Hooniverse Asks- What’s Your Dream Wagon?
Your fantasies may not involve station wagons exclusively. You in fact, may entertain hopeful imaginations that perhaps involve you and Superman being BFFs, or maybe the discovery of a hitherto unknown breed of magic unicorn. Regardless of those distractions, I am pretty certain that the vast majority of your fantasizing revolves around what cars would make most excellent station wagons. I mean, who doesn’t?
The station wagon is not an exclusively American invention, but it is intrinsically connected to our great nation and the post-war suburban sprawl that today defines it. The ability to carry copious quantities of cargo, or a gaggle of little leaguers to an after-game celebratory slice of pie and coke is a major plus, especially while giving the typical pilot – the suburban mom – the security of ‘driving like a car’ whilst doing it. Today, there are still a few wagons left on the market, but most have been killed off, first by the SUV, and now the Crossover.
Neither of those beasts can hold a candle to a Vista Cruiser or Country Squire when it comes to style, or providing fond memories of the family vacation. And while there are a few wagons still holding on, like the polar bear, it’s hard to tell if the breed will make it or not. That’s why we need an endangered species act for cars, and the first on the list would be the family wagon. If that were the case, we could not only stem the tide of wagon attrition, but like another American icon- the bison, we could swell their numbers so they won’t become something our grand kids see only in museums and the movies. And if we’re going to do so, we need to determine which cars would make the best breeding stock, which means it’s up to you to say which car should turn your fantasy wagon into a fantasy no more.
Image source: [CWW Car Design]
Related posts:
<img src="http://www.caranddriver.com/var/ezwebin_site/storage/images/reviews/hot_lists/high_performance/performance_trucks_suvs/2009_subaru_forester_xti_concept_first_drive_review/2009_subaru_forester_xti_concept/subaru_forester_xti_concept_2/2094038-1-eng-US/subaru_forester_xti_concept_2_gallery_image_large.jpg" width=550>
Forrester XTi. Sure, it kinda exists, but if I had to pick something to drive whilst I slumber, this is it.
That's what Marty just bought MOOG on mighty car mods!
Oh that Challenger is just wrong! Why do I find it so attractive? I feel so dirty…
Relax. It only seems dirty because you're not used to it. Everybody around here is in to it.
<img src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/29280_593234980210_2912893_33998141_7888554_n.jpg" width="500"> I feel happy happy, the lines and head lights remind me of my father's third car
If the Challenger/wagon is wrong, I don't want to be right.
A few years ago when Ford was talking up the 50th anniversary of the Mustang, they gave an impression that Mustang would become it's own brand including a sedan, maybe a wagon. Mustang Shelby GT500 Falcon Ranch Wagon??
<img src="http://www.tanshanomi.com/temp/fox-shooting-brake.jpg">
Or…
<img src="http://images.hemmings.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/mustangwagon_110_resized.jpg">
The Challenger wagon would be just fine, but make mine a two door, please.
<img src="http://pulpfictionbmfwallet.com/umawagon.jpg" width=500>
There is a certain E30 racing LeMons team that races the Kill Phil Pussy Wagen. It's pretty cool but they have "upgraded" to a Chevy 350 powered Lotus Elite. What could possibly go wrong?
A G8 GXP two-door wagon. Sorry if I'm being too repetitive.
<img src="http://www.tanshanomi.com/temp/g8-2doorwagon.jpg">
This needs to be the 2013 Chevy Nomad!
<img src="http://nozama.typepad.com/.a/6a00e54ed05fc28833011168fd93f7970c-400wi">
Wait, what?
Actually, although Pontiac is gone, a G8 Wagon would be sweet. I'm all about gas mileage, however, so maybe a return of the high roof 4 wheel drive wagons of the Corolla and Civic variety would be nice, too.
Did somebody say 4×4 wagon?
<img src="http://www.ctamo.com/CAMO-Cars/Howard/86Eagle-CAMO09.jpg">
<img src="http://nozama.typepad.com/.a/6a00e54ed05fc28833011168fd93f7970c-400wi">
<img src="http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu349/jornvan/17167_105272552824509_100000252936686_135487_605239_n.jpg" width=500>
I'll see your W126 wagon, and raise you a W109 6.3 wagon.
<img src="http://daddytypes.com/archive/300sel-63_wagon.jpg">
Nice and based on a truly great car, but it looks old. In my opinion, the W126 is the best-looking of the big S-class cars – imposing as hell with presence to spare but with just enough aero sleekness to keep it from looking like a museum piece. But if relics are what you're seeking out, then it's hard to beat this for style…
<img src="http://www.towallpaper.com/wallpapers/mercedes_benz_300c_station_wagon_by_binz_1956-800×600.jpg" width=600>
That's a spicy bratwurst!
Of course, there's always this…
<img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_leoGYAeiH44/S62gQ3NDDVI/AAAAAAAAJL8/WxC5sykXZxo/s640/pics-max-7803-200109-detomaso-deauville.jpg" width="512">
My dream wagon already exists, I just have to wait out the depreciation…
<img src="http://www.zercustoms.com/news/images/Cadillac/th1/Cadillac-CTS-V-Wagon-1.jpg">
Of course my family man reality means i am also hoping Chevy builds and brings Cruze Wagon here.
Yup, that's pretty much my answer too.
Will you guys get the hatch? It's really just one stretch away.
<img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c1/Chevrolet_Cruze_%E2%80%93_Heckansicht%2C_23._Juli_2011%2C_Mettmann.jpg"width=500/>
As in with the US?
I heard we weren't getting it, which is fine by me.
If it were available, I wouldn't buy it. I need the roof line to be more square, the hatch is only marginally more useful to me than the sedan.
I'm bringing this back from the dead cause now they WILL make one.
<img src="http://www.torquenews.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/300_size/image-106/%5Btitle-raw%5D/cruze%20wagon.jpg"/>
Here's one that will depreciate faster into my budget:
Chrysler 300C SRT8 Touring:
<img src="http://photo.netcarshow.com/Chrysler-300C_SRT8_Touring_2006_photo_01.jpg" width="600">
<img src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/181987_625376483380_2912893_34829912_1954333_n.jpg" width="500"> Mine as well, though I'd be afraid at how expensive one would turn out to be that I could afford to purchase years from now, so I think I'll never buy one.
Audi Avantissimo with 4.2 V8 TDI, rear wheel drive and manual gear box. Two rear facing seats to make it a seven seater.
<img src="http://photo.netcarshow.com/Audi-Avantissimo_Concept_2001_photo_09.jpg" width="600">
Oooh, Tingly Sensations™
yes! that car was my desktop background for i dont know how long.
It's a concept from 2001 if I'm to wrong. Timeless design!
I'd have to see what it looks like without the giant chrome wagon wheels.
I'm pretty sure this is not what you meant?
<img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7016/6636309473_2678a85fbd_z.jpg" width="600">
Nice, I saw that response on my phone hours ago and the image wouldn't load, but you hit it out of the park
Well, I'm so out of touch with the new car market that I'm just going to say this:
<img src="http://www.renaultavantime.com/uploads/images/avantime/14.jpg" width=500>
Only 4 more years and I can bring one to Canada.
Ford Country Squire. That's all that has to be said to strike lust in the hearts of sexy babes the worldd over!
Ferrari Daytona Shooting Brake.
Obviously the new 9-5 Sportcombi. It didn't have to be a dream until the bankruptcy. So close.
Mine was really built…
<img src="http://www.americandreamcars.com/1955pontiacsafariwagon1010.jpg"width=500>
Walkinshaw G8 without those wheels.
<img src="http://strumors.automobilemag.com/files/2010/03/28553785-623×423.jpg" width="400">
I've always been in love with this generation of the RS4 Avant
<img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1103/568696506_f122172924.jpg" width="400">
That RS4 is what I've been scanning the comments for.
Because bigger is better:
<img src="http://www.fourtitude.com/news/uploads/Audi_News/020__scaled_600_016.jpg" width="500">
I've always liked the RS6 Avant. Very. Much.
I've always had a soft spot for the RS2 myself. Probably because at the time it was going to be as close as Porsche would get to developing/making a 5 door, AWD wagon.
<img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9e/Audi_RS2.jpg" width=500>
image from wikipedia
This is what i see when I think Walkinshaw wagon.
<img src="http://www.vlturbo.com/images/gallery/707-vl-wagon-with-walky-body-kit-front.jpg" width="400">
i truly torn between the G8 and challenger wagons. oh to dream…
this is my real dream wagon however…
<img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3209/3286038973_78b9287a0d_b.jpg">
That picture is radical. This is also my favorite BMW of all time.
<img src="http://www.teppersautosales.com/images/1601151507.216536206.IM1.02.565x421_A.562×421.jpg" width="500">
Not just any run of the mill V70 T5, though. But one of the handful of 5-speeds that were sold in the US.
I grew up in Chrysler land yachts. Early years were spent being carted around by my mom in two different 1966 New Yorkers and a couple Imperials. My own first car was a 1978 New Yorker. Huge cars felt comfortable.
But familiarity breeds contempt (long since cured) and I dreamed of huge cars from exotic places and the epitome of these dreams was the Mercedes 600.
Now I betcha I could've fit any of the three New Yorkers inside the space occupied by a standard 600 with literal feet to spare in every direction.
The only thing better would be to make the gargantuan car gargantuaner.
<img src="http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/7893/grosserwagon.jpg" width="600/">
Luckily two of my dream wagons are in my driveway, AMC Eagle and a Subaru Legacy. I'm currently trying to cure the Eagle of it's automatic trans with a manual. Luckily the Legacy is a manual. I don't know what would be next on the list. Avant, mazda 6, or probably some extended time over here: http://velocityresource.com/default.aspx. Lots of love for the wagon there.
Okay…that site just got added to the list…
This belongs to my boss, and every time I examine it close up, it causes deep longing in my soul.
<img src="http://www.tanshanomi.com/temp/armacost_front_quarter.jpg">
1800ES
9-5 Sportcombi
Jerrari
Breadvan
Lagonda wagon
I basically just want every other version of my current car, (excluding the sedan, even though it's sexy too) which happen to be the two that we don't get. I would seriously buy a wagon and a ute of the same damn thing. I love this car so much.
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/y4wKo.jpg">
Yeah, I'm still smarting from the whole G8 Pickup thing. Jerks.
I'm still holding out dumb blind hope for an El Camino…
They teased us in 2008 with the G8-ST… I managed to see one in the flesh.
Another "we won't get it here"…
The turbo V6 and AWD puts it smack in the middle of Audi S4 territory.
<img src="http://wot.motortrend.com/files/2009/05/16315736.jpeg" width="600">
"Buick Regal GSX Estate Wagon" has such a nice ring to it…
so,what is this really called? looks pretty hot from the side.
shooting brake, please. preferably BMW M series.
Am I the lone dissenter?
I had to ride in station wagons as a kid, it is no more fun than riding in a minivan.
Kids in station wagons got laughed at by kids who rode in in Javlins, Mustangs, Camaros and 4 door sedans. (when I was a kid)
I don't like station wagons, I don't like mini vans, and will own neither.
I do own a 4 door 4wd truck, but I also raise pigs and my kid shows her pony, so I actually have a reason to have that monster.
My daily driver and school taxi is my 05 mustang.
The scars of childhood rear their ugly head.
Yes. I've got a hatchback right now as a daily driver, and will continue to buy hatches, wagons, and so on for that purpose, because they're so much more useful. Need to carry a bike? Wagon! Need to take friends on a ski holiday? Wagon! Need to have a fun car that can also carry an armoire? Wagon!
They're basically everything good about cars and can also carry big bulky objects.
E type Must stand for Estate
<img src="http://img116.imageshack.us/img116/6506/jaguarxkehearse7112tg3.jpg" width=500>
<img src="http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/8607/jaguarxkehearse71111wm4.jpg;
I'm in your reply, fixin' yer links. Cuz those must be seen.
<img src="http://img116.imageshack.us/img116/6506/jaguarxkehearse7112tg3.jpg" width="500"/>
<img src="http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/8607/jaguarxkehearse71111wm4.jpg" width="500"/>
Thanks thumps up to u
Likewise to you! I have always loved the E-type in general, and being a shooting brake is just icing on an already very tasty cake…
My personal dream wagon is an RS6 Avant. If it comes with a rear-facing third-row, all the better.
We will be in the market for a replacement to the XC90 in April. The new family hauler needs seven usable seats. We like wagons but have outgrown all the wagons for sale in the United States. I want the people and cargo capacity of a Suburban in a more tightly packaged wagon format.
It's surprising how much love the RS6 gets, while the E63 and M5 estates are largely ignored. Really, sa far as I'm concerned, the more 500hp wagons there are, the better.
Someday, some automaker's marketing team is going to need a new direction. By then crossovers will be old, full-size SUV's barely a memory, and minivans still the most hated vehicle in suburbia.
They'll need something "fresh" and "new" for a big marketing push. And one of these bright young marketroids will remember that there were once wagons, but now they're a memory just waiting for a retro revival. Wagons won't cost too much more to make on the same production lines as the sedans and coupes, and can be built with many of the same parts. They're practical and save fuel over SUV's. They can be made sporty.
And then the full-on media and internet blitz will come. They'll be giving wagons away on game shows. Pace wagons will lead NASCAR and Indy racing. Drivers will find them practical for cargo and family hauling, yet stylish enough that they don't look like they've given up everything and are forced to wallow around in minivans, prisoners to their children's activities and schedules.
My dream wagon is all wagons. Any wagons.
And maybe a brand new BMW 5-series Touring for my driveway. Thanks!
<img src="http://www.bmwblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011_bmw_5-series_touring-11-655×425.jpg" width="350/">
And as an MVP bonus for dreaming up the biggest new auto marketing segment since they came up with cute-ute crossovers, a Cadillac CTS-V Wagon:
<img src="http://image.motortrend.com/f/35322547%20w786%20ar1/2012-Cadillac-CTS-V-Wagon-front-three-quarters-2.jpg" width="350/">
Definitely the Mercedes-Benz E220 CDI BlueEfficiency. 170hp 4-cylinder turbodiesel. 6-speed stick. 0-62 mph in 8.8 seconds. And combined 45 mpg (and that's the small US gallons).
<img src="http://media.caranddriver.com/images/09q3/292410/2010-mercedes-benz-e220-cdi-wagon-euro-spec-photo-299370-s-787×481.jpg" width="500" />
Sigh…
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/jyxzI.jpg" alt="" title="Hosted by imgur.com" />
<img src="http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1337/574808994_9feb2bf204.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="1976 Rover SD1 3500 Estate Prototype"> It was so close to reality even. Look at that useful cargo room too! <img src="http://www.aronline.co.uk/images/sd1estate_07.jpg" width="500">
<img src="http://www.autoold.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/1971-Datsun-510-Wagon-Resto-Mod-01.jpeg" width="600">
Exact same car, exact same color, as the one we had when I was a kid. I had mixed feelings at the time about it, though, as my stepdad traded in his Porsche 912 for it.
ooh, i'd love this as a kid hauler.
Panther wagon? How can I say no?!
<img src="http://www.stationwagonforums.com/forums/gallery/files/1/1996_ford_crown_victoria_station_wagon5.jpg" width="500">
Or if you aren't into Fords, perhaps a Camaro? 2 or 4 door.
<img src="http://www.camaro5.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=12447&stc=1&d=1231309816" width="500">
<img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0Y7jYYFGN2U/SivSk0qcSBI/AAAAAAAAAZo/oS0bHsQ9L-g/s400/Camaro_Wagon2.jpg" width="500">
Or the classic version!
<img src="http://flymall.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Slide4.jpg" width="500">
Oooh. I love that classic Camaro shooting break. Gimme gimme gimme.
This might be slightly boring, but I want this in my driveway:
<img src="http://emotorauto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012-ford-focus-wagon-21.jpg" width="500">
I also want more interesting things in my driveway in addition to that, of course. Keeping on a wagon theme, this could also find a home in my driveway:
<img src="http://daddytypes.com/archive/bmw_m5_touring_violet.jpg">
Plus a bunch of weird Kei-Cars and other Japanese oddities, a couple pretty pre-war things, some Buick Rivieras…
My dream driveway is much longer than my real life driveway, incidentally.
Man, what I'd give for a clean '65 Country Squire with a 4-speed and a 300ci I6.
Nothing wrong with a clean Datsun 510 wagon, though.
What about a Citroen DS wagon? Haven't seen one of those in the comments yet…
<img src="http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/12/2011/10/43-LLC-Citroen_DS-1280px.jpg" width="600">
There was a DS Safari sitting a block across from me for a couple of months. It didn't look like it was running (flat tires, the fact that it stayed in the same parking space for a couple of months), and some punk kids scrawled "Hogwarts Express" on it for some reason. It made me want to rescue it every time I drove or walked past.
By applying the Holden Sportwagon style treatment to the Ford Falcon FG sedan, a quite attractive wagon is created.
<img src="http://www.caradvice.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/fgwagonxr8.JPG" width="400">
Combine it with the supercharged 5.0 Coyote motor from the FPV GT335
<img src="http://www.thomsonford.com.au/images/fpv/10-fpv-coyote-engine-55_resized.jpg" width="400">
Mix in some FPV Black series
<img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-VKpKMjfVJYU/TiUCPAmksuI/AAAAAAAACUQ/bF2CzvLu64I/FPV-GT-Conceptcarscoop1.jpg" width="400">
And you have yourself an AMG E63 wagon chaser.
Also they should have made an AU XR6 Wagon….
<img src="http://www.fordforums.com.au/photos/data/500/Apache_Wagon_Front3Qtr_1.JPG" width="400">
I know, I know, but just one more. a Falcon XW Wagon (preferably with 351C GT running gear) with an Ausitralian ZC/D Fairlane front end.
<img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5008/5304424493_fcfb1beda8_z.jpg" width="400">
I guess I'm still wowed by the styling excess that sold cars when I was a kid. I still salivate at the thought of a 57 Buick or 61 Plymouth wagon; not just handsome wagons but gorgeous cars.
<img src="http://bringatrailer.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/1957_Buick_Century_Estate_Wagon_Custom_Sled_Rear_1.jpg" width="600">
<img src="http://www.allpar.com/images/plymouth/1962/wagon.jpg" width="600">
The only wagon I really lust after… Otherwise, just give me a hatchback!
<img src="http://78.img.v4.skyrock.net/781/voitures1982/pics/283162947_1.jpg">
Shit! I only gettting one choice? (quickly scanning the longroof image file in my library)
Forget it. That choice could be a whole post for this olelongrooffan.
Having said that, I will take any sedan based longroof that has ever been in production…Polish or not.
or a Jerrari.
Write that post!
I can get it down to 6ish. If I wrote it down it would probably turn into 10, because I would stop forgetting what the first one was every time I added a new one.
any chevelle wagon four speed or powerglide. I'll do the rest.
<img src="http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h112/Porsche-Power/Ford-Taurus_Wagon.jpg" width="500/">
(credit to Porsche-Power via carspyshots.net)
The Ford Taurus SHO should start gettin' freaky with the
Ford Focus WagonOpel Insignia Wagon? (Two Fords, a forbidden love…)The Aston Martin Virage Shooting Brake will do nicely.
<img src="http://astonmartincarsfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/aston-martin-virage-shooting-brake-1.jpg" width="600" border="0" style="border:none;" alt=" " />
Image from astonmartincarsfan.com
So would the Jag XJ-S-based Lynx Eventer.
<img src="http://www.fiatforum.com/gallery/data/500/lynx-eventer-3.jpg" width="500" />
For some reason, I'm suddenly craving pancakes…
I'll take one like the big red one in the top photo…only I would take it in black, with a six-speed.
<img src="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/382930_10150394677213912_647573911_8433573_1636922606_n.jpg" width="600">
My dream wagon is my current daily… 1997 Commodore wagon, with 195kw (260ish HP) 5.0L V8, 5 speed manual, 3.45:1 LSD
She's a nice ride when everything's working right…
Gotta love those roller cam fiveys!
aye, best engine note out of all the v8's you get round here IMO. Mines been through a full rebuild, I've got about 5000k's on the engine
Too true, I'm a Ford man myself, but nearly everyone of my mates owns or has owned one. Great engines. Currently one mate has a VT Clubby S1, one has a stroked VQ thats been converted to manual and the other is running a supercharged/nitrous injected fivey in a VN (pictured), that one is seriously mental….
<img src="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/205712_211714738841040_100000075458687_905334_6994087_n.jpg" width="300"><img src="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/297318_285917464754100_100000075458687_1272379_1246505146_n.jpg" width="300">
Since I've loved station wagons since I rode in them as a kid, I'm having the same dilemma as Longroofan, thinking about how to answer this question. Hands down, as a kid, it was our '65 Pontiac Safari. However, right now, something like this appeals to me.
<img src="http://www.stationwagon.com/gallery/pictures/1976_Cadillac_Castilian_back.jpg">
I mean, if you're gonna have a wagon, why screw around?
Image courtesy of stationwagon.comjavascript:%20IDcancelEditComment(255496165);
You've gotta love that.
500 CID motor, FWD, and it's like driving a cloud…with similar handling characteristics.
Not a bad thing, if that's what you're expecting.
That's not FWD. It's built upon a RWD Cadillac Fleetwood platform from 1975-1976. Still would be a fantastic cruiser though.
Ahhh…so it is!
Damn, I hate getting old. The wheel covers are an immediate tip-off, as is the large B-pillar.
/forehead smack
<img src="http://www.imperialclub.com/Yr/1975/MikeWagon/75-front.jpg" width="400">
1975 Imperial front clip on a '76 Town and Country.
I dream of owning a 1995 or 1996 custom RWD Fleetwood wagon, someday.
I'm never winning the lottery, damnit.
Just one more post about wagons (I honestly thought I was weird for loving them until I started visiting Hooniverse)
This ad for 'Big M' flavoured milk pretty much sums up what wagons mean to me and to much of Australia I would imagine. It helps that we used to have the same model just in red.[youtube hjQN1TH81Q0 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjQN1TH81Q0 youtube]