1953 Ford Mainline Ranch Wagon Chassis no. A3MW145190
215ci OHV Inline 6-Cylinder Engine Single Carburetor 101bhp at 3,500rpm 3-Speed Manual Transmission Front Independent Suspension - Live Rear Axle 4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
*Offered from the John White Ramshead Collection *Beautifully restored example of the 'Handyman' Wagon in era-appropriate Seafoam Green *Charmingly optioned with roof rack and period accessories *Equipped with its original, rebuild 'Mile-maker' slant-six engine
THE FORD MAINLINE RANCH WAGON
By the early 1950s, after having offered wooden-bodied Station Wagons since the 1930s, Ford introduced its first all-steel models. The new wagons were offered in 2-door and 4-door models, a first for Ford, which had built both four-door and two-door wagons in the past, but never at the same time. The 2-door editions were called Ranch Wagons and they would handily outsell the 4-door models every year until 1957. The 1953 Ford Station Wagon model line-up featured no less than 3 models, the Customline Country Sedan, the Crestline Country Squire and the Mainline Ranch Wagon.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
Dubbed the Handyman Wagon, the Mainline Ranch Wagon was Ford's entry level Station Wagon offering for 1953. The spectacularly well-restored example offered here from the Ramshead Collection was completed at the Memphis-based Ford factory and specified as it appears today with the 'Mile Maker Six' overhead valve engine fitted out front. By the early 2000s, the Mainline Ranch Wagon had become part of the famous Ford Woody collection of Mr. Nick Alexander, before being acquired by Mr. White and added to the Ramshead collection. The level of the restoration performed on this charming Ford is nothing short of breathtaking, and the attention to detail remarkable. The Station Wagon bodywork is finished in era-appropriate two-tone Seafoam Green and Timberline Green colors, and a cool period wooden roof rack is fitted should more room be needed. The wheels are color coded and shod on classics white wall tires. Insite, the full cabin is full trimmed in light brown, and a lovely period radio is fitted in the dash.
The impressive history file accompanying the sale of the car contains many receipts for restoration and maintenance work, as well as period paraphernalia including a cool 1953 Ford Station Wagon brochure. With the absence of faux wood treatment, one is fully able to appreciate the styling and restoration quality of this Ranch Wagon. A charming and fun Ford with room for the whole family, it will be hard to find a better restored example than this very car offered from the Ramshead collection.
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