Hooniverse Asks: So what's your favorite wagon?


The above video by our friends at Petrolicious is just wonderful. They’ve managed to find someone who owns a 1987 Mercedes-Benz AMG Hammer Wagon. This is a real deal longroof built by the Affalterbach best.  Someone back in the late 1980s bought a diesel wagon, then shipped that big beautiful bastard back to Germany for the full Hammer treatment. Now a 6.0-liter 32-valve V-8 engine sits under the hood in a vehicle that would be casually dismissed as nothing more than a humble grocery getter.
This is good wagon right here. It’s tremendous wagon. In fact, it sits quite high on my list of all-time great wagons. Of course the more modern E63 AMG is also up there. As is the RS6 from Audi. It’s not just Germany that makes some great wagons though, as the Buick Roadmaster and Cadillac CTS-V are pantheon longroofs.
Which wagon though… is best wagon?
I’ll accept custom answers such as the Bertone Jet and Ferrari Breadvan, but special consideration is given to full-on factory offerings. Hit me with your best shots… fire away.

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83 responses to “Hooniverse Asks: So what's your favorite wagon?”

  1. nanoop Avatar

    W124 is very good, with 4matic (<-no l33t there, mind you) and heated seats it's a winter staple; similar merits like a Volvo 940, which just is.. more reasonable?
    My personal favorite would be more quirky, such as a CX Break:
    http://www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/citroen-cx-break.jpg

    1. Rover 1 Avatar
      Rover 1

      The self leveling rear suspension on the S124 wagons is hydropneumatic and can use Citroen parts

    2. Ahnuc Onun Avatar
      Ahnuc Onun

      Aw, man! This was going to be my choice. My grandfather had a 1979 2000 Diesel. My cousins and I would pile into the back with the dog. I remember gramps feared the ride-height lever lest the suspension should break. LOL. Badass automobile, though!

      1. nanoop Avatar

        Still can be your choice – look, there’s another one!
        http://i.wheelsage.org/pictures/c/citroen/cx/citroen_cx_break_4.jpg

  2. Sjalabais Avatar
    Sjalabais

    That’s a really hard question. I wouldn’t go for wolf in sheep’s clothing as my #1 choice, because I’d rather have a perfect everyday wagon than a heavy racecar. So my choice would be a Volvo 145 Ekspress. They’re the epitome of a rational classic to me. Gigantic loading area, the extra height is very welcome for the transport of furniture, bikes, firewood or whatever you need to move. Material quality in these Volvos is outstanding, the engines are built to survive the apocalypse, and nothing is easier to drive than a cuboid on wheels, dressed in rubber bumpers.
    http://www.swedespeed.com/emAlbum/albums/Cars/01%20Volvo%20(Historic%20Era)/100%20series/145/(EU)/001.jpg

      1. Sjalabais Avatar
        Sjalabais

        The ambulance would be too top heavy for me and lacks the secobd row of seats. Also, I vastly prefer Volvo’s I4’s to most of their six cylinder engines, except for the late smooth one in the 960/S80.

        1. outback_ute Avatar
          outback_ute

          The 164 is an inline like the late 960 of course – which can’t be a coincidence!

        2. Dean Bigglesworth Avatar
          Dean Bigglesworth

          Would love to build a 164 with the six taken as far at it’ll go.. with three carbs. Though I wouldn’t object to something like the Vöx Amazon withthe I6 from the 9xx. Aand I think i found my answer to this post.

        3. dead_elvis, inc. Avatar
          dead_elvis, inc.

          Ah, see, the lack of second-row seating is a plus in my book (no kids, don’t like having more than 1 passenger), and I’d love one for a road-trip rig. A full-on RV is too much, but I’m not much for sleeping in a tent on a road trip.
          Since this is entirely theoretical, it would get a 5.0L Ford V8 & appropriate transmission swapped in!

  3. GTXcellent Avatar
    GTXcellent

    I really like a good, solid Conestoga, but I think my favorite wagon is still a Radio Flyer 90
    https://static.erowz.com/09/pimg/5/0/vi/0_VINTAGE_RADIO_FLYER_90_KIDS_RED_WAGON_MTMyMzE4MjM4MTY0_medium.jpg

    1. Alff Avatar
      Alff

      The modern plastic wheels detract from the classic lines.

      1. Topokon Guy Avatar
        Topokon Guy

        Spectacular.

  4. tonyola Avatar
    tonyola

    Here are two favorites of entirely different philosophies – a 1964 Chrysler New Yorker (last of the four-door hardtops) and an Audi 200. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/c63795e29591ed5dbd9fd7aec37ab4e8616994381fff65ef12da1308d2ea7e9c.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/6a2b06ca43948684a30616c5d3bda6daf9bcea5773b49796975742853a54939c.jpg

    1. dead_elvis, inc. Avatar
      dead_elvis, inc.

      I’m conflicted. Both compel equally.

    1. hwyengr Avatar
      hwyengr

      From that article, from the owner “To be honest, it’s not really my favorite of all the cars I own.”
      Come. On. He has to be forced to sell it now. Preferably to me.

      1. outback_ute Avatar
        outback_ute

        It doesn’t say what his other cars are though, only one has to be ‘better’ to be the favourite.

  5. hwyengr Avatar
    hwyengr

    Always been a fan of the plain non-R 850 Turbo from the years they called it the Sportswagon.
    https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3d/1994_Volvo_850_T-5_station_wagon_%282015-07-09%29_02.jpg

    1. wunno sev Avatar
      wunno sev

      that’s my answer too! i have a ’99 (V70) with the manual gearbox and the big turbo.
      they’re my favorite because they strike the right balance for an enthusiast on a budget. they’re fast, look good, and carry everything, but unlike some of their contemporaries, they’re not that hard to own if you DIY: parts are cheap and the work isn’t that hard to do in your garage. everything around the engine breaks, but nothing that’ll leave you stranded, and the fundamentals of the engine are quite strong. you don’t have to go yanking it out or replacing head gaskets every three years, as you might with some of its competitors. once you take care of some PMs, the T5 is solid. mine’s at 256k miles.
      might i prefer an E46 or a W124? in an ideal world, it’s certainly close. but in the real world, i wouldn’t want to own either of those long-term. (also, its durability aside, the T5 engine’s performance and upgrade path are the best of any out-of-the-box USDM wagon i can think of. if that’s your thing.)

  6. ptschett Avatar
    ptschett

    Anything that makes handling idiot blockssmall square bales easier is a winner in my book.
    http://assets.cnhindustrial.com/nhag/nar/assets/Material-Handling/sp-bale-wagons/Gallery/bale-wagon-gallery-02.jpg

    1. nanoop Avatar

      That’s loooking looong.

    2. tonyola Avatar
      tonyola

      Interesting from the front, but when you looks at it from the rear – gack! https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/c76b77b35d5af90f0389f988422b020bb213c1459ad70b12503eee40f17c5fb7.jpg

      1. P161911 Avatar
        P161911

        Yeah, that rear window looks like they stole it off a 1970s pickup truck camper top.

    3. Bob Rothwell Avatar
      Bob Rothwell

      finally somebody calls the longroof by its proper name. Thank you!

  7. P161911 Avatar
    P161911

    Harrah’s Jerrari. A Jeep Wagoneer with a Ferrari V-12. He did at least 2. One with the stock Jeep body and this one with a Ferrari nose.
    http://www.leftcoastclassics.com/1969_Jerrari/extras/fullbody/slides/IMG_0059.JPG

    1. Ahnuc Onun Avatar
      Ahnuc Onun

      WTF kind of abomination is this? KILL IT WITH FIRE!

      1. outback_ute Avatar
        outback_ute

        The “Jerrari” built by Bill Harrah when he had the casinos. He did a second one that had a standard Jeep body with a slightly lengthened front to fit the V12.

  8. Fuhrman16 Avatar
    Fuhrman16

    The ’69 thru ’72 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. Similar vintage Buick Sportwagons also get a pass.

    1. outback_ute Avatar
      outback_ute

      Good choice. I’d probably pick one of the earlier type, because they are less flabby.

    2. nanoop Avatar

      First you put a rack on the roof, and then you lower it by the height of the rack? Sound plan, well executed!
      Also, the flat X of the front fascia, at least from that perspective, is great.

      1. tonyola Avatar
        tonyola

        But that “flat-x” on the nose isn’t supposed to be there. The question is whether it was accidental or deliberate. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/b98860a119d75f89b8371065ae82d9c52d722d4107c5e6ef8e83b90ba6b53fa9.jpg

        1. nanoop Avatar

          My, ahem, research says it’s rather a perspective thing, once the lens is under the level of the grille:
          http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PdJqj_LHlHA/VG2BmCARSOI/AAAAAAADcqI/H_8JZb3QT2o/s1600/DSC_0096.JPG

          1. tonyola Avatar
            tonyola

            For a genuine X-nose, here’s a good one – 1970 Dodge Coronet R/T. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/b1bcbfc49bd31eca3c83a4c251aecf374ab69e2d3605f1b4ce1bfbcec10353ce.jpg

    3. Bob Rothwell Avatar
      Bob Rothwell

      Lingenfelter(RIP, John) ? Vista Bruiser, more like.

    1. Alff Avatar
      Alff

      I don’t actively look for those, but I’d buy one on a lark.

  9. Maymar Avatar
    Maymar

    http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Frx_oZSFK8/VA8ZkhczPLI/AAAAAAAAEPs/QWv-5WdsFsU/s1600/1982-Lynx-Eventer-V12-HE-16.JPG
    It’s no where near the best at wagoning, but I just really want a Lynx Eventer.

    1. Alff Avatar
      Alff

      Love these, although I’ve yet to see one with the optimal stance. They always look a bit low in the butt.

        1. Alff Avatar
          Alff

          Proper

      1. Ahnuc Onun Avatar
        Ahnuc Onun

        It looks low in the butt, yes, because Lynx (strangely) chose to continue the curve of the shoulder line towards the back of the car so they could incorporate the angled slats of rear quarter window of the original car.

    2. tonyola Avatar
      tonyola

      The Eventer is handsome, but I I think it looks better with the later, wide taillights. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/cf8f09d8fb1ac70a2e49e7b50499cca60769e7b36f36d2cd158373a488bb612a.jpg

      1. Maymar Avatar
        Maymar

        I think the Eventer was definitely better served by the late-period restyling than the coupe and convertible.

  10. AlexG55 Avatar
    AlexG55

    http://autowaffle.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/1963-Pontiac-Tempest-Wagon-Factory-Lightweight-421-SD-Front-three-quarter.jpg
    1963 Pontiac Super Duty Tempest. 405hp 421ci V8, serious amounts of weight reduction, ran quarter mile times in the low 12s. And yes, it came like that from the factory.

    1. outback_ute Avatar
      outback_ute

      Not many factory racing station wagons, cool

  11. Andy White Avatar
    Andy White

    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/277de43e24ff3de53b9194ae4fbf30182a23f3d4feb07fe6c930073ff442bd6d.jpg
    Cotton Owens Dodge “Cotton Picker” racer with lots of outside the box thinking including 100% more mid engine! Wagons are a great platform for a mid-engine setup. He was ahead of his time.

  12. kogashiwa Avatar
    kogashiwa

    I’m honestly a little confused that other people have opinions besides GT-R swapped Stagea.
    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/2cb54251815201c895e28580f793156d65a476e2b272aab1d0bebfbe19418a8a.jpg

    1. Rover 1 Avatar
      Rover 1

      I know someone who has one of these, but stock,(still with the 2.6 straight six turbo AWD), to carry his photographic gear to remote film shoots, so he uses the AWD rather than the turbo. It’s covered more than 600000 km now with perfect reliability, unlike the Audi S6 before it. He’s looking at replacing it with the next model. They are very stealthy.
      https://images.cdn.circlesix.co/image/1/700/0/uploads/posts/2016/12/9db37bba8cc98a86b68d664926b13e98.jpg
      http://www.j-specimports.com/lineup/images/Nissan_Stagea_M35_20.jpg

      1. Ahnuc Onun Avatar
        Ahnuc Onun

        There is one of these bad-boys living in Oakville, Canada. Didn’t know what it was since it was never sold here and it’s clearly JDM with right-hand drive. Rarely am I perplexed in this manner!

      2. dead_elvis, inc. Avatar
        dead_elvis, inc.

        That white one looks like an alternate-universe 2nd gen Subaru Forester. It’s spectacular.

    2. Ahnuc Onun Avatar
      Ahnuc Onun

      Um, silly question. Is that a Skyline front end grafted onto it or did it come from the factory like this because it’s based on the Skyline platform?

      1. kogashiwa Avatar
        kogashiwa

        Swapped. It’s a fairly common swap because the Stagea and R34 platforms are so similar that the R34 front sheet metal is nearly a direct fit to the Stagea.

    3. Topokon Guy Avatar
      Topokon Guy

      Marvelous.

  13. Rover 1 Avatar
    Rover 1

    Jeff Lynne of Electric Light Orchestra fame had a RHD Hammer wagon that he managed to write off on a wet road due to a lack of grip. The fact that AMG could make a RHD W124 V8 when the factory couldn’t always impressed me.
    My favourite S124 is the Brabus converted 7.3-48 EV12 of which more than a few were made.
    Because there’s no such thing as too much power.
    https://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Wzr8BJjc7JA/TUqLvidrPsI/AAAAAAAAAJM/uck1xbD6hr4/s1600/image34639%255B1%255D.jpg
    https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Iv8bNrPYKsY/UKEGzFdiwuI/AAAAAAAAFxg/EL93pLVwJlI/s1600/w124_brabus_7.3_5.jpg
    https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1ixojNOpSCU/TmyGEY7ZUHI/AAAAAAAACAc/smHVHKMLeNg/s1600/Mercedes_s124_amg_7.3_wagon_2.JPG

    1. Ahnuc Onun Avatar
      Ahnuc Onun

      HOW?????

      1. Rover 1 Avatar
        Rover 1

        The R129 is basically a W124 two seater, if the V12 fits in that, it’ll fit in the 124. If you’ve got lots of money, why stay with 6 litres? With the V12 being essentially two M104 sixes glued together, you just have to go with the bits that make the biggest six.(AMG’s 3.6.) Fortunately AMG and Brabus had someone willing to pay for the development work. The Sultan of Brunei wanted the ultimate in everything, cost no object, which in the eighties and nineties he could afford. He didn’t want a standard S124 body for his V12 estate, he wanted a limited production conversion on the W140 S-Class at the time.( AMG made seven). While you’re spending that much then you may as well put the C140 front on.
        They made more than a few 7.2 & 7.3-48 R129s for him as well, I had the privilege of driving one a few years ago that had been imported here to NZ. On a dry road the ESR light seemed to be lit constantly. All these big V12s were LIMITED to 205 mph top speed for tyre reasons.
        http://www.avto.info/f/pics/Novice/Mercedes-Benz_S73_T_AMG-Station_wagon_par_excellence_2_b.jpg
        http://nast-sonderfahrzeuge.de/MB-Exotenforum/img/uploaded/image11313.jpg
        https://i.ytimg.com/vi/oDTjUQa3dic/maxresdefault.jpg
        http://germancarsforsaleblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/B38vOBgCGkKGrHqEOKjEEySCTIMMiBMoBCUfV3_12-475×356.jpg
        https://cdn.automagzz.com/mercedes-sl-72-amg-the-sultans-benz-of-bahrain/mercedes-sl-72-amg-the-sultans-benz-of-bahrain-14.jpg
        http://www.oursl.com/NewsLetter/NL0710/Sultan/9.JPG
        And Horatio Pagani was very happy that someone else paid for all that development.
        https://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/crop/201211/one-off-pagani-zonda-2_800x0w.jpg

    2. nanoop Avatar

      “7.3” is the 0-200 kph time, and “48” is for “always 48 mph over limit, even when parked”?

    3. Topokon Guy Avatar
      Topokon Guy

      Wow. superb.

  14. sunbeammadd Avatar

    It’s got to be the Humber Super Snipe for me.

    1. Rover 1 Avatar
  15. crank_case Avatar
    crank_case

    I’m conflicted between the awesome wagon-ness of the Torino/Vista cruiser mentioned and something that’d actually work on Irish roads.
    https://s1.cdn.autoevolution.com/images/gallery/SUBARUImprezaWagon-2269_5.jpg

  16. Smaglik Avatar
    Smaglik

    BMW E34 M5. These never made it over here, but with the 25 year rule, a few a popping up now and then. E39 m5 wagon would be better, but I’d settle.
    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/62e2af41142869ebfc7930a94a764ec2659359129b3a377db5e0af72f1fdd226.jpg

    1. Rover 1 Avatar
      Rover 1

      Must have the 3.8 +6speed.

      1. Smaglik Avatar
        Smaglik

        You know, I’m not sure. Certainly the s38, but not sure if it’s the final iteration of it. Never owned an E34 M5. I did have custody of the m88 in an 85 m635 for a couple years. Engine did sound incredible.

  17. tonyola Avatar
    tonyola

    Maybe not a favorite, but this Nissan Skyline is noteworthy. The Japanese answer to the Pinto Cruising Wagon? https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/8dc5caf77e6e5f990ea47062dcbd90531113eb1379e6152f1a7a79b9c8214aa5.jpg

      1. Dean Bigglesworth Avatar
        Dean Bigglesworth

        Yes. Or waht’s the modern expresssion… YAAAAASSSS? https://youtu.be/000pZdkaEsg

    1. nanoop Avatar

      Grown up in Yurp, I had to look up the Pinto – wow, it’s rare that a vehicle shouts 1977! as clearly as a PCW with stripes… Now I want one.

    1. Dean Bigglesworth Avatar
      Dean Bigglesworth

      I see i fucked up my html.. intense debate disqus seemd to fix it though *shrug*

      1. Dean Bigglesworth Avatar
        Dean Bigglesworth

        Completely unrelated but our Chief BLooger needs to resurrect LAst Call or something similar. Where else am I to post? PArticularly when it comes to rnadom late night/ early morning music? https://youtu.be/SYAf3JEB7Xc

        1. Dean Bigglesworth Avatar
          Dean Bigglesworth

          Also been stuck on this lately https://youtu.be/dU6_L1xaHnc

  18. Rover 1 Avatar
    Rover 1

    Not a one off and made by the factory to a ‘production’ total of seven, all for the same customer. By Pininfarina for his majesty, The Sultan of Brunei. The wagon was often seen around Knightsbridge in London, it was the consular shopping car for the Brunei Consulate in London.
    Following the idea that you can do a wagon conversion of any four door car, what about making the four door first, from a two door car, and then making the conversion to a wagon, (and make seven of each.)
    http://bestcarmag.com/sites/default/files/3133019L-Ferrari-456-2.jpg
    http://www.coachbuild.com/2/images/encyclopedia/Pininfarina/Ferrari_456GT_Sedan/Pininfarina_Ferrari_456GT_Venice_Sedan_Brunei_Silver_01.jpg
    https://a.motores.com.py/2013/10/705597_839abc9e59b7aa723b4e6df82f7f6414.jpg
    At least one of the Venice Estates has been sold on to another lucky person, this green one.
    https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s–_8YLwKQI–/c_scale,f_auto,fl_progressive,q_80,w_800/18ax7ormtl4rpjpg.jpg
    http://www.coachbuild.com/2/images/encyclopedia/Pininfarina/Ferrari_456GT_Venice_Estate/Pininfarina_Ferrari_456GT_Venice_Estate_Brunei_Blue_08.jpg
    https://a.d-cd.net/614c95u-960.jpg
    http://up.autotitre.com/f48koenig_v85co.jpg

    1. Topokon Guy Avatar
      Topokon Guy

      Hybridizing functionality and speed.

  19. Krautwursten Avatar
    Krautwursten

    We all know the sensible choices, so instead let’s celebrate the weird. Like the first gen Pontiac Tempest. Europe-friendly sized, light, zippy, independent suspension on all four wheels, transaxle for near-perfect weight distribution, the Buick aluminium V8 (if so equipped) is the forerunner of the long-lived Rover V8. Oh, and there was an optional roll-down tailgate window, and you can slap Buick Special or Oldsmobile F85 body panels on it. I can think of some great things to do with it, possibly involving a Corvette transmission, Corvette suspension parts and/or a TVR engine. It doesn’t even seem like a particularly outlandish undertaking considering what you can work with. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/b47bb0578cbb57f199998c4a947e1df168dbb2969a558c8cd1d5c2aa519b4b34.jpg

  20. Nexox Enigma Avatar
    Nexox Enigma

    Volvo V70R, followed by the 145S, and I reserve the right to change my mind once I get my 145 on the road again.

  21. Luxury Lexus Land-yacht Avatar
    Luxury Lexus Land-yacht

    I need one of these. Nice custom touch, putting that nose and interior on/in a T&C.
    http://topclassiccarsforsale.com/uploads/photoalbum/1977-chrysler-town-country-imperial-new-yorker-11.JPG

  22. Topokon Guy Avatar
    Topokon Guy

    Wow. I am drooling.