When I was a kid, my uncle use to drive
a 1959 Ford Country Sedan which is basically a station wagon Galaxie. It
was a 2 toner, red and white and I just enjoy riding that car. I even remember
sitting on its hood without denting it. It was one hard shell. But what's interesting with that car is that every time it parks, people flock
around, not because they were interested in it, but you'll notice a look
of concern in their faces. They wonder who just died in their town, thinking
that that big car was a hearse. And I guess it was the fate of that car anyway when
the time came to let it go.
Morbidly funny, but old American station
wagons in the Philippines were actually used as hearses. In my high school
which happens to be hospital as well, everyone knew that when an old American
station wagon is parked outside, it is waiting to pick up.....well, a has
been. Of course there were those real Cadillac hearses for those
willing to pay more and leave in style. It was unfortunate. I'm a sucker
for old American wagons but just the thought of its reputation back in
the Philippines gives me jitters when I think of acquiring one. Don't get
me wrong, I love them, in fact I intentionally look for them in car shows.
I like them stock, I like them hot rodded, and particularly nuts over a
1958 Rambler Wagon.
In this side of the shore however, old
wagons were treated differently. Almost everyone has a story to tell about
a station wagon they once had. They were the SUVs of the yesteryears. They
were the family cars and had left so much memories of fighting young siblings,
long road trips, technology-free travels and large cargo spaces enough
for kids to play snakes and ladders while camping. They were the "hand
me down" cars when a teenager starts driving, and was almost a necessity
for a growing American family to own one.
With people switching over to modern
SUVs as family "cars", modern wagons are in the brink of extinction.
Sure there are a few left out there, but people would rather buy
the "sportier" and more useful truck-chassied SUVs.
So if you find an old American Wagon....buy
it, restore it...they'll be the coolest car around and potentially will
become the next "big thing" in terms of value. If you're from
the Philippines however, be sure to check if there is a back seat and no
used blanket lying around before buying or restoring one. Unless
of course you are one of those brave souls with a morbid humor who thinks
The Ring is one funny movie :) Happy motoring!
Hello sir..any Lola ko po nagkaron din ng 59 ford country sedan.kaso nakastock na Yun nung naabutan ko nung bata PA po ako.
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