station wagons: 1957-90...

[vacerator]

A loaded Aires, or

Reliant K wagon listed out at about 8 grand. I did not think that was cheap for an underpowered, cheaply made car. You could get the minivan's for a grand more, two more tops.

 

[justjunque]

I was trying to post an SS wagon picture that I found online, but it wouldn't let me. Sorry.
I also remembered a wagon from my childhood that I forgot to mention in my earlier post.
Early in her marriage, my sister and her husband bought, I believe brand new, an AMC Hornet Sportabout wagon. Wicked sharp little car! It was metallic purple with a white stripe, almost like a Starskey and Hutch stripe, if I'm remembering correctly.
Factory rally rims and white lettered tires too!

Barry

 

[pulltostart]

In June 1973 I went to work for a firm in Atlanta that owned a 1973 Malibu Classic Estate wagon.  It was a beautiful car and was driven by the firm's VP (the owner/Pres. of the company drove an early 1970's Lincoln Continental).  The wagon was Gobi Beige with an all-vinyl Saddle interior, complete with bucket seats and operating console.  It could have had Rally Wheels, but I just don't remember- been too long.  I got to drive the wagon several times and it was a fun ride.  Similar to the photo.

 

lawrence

 

[askolover]

I learned to drive in this but it was white/wood with a red interior.  1984 Mercury Lynx.....the WORST car my parents ever bought! 

My mother blamed my dad...he saw it on display at the Fair and he became obsessed with that car.  He said "it was calling my name."  It was a lemon from day one.  In 1990 my mother went back to GM products and has stuck with them ever since.

 

[vacerator]

First generation

Escorts wer pure garbage. Head gasket usually gave out around 60,000 miles. Most were rust buckets by then.
70's GM A body cars were comfortable, and reliable. The fender skirt nostalgic styling was trendy, compensating for those who didn't like the collonade greenhouse. They all sold well, from the very budget priced basic Chevelle Malibu right up to the Buick Century and Regal, Monte Carlo, and Grand Prix.
Some of the fit and finishes were less than optimal quality, like front seat back angle, and paint. Most cars then were not world class quality.

 

[askolover]

That was the first car my parents had with a timing belt.  Thankfully it wasn't an interference engine.  At 50k miles like clockwork the timing belt slips a cog.  We were in Huntsville, Alabama going to Sam's (it was the nearest one back then) and the car just quit.  There was a garage across the street and the mechanic was able to change the belt while we shopped and we drove the 70 miles back home.  My sister had an '86 Escort but it had the larger engine...but same thing at 50k miles...belt broke.  Hers was a bit more reliable than Mother's was though. 

 

[philcobendixduo]

Vinyl Roof on a Wagon?

I have NEVER seen a vinyl roof on a station wagon until I saw THIS one on an episode from season 14 of "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet". I believe the car is a 1966 Chrysler Town & Country. Interesting how they put the vinyl on the sides and left the middle painted metal. Know of any other wagons with a vinyl roof option?

 

[circlew]

I knew some people with a '73 or '74 Buick Estate Wagon. It was gold with a beige vinyl roof. I've also seen Pontiac wagons of that the with such roofs.

 

 

[DADoES]

 
We had a '74, '75, something LTD wagon.  Two-way tailgate, key-operated rear window, flip-up seats in the rear. The A/C never cooled enough and the transmission had to be pulled (possibly during warranty?). I drove it for license test, incl parallel parking.

 

[philcobendixduo]

Right, Tom!

I just didn't remember these wagons with a vinyl roof but here's the proof!