The 1952 Ford Mainline Ranch Wagon featured here is a true 1950’s classic. The two tone paint scheme on this model adds a lot to its outstanding appearance.
While Ford’s new postwar styling came out in 1949, the 1952 models did receive a refresh but still retained some of the basic appearance as the postwar models before them with some added trim. Ford’s Ranch Wagon was a two door, six passenger wagon. It has the same trim level as the entry level base Mainline and was considered the lowest price wagon on the market in 1952.
The Increased Popularity of the Wagon
The term “Station Wagon” were given these vehicles because the original purpose was to transport people and/or luggage/merchandise from train stations to their homes. These vehicles, also first called Depot Hacks, have been around for a long time but it was after World War Two that they became mainstream.
The early 1950’s were part of family growth with the Baby Boomer generation. More suburbs were coming into being as well as shopping malls and shopping centers far away from the central city. The demand for vehicles to transport children and merchandise was growing along with everything else. All indications were that wagons would be in demand and, for 1952, Ford Motor Company offered three models of their all steel body station wagon. These were the Mainline models as already mentioned, the Country Sedan Customline mid priced models, and the Country Squire top trim level of the Customline series.
Two Door Wagons
Several other automakers than Ford produced two door station wagons at various times. The first two door wagon was said to be the 1946 Willys Jeep Station Wagon. Another story has Crosley with the first two door wagon prior to World War Two. In 1951 it was Nash, in 1954 it was Studebaker and in 1955 and 1964 it was Chevrolet. The two door styling gave the Ford Ranch Wagon both a sportier appearance versus four door wagons and also some added room for cargo.
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