Overflowing Ten-Car Garage, Now Possessed by Me
In the realm of automotive history, few vehicle types have captured the hearts and minds of enthusiasts quite like the station wagon. Despite efforts to phase them out, these versatile vehicles remain a mainstay, with models like the BMW M5 Touring outperforming their sedan counterparts.
The station wagon, defined by its extended roofline, large rear cargo area, and often a third-row seat, was purpose-built for family hauling and road trips. In the 1950s to late 1990s, they were popular among families due to their spaciousness.
Some of the most iconic and highly collectible station wagons of all time include the 1955 Chevrolet Nomad, widely regarded as one of the most iconic two-door wagons, known for its stylish design and rarity. The 1957 Ford Country Squire, a classic wood-paneled “woodie” wagon from the 1950s, remains a popular collectible for its nostalgic design and status as a family favorite of its era.
The 1966 Chevrolet Impala Station Wagon, noted for its combination of style, power, and personality during the 1960s, continues to turn heads and attract collectors. The 1961 Chrysler Town & Country, recognized for its luxury and distinctive styling among the wagons of the ‘60s, and the 1950 Buick Estate Wagon, a classic from the 1950s, notable for its premium features during its time, are also highly sought after.
Other notable mentions from the 1950s and 60s include the 1963 Plymouth Savoy, AMC Rambler Classic Cross Country, 1964 Mercury Comet, and the 1953 Studebaker Commander. These vehicles are prized for their vintage appeal and connection to the heyday of American station wagons.
In the modern era, high-performance station wagons are making a comeback. The 2026 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo 4S, an electric station wagon, offers up to 563 hp in overboost, a raised ride height, rugged cladding, and the ability to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.1 seconds. The 2026 Audi RS 6 Avant Performance is another example, featuring a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 engine, producing 621 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, and capable of accelerating from 0-100 km/h in under 3.5 seconds.
Even in the past, performance was not exclusive to modern electric and high-end luxury wagons. The 1971 Ford Galaxie 500 Country Sedan with the 429 Police Interceptor engine is considered one of the rarest and most powerful wagons, combining muscle car performance with station wagon practicality, making it a coveted collectible.
More recent models like the 2018 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen 4Motion 6M offer a lively steering experience and vast cargo space. The 2004 Volkswagen Passat W8 Wagon 6M, with its 4.0L W8 engine, all-wheel drive, and 275 hp, is another rare find today.
The 1996 Subaru Legacy Outback, the first year of the Outback, was marketed as a rugged wagon with all-wheel drive and could handle snow-covered trails without difficulty. The 1996 Buick Roadmaster Estate, with its Corvette-derived LT1 V8, offered enough torque to uproot trees.
In essence, the station wagon served as a rolling family/living room, a vessel for memories made on nostalgia-laden road trips. Whether classic or modern, these vehicles continue to captivate audiences with their versatility, practicality, and, in some cases, raw power.
