1940 Ford Deluxe Woodie Station Wagon
Chassis no. 5266500
221ci Flathead V8 Engine
Single Twin-Throat Carburetor
85bhp at 5,000rpm
3-Speed Manual Transmission
Front Independent Suspension Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Drum Brakes
*Beautifully restored inside and out
*Excellent woodwork
*Elegant maroon over tan livery
*Top-of-the-line Deluxe model
*Wonderful example of Ford's iconic Woodie Station Wagon
THE FORD WOODIE WAGON
The V-8 engine was no novelty when Henry Ford introduced the Ford V-8 in 1932, but never before had such an engine been produced successfully in large numbers and at so low a price. Styling followed the lines of the superseded Model A, but with an extra 25bhp the newcomer's performance was in an entirely different league. Engine development proceeded at a brisk pace and by 1936 the V-8's initial problems had been overcome and maximum power raised to 85bhp. The original 221ci (3,622cc) V-8 was joined by a smaller 136ci (2,227cc) 60bhp version from 1936.
While the number of body styles available on the long-running Model T chassis had been relatively limited, the arrival of its Model A successor for 1928 had ushered in an era of much greater variety and choice. New body styles for '29 included a Convertible Cabriolet, a Town Sedan and a wood-bodied Station Wagon, the first of the latter being built on April 25th 1929. Nicknamed 'Woodie,' the station wagon was not offered during the Ford V-8's - and Ford Model B four's - first year of production in 1932, but this ever-popular rural workhorse was back in the line-up for '33.
There had been Standard and Deluxe V-8s right from the start, the latter, as usual, being distinguished by a higher level of equipment, but from 1938 Ford gave the costlier Deluxe a different, more elaborate frontal styling. The work of Eugene Gregorie, the Deluxe's more modern look had been adopted across the range by 1940. The 'Woodie' Station Wagon was one of only six body styles available in the Deluxe series that year, when 8,730 of these delightful and charismatic vehicles were made, the smallest production run in the Deluxe line-up.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
Although the early history of this beautiful Deluxe Woodie remains unclear at the time of cataloging, it is known to have been in Tennessee for decades before being purchased by the consignor, an enthusiast in Southern California, some years back. The Station Wagon has recently been the recipient of a comprehensive three year long restoration, and the result is spectacular -- a delightful slice of unmistakable Americana from the Art Deco design era.
Presented in the iconic dark maroon color, with neatly contrasting tan upholstery, this Woodie shows extremely well inside and out. The wood has been expertly restored, and upon close examination one can see the beautiful seams through the varnish. Featuring the larger, 85bhp V-8 engine, this Woodie is plenty powerful for drives down to the beach with surfboards stacked high. There is enough room for a family of five going on a picnic, or perhaps a visit to the annual Wave Crest Woodie Concours d'Elegance in Encinitas, California.
Exuding charming Americana like few other models, a Woodie Wagon surely ought to be a staple in any collection of fine classic automobiles. Here is one of the best-restored examples we have had the pleasure of offering in some time.