is the biggest concern.
Common problem areas include:
- Floor pans, especially under the front seats
- Rear cargo floor in wagons
- Rocker panels
- Lower fender edges
- Door bottoms
- Rear quarter panels behind the wheels
- Cowl area below the windshield
Surface rust is manageable. Structural rust in the frame rails or suspension mounting points is a bigger issue and can quickly exceed the value of the car to repair.
Woodgrain Trim Condition
Falcon Squires use simulated woodgrain applique. Originals often fade, peel, or crack after decades of sun exposure. Replacement woodgrain kits are available, but correct installation matters. Poorly applied trim is a red flag for rushed cosmetic restoration.
Missing Wagon-Specific Parts
Certain Falcon wagon parts are harder to source than mechanical components. Check carefully for:
- Rear tailgate trim and hardware
- Rear window crank mechanism
- Cargo area trim panels
- Roof rack pieces
- Rear seat folding hardware
Mechanical parts are shared with other Falcons and Mustangs. Wagon-specific trim is where costs rise. Thankfully there are several companies who make parts for the classic Falcon so basic replacement part should be easy to come by.
Drivetrain Health
The inline-six is durable but should idle smoothly and not smoke excessively. V8 cars should not overheat in traffic. Automatic transmissions should shift cleanly without slipping. These cars are simple, so major mechanical problems usually mean deferred maintenance rather is the cause. Keep that in mind when considering how much to spend.
Suspension and Steering
Worn bushings, tired shocks, and sloppy steering boxes are common after decades of use. The good news is that suspension rebuild kits are inexpensive and transform the driving experience.
Electrical Simplicity
Falcons use basic wiring. Brittle insulation and hacked aftermarket additions are common. Clean wiring is a sign of a cared-for car.
Interior Wear
Seat upholstery, door cards, dash pads, and headliners are all reproducible, but originality adds value. Water leaks around old window seals often damage interior panels, so check for musty odors or soft panels.
Why the Falcon Squire Still Makes Sense
In a market where many classics have drifted into speculative territory, the Falcon Squire remains refreshingly honest. It is stylish without being precious. Collectible without being fragile. Easy to maintain without requiring a specialist shop.
It also tells a larger story about American car culture at a turning point, when compact cars reshaped the market and Ford quietly laid the groundwork for icons yet to come.
For buyers looking to step into classic ownership without stepping off a financial cliff, the Falcon Squire remains one of the smartest wagons in the room.
Quick Facts: Affordable Classics The Falcon Squire
- Featured car: 1965 Ford Falcon Squire station wagon; a compact, wood-trimmed classic.
- Affordable classic: Good examples still trade for under $20,000 on classic marketplaces.
- Squire name origin: The “Squire” name originally began on the full-size Ford Country Squire wagons denoting woodgrain-trimmed wagons.
- Falcon introduction: The Ford Falcon debuted in 1960 as one of the first true compact cars from a U.S. full-line automaker.
- Squire on Falcon: The Falcon Squire option was added in 1962 as an upscale wood-trimmed version of the compact Falcon wagon and was offered through most of the 1960s.
- Platform significance: The Falcon was a global platform produced in multiple countries and laid the foundation for successful later models (such as the Mustang).
- Collector appeal: Squire wagons are sought after because parts are relatively abundant and inexpensive, and they can be used as stylish daily drivers with reliable V-8 or inline-6 engines.
- Example owner: The 1965 Squire featured in the article is used as a daily driver in Southern California.
FAQ
What is a Falcon Squire?
A Falcon Squire is the wood-trimmed, upscale version of the Ford Falcon station wagon introduced in 1962 and offered through most of the 1960s.
Why is it called “Squire”?
The Squire name was originally used on full-size Ford Country Squire wagons to denote woodgrain trim, and Ford extended the name to other wagons with simulated woodgrain, including the compact Falcon version.
When was the Falcon first introduced?
The Ford Falcon debuted in 1960 as an affordable compact car offering many body styles, including sedans and wagons.
Are Falcon Squire wagons collectible?
Yes. They’re considered affordable classics because they still trade for relatively modest prices compared to Mustangs and other iconic ’60s cars, and parts remain easy to find.
Can you use a Falcon Squire as a daily driver?
Yes. Because the Falcon chassis shares many common Ford parts and reliable engines (such as inline-6 or V-8), a well-maintained Squire can serve as a daily driver.
What makes the Falcon significant in automotive history?
The Falcon was one of the first successful American compact cars and was produced on a global platform, making it an important turning point before the Mustang era.
