A woody wagon that’s never been restored is about as rare as a hen’s tooth these days. The very last true woodies were made by Buick in 1953, and even at that, the wood portions were much diminished compared to earlier versions – limited to accenting the windows, doors, and tailgate. So it’s a treat to see this 75-year-old survivor in such sterling condition – wood glowing, chrome bright, and yes, a bit of primer peeking through the paint here and there. Plymouth offered the Special Deluxe woody from the 1930s until 1950; this last-year example is advertised here on craigslist for $17,900. The new owner can very likely drive her home from the Kansas City, Missouri area – but watch those brakes, especially in winter. Thanks once again to T.J. for the great tip!
Plymouth produced Chrysler’s low-cost vehicles for economy-minded buyers who still wanted contemporary styling but couldn’t afford the big Imperial with its thirsty engine and sumptuous trim. The post-war Special Deluxe arrived in 1946 on a 118″ wheelbase; the downmarket Deluxe was the base model on a shorter wheelbase. Both received Chrysler’s 217.8 cu. in. L-head six, uprated from 95 hp to 97 by the time 1950 rolled around. The only transmission option was a column-mounted three-speed manual. Still electrified by only six volts, not much has been updated under this hood over the decades. That doesn’t mean she’s been neglected: the seller notes the engine has been rebuilt and the front brakes are substantially new.
Aside from a longer wheelbase than the Deluxe, the Special Deluxe trim level supplied a range of upscale upholstery options, a woodgrained dash, dual sun visors, and bright trim surrounding the windows. This survivor’s interior is exemplary: even the headliner is clean if not perfectly tight. Details like the spare tire storage compartment, twin-paned rear window, Mopar fog lights, and a vintage spotlight ramp up the charm here.
Expensive and maintenance-intensive, woodies were also heavy enough to subtract from the performance of the engines they usually shared with their sedan and coupe siblings. Plymouth’s last woody came off the line the year this car was made. Many years of steel-bodied wagons followed, until manufacturers felt compelled to doll up those long slab sides with faux woodgrain (aka, plastic) in the 1960s. But if you want the real deal, this Plymouth is priced about as reasonably as they come. Put this in your garage, and you’ll be the star of next year’s local shows, hands down.
Stateside yes, the Buick was the last, however that claim goes to the 1971 Morris Traveler, as the last true wood bodied wagon. Needs an automatic,,,
Wow!! There’s just something about old wooden bodied cars, and old wooden ( mahogany) boats. They’re works of art, to bend and form wood for body lines is just impressive to me. ( maybe I’m the only one). If this is indeed all original, thats even more impressive. And it goes to show with proper care and storage that it is indeed possible. I’d personally go for period correct white walls, I think that would add a bit to the wow factor for me. Nice one Michelle!!! Great write up!!! And of course T.J., great find!!!
Is this a screaming deal, or am I wildly off-base on values for these? I really love the originality and the stories this ol woody must have. So COOL!
I don’t think it will last too long on the market. That’s a really nice honest looking car.
I’ll get hate for saying this but, restomod this. At a minimum convert to twelve volts and upgrade the brakes. I agree the wood bodywork is cool.
I don’t know weather you would call this foresight or just nostalgia and memories but, it is incredible keeping a vehicle and taking great care of it like this.
Whatever it is I’m kicking myself for not having it and keeping some of the muscle cars I drove in the 70’s.
The only thing I would do with this car is maintain and occasionally drive it.
My research says that fluid drive semi-automatic was an option.
I don’t believe Plymouth ever offered a Fluid Drive Transmission.
Yes they did. My brother had one. It used motor oil for the engine and transmission. I don’t remember it being available for very long. Nor was it a good answer to Ford and Chevy.
To Fox Owner: Yes you will!! THIS car deserves to be kept ALL ORIGINAL. Six volt cars run fine in any temperature: they SOUND as if they are being started with a half-dead battery at first; but that is part of the charm. DON’T convert to 12 volts; DON’T alter the brakes or the drive train; DON’T substitute a modern stereo; and DON’T add seat belts! Drive it just the way they made it in 1950.
I’m smitten. I presently have neither the scratch nor indoor storage space for this sweetheart but I want it, dagnabit! A genuine woody wagon in this condition and at this asking price is a terrific find in my opinion. GLWTS.