👉Ford Del Rio: A Brief Overview
The Ford Del Rio is a full-size, six-passenger station wagon that was produced by Ford in the United States for model years 1957 and 1958. It also carried the name Del Rio Ranch Wagon.
➡️Origins and Purpose
- The creation of the Del Rio was driven by Ford’s desire to compete in the two-door sport wagon market, which had been popularized by models like the Chevrolet Nomad and Pontiac Safari.
- Interestingly, Ford had previously attempted a sport wagon with the premium Ford Parklane, but it failed to attract buyers during its sole year of production in 1956.
Features and Unique Selling Points
➡️Based on the Ranch Wagon:
- The Ford Del Rio was derived from the utilitarian two-door Ranch Wagon, which was part of the Custom 300 series.
- Unlike the Nomad (Chevrolet’s premium sport wagon), the Del Rio was built on an existing platform, emphasizing practicality over show car-inspired styling.
➡️Distinctive Upgrades:
Buyers of the Del Rio were offered several enhancements:
- Two-Tone Paint Scheme: Optional two-tone paint added visual appeal.
- Better Quality Interior and Exterior Brightwork: Including gold anodized aluminum accents.
- Higher-Grade Vinyl Upholstery: Improving comfort for passengers.
- Engine Choices: Buyers could opt for either Ford’s “Mileage Maker” 144 hp inline-six or the powerful “Thunderbird” 215 hp, 312 cubic inch (5.1-liter) V8.
- 11-Inch Front Drum Brakes: Ensuring reliable stopping power.
➡️Tailgate Advantage:
- Like other Ford station wagons of the time, the Del Rio featured a two-piece tailgate.
- Dealers emphasized this as an advantage over GM’s steeply raked rear gate and self-storing window, which were prone to water leaks in heavy rain.
➡️Production and Legacy
- In terms of sales, Ford outperformed Chevrolet’s Nomad, selling 46,105 Del Rios in 1957.
- However, Ford discontinued the Del Rio program after the 1958 model year, having sold only 12,687 of these “sport wagons.”
- Ford didn’t completely abandon the concept of a two-door station wagon; a smaller version appeared with the all-new Ford Falcon in 1960, offered in multiple body styles, including a two-door station wagon.
- The Ford Del Rio remains a captivating piece of automotive history—a blend of practicality, style, and nostalgia.
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Ford Del Rio