What was the 1956 Ford station wagon called?
The 1956 Ford station wagon was called the Country Squire.
In the mid-1950s Ford marketed wood-bodied family wagons, and the Country Squire was the flagship emblem of that era's wagon lineup, combining premium trim with distinctive exterior paneling and practical space for families.
Identity and branding of Ford's 1956 wagon
The Country Squire name identified Ford's wood-bodied wagon in 1956. As the era's most recognizable woodie, it stood apart from other Ford wagons in terms of styling and trim.
- Exterior wood-paneling or wood-like veneer that defined the woodie aesthetic
- Premium interior trim and equipment relative to standard wagons
- Compatibility with Ford's V8 and inline-six engine options of the period
- Three-row seating and cargo versatility typical of 1950s family wagons
These elements helped the 1956 Country Squire symbolize the era's blend of style and practicality in family transport.
Historical context and cultural significance
Wood-bodied wagons were a defining feature of 1950s American car culture, and Ford's Country Squire was its most visible expression within its wagon lineup. The model is often cited as an icon of the period's "woodie" styling and family-centric design.
As automotive aesthetics shifted toward all-metal construction and different trim philosophies in the latter half of the 1950s, the Country Squire remains a touchstone for understanding Ford's approach to personal and family mobility in 1956.
Summary
The 1956 Ford station wagon was called the Country Squire, Ford's distinctive wood-bodied flagship wagon that year, emblematic of the period's blend of style, utility, and family travel.
