Something is enticing about loading the tribe into a classic station wagon and heading out on the road for an adventure. You could select virtually any station wagon on the planet, and it would perform admirably. Alternatively, you could slip behind the wheel of this 1934 Ford Model 40 Woody. It might not offer the plushest ride or loads of equipment to occupy people on a long journey. It makes up for what it lacks in those areas with sheer presence. It is guaranteed to turn heads wherever it goes, and every trip would feel like a special occasion. Located in Fairmont Hot Springs, British Columbia, Canada, you will find the Woody listed for sale here on eBay. The owner has set a BIN of C$34,900 but leaves the option for interested parties to make an offer. I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this beauty for us.
Finished in a combination of maroon and red, the Woody makes a positive first impression. It appears that the paint may sport a few chips and minor defects, but if considered as an above-average driver-grade car, it has no immediate needs. The panels look remarkably straight, and there’s no evidence or mention of any rust problems. The defining characteristic of any Woody is its timber, and it doesn’t let the side down in this case. Its fit and finish look excellent. There is no peeling varnish or signs of rot. The wire wheels wear red paint to match the fenders, and a set of trim rings add a classy touch. A bonus is the seller’s decision to include a spare set of wheels and good tires. The trim shines as impressively as the paint, and the glass looks flawless.
This Ford would have rolled off the line powered by a 221ci flathead V8 that sent its 85hp to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual transmission. It offered class-leading performance in 1934, but I suspect that the driver may have more power available under their right foot. It isn’t clear whether the motor is the original 221 or a later 239. One thing is certain: the addition of Weiand cylinder heads and dual carburetors will unlock additional performance. It’s frustrating that the seller provides no information on how the Woody runs or drives, but the news should be positive if the visual presentation is a fair indication.
If the engine bay holds the promise of additional power, this Woody’s interior suggests that occupants should feel pretty comfortable. The seats wear buttoned cloth upholstery that looks flawless. I can’t spot any wear or physical damage, and the inclusion of seatbelts should improve occupant safety. As with the exterior, the interior timber glows richly, while the painted surfaces look excellent. I’m not sold on the inclusion of red on the gauge cluster and glove compartment lid, but it does continue the exterior paint scheme. The seller may conceivably have left the entire dash maroon, and it would still have looked good. The gauge cluster features a collection of Stewart Warner vintage-look gauges to monitor the Wagon’s health and wellbeing. The only other issue of note is the lack of floor coverings. Considering how well the rest of the interior presents, I feel the floor deserves a nice carpet set to add the perfect finishing touch.
We’ve recently seen a couple of nice Ford Woody Wagons at Barn Finds, but this looks like a gem. Its builder has followed a tried-and-true path of mechanical upgrades that should improve performance and comfort while increasing reliability. If I were to buy this classic, I’d add a carpet set but leave the rest of the Wagon untouched. What would you do?
What happened to the back doors? And no picture of the driver’s side? Many questions about this one.
Inside shot to the rear shows a lift up window and drop down lower half.
It’s a 2 door model, not the 4 door version.
In Canada. Is this an English 1934 Ford? Did it come as a two door?
I was thinking the easiest “fix” would be to replace the wooden doors with sedan ones and pass it off as being in the style of an English woody.
The “red” dash panel pieces are actually wood. Blow up the picture and you can see the grain. Nice ride.
Does it have ” a back seat and rear window” and will it “getya where you wanna go” Couldn’t help myself sorry.
Head bolt count tells us it’s a 21-stud motor – also has an alternator in place suggesting a 12-volt conversion. Ford didn’t have a two-door woody version until 1949, so this is a total wood re-do (and very nicely done). Not enuff drop in the front to suggest a dropped axle addition – juice brakes? – probably.
Worth the almost $30K in Yankee dollars? – possibly…
It’s definitely not the original engine. It would have the water pumps at the front of the heads instead of low down on the block.
This is not an original 34 Ford woody, it is a made up car. The originals were 4-door’s and the body on this car is not original Ford. I guess if you don’t care it doesn’t matter, but for some one who knows Model 40’s, this car is just a hack job. Even at 34 K it is way over priced. If you compare it to orginal photos of 34 wagons this car isn’t even close.
This may be the first article Adam has written where he didn’t have the cars 1/4 mile speeds listed …….
I think the body is homemade. Not authentic, and as such, priced too high.
Okay,I’ll go there ,I got a 34 wagon and they call it a woody,She not very cherry but a old goody
I would want to investigate further with the use of the two large diameter copper pipes for the coolant from the radiator to cylinder heads when the heads look to be made from aluminium.
This body appears to have been constructed well after WW2, and the fit & finish of the individual body panels suggests the builder was not that knowledgeable on design and construction of wood bodied wagons. The interior roof shot suggests the top is simply a flat piece of plywood.
IMHO, the cabinet work is simply not consistent with other wagons of that era, and gives me the impression that this wood body could have been an aftermarket custom coach.
I’m out.
Looks like a converted hearse to me. A nice looking hearse, but still a hearse.
I think Steve Knapp is right. Driver’s side wasn’t done so seller didn’t take a picture. Still just the metal that was used on this hearse.
My girlfriend [who loves old cars!] looked at the ad on feebay. She notes there are 2 sets of wire wheels and tires included with the sale, yet the spare tire well on the right front fender remains empty. She suspects the reason it’s empty is because none of the tires are of the original width, and won’t fit inside the well.
It’s a home made “bitsa” and would likely find a buyer if honestly presented as such. But when a seller seems to be concealing pertinent facts, I want nothing to do with him or his car.