Although the two-door Ranch Wagon was the best-selling Ford station wagon at its introduction in 1952, within two years its four-door cousin, the Country Sedan, had become more popular. It sold even better in 1955, when both six- and nine-passenger versions became available. Sales were almost evenly split between the two configurations, at about 53,000 each.

By 1957, the six-passenger Country Sedan, part of a five-model Station Wagon series and wearing the side trim of the mid-level Custom 300, had taken a firm lead, with remarkable sales of 137,251 cars. That record would stand for a long time.

An excellent unrestored example of Ford’s most popular 1957 station wagon, this six-passenger Country Sedan is equipped with power steering, dual exhausts, windshield washer, six-button signal-seeking radio, heater and electric clock. Somewhat unusually for an upscale 1957 car, along with its 292-cid, 212-hp V-8 engine, it has a three-speed manual transmission with overdrive and offers excellent power, cruising comfortably at 75-mph.

The paint, in attractive Inca Gold and Colonial White, is original and very presentable, although on close inspection it is aging with some chips and scratches. The doors operate nicely. The brightwork is generally good, but for some scrapes on the front bumper, and the glass is all good, with the exception of a little separation on the front vent wings.

The interior, in original beige and gold-weave vinyl, is very good, as are the black rubber floor mats. The dark gray dashboard is padded on the upper surface and unmarred, although there is some aging. The steering wheel shows some wear, and there is mild wear and scuffing on the load deck at the rear.

The engine compartment, while generally clean, shows its age. The chassis and undercarriage are clean but unrestored. The tires are Firestone 7.50-14 blackwalls, installed in 2005, with a matching spare. They are mounted on good original wheels.

Formerly part of a respected collection, this car is typical of the many thousands purchased by American families in 1957. Registered with California year-of-manufacture plates NTN667, which go with the car, its odometer reads 35,359 presumably original miles.