1979 Ford LTD Country Squire Light Review – Pros, Cons & Worth It?

For movie buffs and diecast collectors alike, the 1979 ford ltd country squire holds a special place in cinematic history. This Greenlight 1/64 scale model perfectly recreates the weathered, wood-paneled wagon seen in the iconic 1991 film, Terminator 2: Judgment Day. I was immediately struck by the nostalgic “weathered” look that captures its on-screen appearance.

1979 Ford LTD Country Squire Light Review – Pros, Cons & Worth It?

At a price point of $26.00 and boasting a stellar 4.7-star rating, this isn’t just a toy; it is a piece of Hollywood memorabilia. Whether you are a fan of classic Fords or James Cameron’s masterpiece, this model delivers impressive authenticity in a tiny package.

Terminator 2 Icon: 1979 Ford LTD Overview

The 1979 ford ltd country squire is more than just a family hauler; in the context of Terminator 2, it represents the gritty, grounded reality of the early 90s. Greenlight’s Hollywood Series has a reputation for capturing these specific “hero cars,” and this weathered version of the LTD is a standout example. I have always appreciated how Greenlight focuses on the “lived-in” look rather than just pristine factory finishes for their movie replicas.

This specific model, numbered 44920 C, represents the sixth generation of the LTD. For collectors, the appeal lies in the intersection of automotive history and pop culture. The woodgrain siding and the boxy silhouette are hallmarks of an era, and seeing it shrunk down to a 3.25-inch scale while maintaining its “beaten-up” movie aesthetic is truly impressive. In my hands, the die-cast metal chassis gives it a weight that plastic models simply cannot match, making it feel like a premium collectible.

Movie-Accurate Detail & Key Features

Realistic Weathered Finish

The most striking feature of this 1979 ford ltd country squire is the factory-applied weathering. I found that the “dirt” and “rust” effects are applied with enough subtlety to look realistic rather than just painted on, perfectly mimicking the car’s appearance during the film’s intense chase sequences.

Die-Cast Metal Body and Chassis

Greenlight did not cut corners here, using a full die-cast metal construction for both the body and the undercarriage. This provides a premium feel and significant durability that makes the $26.00 price tag feel justified for serious collectors who value material quality.

Authentic Real Rubber Tires

Unlike cheaper 1/64 models that often use friction-heavy plastic wheels, this 1979 ford ltd country squire features real rubber tires. These not only look more authentic on a display shelf but also allow for a smoother roll, adding to the “true-to-scale” realism Greenlight is known for.

Custom Hollywood Themed Packaging

The model comes in a specially designed blister pack featuring Terminator 2: Judgment Day graphics and branding. I think this adds significant value for “new-in-box” collectors who want to display the item as a complete piece of movie merchandise rather than just a loose car.

Intricate Woodgrain Detailing

Recreating the iconic woodgrain panels on such a small scale is notoriously difficult, but this 1979 ford ltd country squire pulls it off beautifully. The texture and color gradient of the “wood” against the light blue paint work together to create a high-fidelity replica that looks great under macro photography.

Pros and Cons: A Collector’s Perspective

After spending some time examining the 1979 ford ltd country squire, I have identified where it shines and where it falls slightly short for the average hobbyist.

• ✅ Incredible movie-accurate weathering that perfectly captures the Terminator 2 vibe.
• ✅ Solid die-cast metal weight feels substantial and high-quality in the palm.
• ✅ Real rubber tires provide a premium look and feel over common plastic alternatives.
• ✅ Officially licensed by both Ford and the film studio for total collector authenticity.
• ✅ True 1/64 scale fits perfectly with other Greenlight, Johnny Lightning, or Hot Wheels collections.
• ✅ Highly detailed interior that is surprisingly visible through the clear windows.
• ✅ Limited edition status makes it a potential value-holder for the future.

• ❌ The $26.00 price point is higher than standard mass-market retail diecast cars.
• ❌ Small detail parts like side mirrors can be fragile if handled roughly by younger fans.
• ❌ The weathered effect is a standard print, so every model looks identical in its “dirt” patterns.

Examining the Weathered Finish & Scale Accuracy

When I tested this piece against other 1/64 models, the most striking feature was the intentional grit. Unlike standard Greenlight releases that shimmer with a factory-fresh gloss, this Terminator 2 edition embraces a matte, grimy aesthetic that perfectly mirrors the screen-used vehicle seen during the mall pursuit. The “weathering” isn’t just a random spray of brown; it is strategically applied to areas where road grime naturally accumulates.

Atmospheric Diorama Integration

In my experience, placing this model into a 1:64 scale urban diorama completely changes the vibe of the display. Most “new” diecast cars look out of place in a realistic street scene because they are too shiny. The factory-applied road salt and dust effects on this 1979 Ford LTD Country Squire allow it to blend seamlessly into a “lived-in” world. When I positioned it next to a scaled-down 1990s-era dumpster, the realism was startling.

Macro-Photography Performance

When I used a macro lens to inspect the woodgrain panels, I was impressed by the lack of “pixilation” often seen in cheaper models. The “rust” spots and dulled chrome are surprisingly intricate for a model at the $26.00 price point. The scale accuracy is a major highlight; Greenlight has captured the heavy, “floating boat” stance of the late-70s Ford, ensuring it looks like a scaled-down vehicle rather than a generic toy car.

Comparison with Standard Diecast

I compared this to the non-weathered version of the same casting. The contrast is fantastic for collectors who enjoy showing the evolution of a vehicle or specific movie scenes. While the wheels roll smoothly and the chassis is heavy metal, the real “performance” here is purely visual. It captures the “used car” aesthetic that is surprisingly difficult to find in the 1/64 diecast market.

Who Should Add This to Their Collection?

This isn’t your average grocery-store toy; it is a specialized piece of movie memorabilia. Here are the profiles of collectors who will find this model most rewarding:

• The Terminator Completist: If you are building a shrine to Judgment Day, this is an essential background vehicle that adds depth beyond just the main protagonist bikes and trucks.
• Classic Wagon Enthusiasts: Fans of the “malaise era” of American automotive history will appreciate the specific 1979 casting, which represents the final years of the massive, full-sized Ford station wagons.
• Professional Diorama Artists: Because the weathering is already expertly done, it saves hours of custom paintwork for those building 1/64 scale movie sets or vintage city streets.

Who should skip it? If you prefer “mint condition” aesthetics where every car looks like it just rolled off the showroom floor, the “dirty” finish of this 1979 ford ltd country squire might frustrate you. This is intended for those who appreciate cinematic grit over high-gloss finishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the “dirt” on the car permanent or can it be cleaned off?

The weathering is a factory-applied paint effect. It is permanent and cannot be wiped off with water or standard cleaners, ensuring the movie-accurate look remains consistent over time.

Does the 1979 ford ltd country squire feature opening parts?

No, this specific Greenlight Hollywood model does not feature an opening hood or tailgate. This is a common design choice in 1/64 scale to maintain the structural integrity and precise gaps of the exterior woodgrain detailing.

What materials is this model made of?

This model features a “True-to-Scale” diecast metal body and a metal chassis. It also includes real rubber tires (Real Rubber Power) and plastic interior components, giving it a premium weight and feel.

Is the woodgrain side paneling a sticker or paint?

It is a high-quality tampo print. This means the woodgrain and the weathered “dirt” are printed directly onto the metal, providing much better durability and finer detail than a traditional adhesive decal.

How does the 1979 ford ltd country squire scale with Hot Wheels?

Greenlight models are “True 1/64” scale, meaning they are often slightly larger and more proportionally accurate than standard Hot Wheels, which are sometimes scaled up or down to fit a universal track width.

Is the packaging collector-friendly for display?

The model comes in a themed “Terminator 2” blister pack. While the card art is beautiful for wall mounting, the plastic bubble is heat-sealed, meaning you will need to cut the packaging to remove the car for a loose display.

Final Verdict: A Must-Have Movie Car?

With a 4.7-star rating, the Greenlight 1979 LTD Country Squire (Weathered Version) is a standout piece in the Hollywood Series. For $26.00, you are getting more than just a diecast vehicle; you are getting a tangible piece of 1991 cinema history. The attention to the specific “weathered” patina and the commitment to the massive 1970s proportions make it a high-tier collectible for serious enthusiasts.

Whether you are a fan of the T-1000 pursuit scenes or just a lover of classic American steel, this 1979 ford ltd country squire is a phenomenal investment. It successfully bridges the gap between a simple toy and a museum-quality miniature. Add this to your collection today to complete your Terminator 2 display before they disappear into the hands of private collectors!