Ford’s wagon aspirations began in 1929 with its first mass-produced “station wagon”, originally sold as a commercial vehicle. Its usefulness as a people-mover catapulted the woody to new heights over time, until it became the top-shelf model in many line-ups. Heavy, hand built, more expensive than standard sedans, and maintenance-intensive, the woody was finally phased out in the early 1950s. This early post-war survivor is listed here on eBay with bidding at $3350, reserve not met. It’s located in Assonet, Massachusetts with a seller who purchased it from the original owner’s estate. Several parts are sold with the car including extra doors with better window mechanisms, wood to repair the exterior, and five new white wall tires. The existence of this survivor will help test the market, which has been drifting down of late. I have my opinion of value here, but let’s see what you think.
In the immediate post-war period, it was all the automakers could do to procure still-scarce materials and pump out cars into raging demand. There was no time for re-styling or exploring upgraded mechanicals, and no one cared much anyway. People just wanted cars. Niceties such as more exterior trim, two sun visors, armrests, ashtrays, horn rings, and badges were loaded onto the same old pre-war sheet metal propelled by the same old pre-war engines for a couple of years, to make models seem “new” until the economy sorted itself out. This engine is Ford’s 239 cu. in. flathead V8, used in the Mercury before the war but extended throughout the Ford line starting in 1946. Good for 100 hp, it is an upgrade over the ubiquitous 221 cu. in. mill used in pre-war Ford-badged cars. The Merc engine is paired with a three-speed manual. Our seller has rebuilt the engine’s heads, replaced the clutch, and installed a new electric fuel pump. The carburetor was also rebuilt. The brakes and fuel system still need attention, but at least she runs and all the gauges work.
The interior is a bit worn. The new owner is going to have fun in here, disassembling, refinishing surfaces and components, procuring materials, and reassembling. One note about Super De Luxe vs De Luxe: there’s no convention! The only consistent feature I found present on the Super De Luxe is the rectangular signal lights mounted above the grille. As far as I can tell, the De Luxe had round lights mounted below the head lamps. Forum participants go on about horn rings, and trim, and interior colors, and arm rests – but for every claim there’s a counterclaim that someone’s De Luxe had all those features, or someone’s Super didn’t. Mostly likely, these post war cars were cobbled up with whatever was available on the day they traveled down the assembly line.
Wood. It’s essential to a woody. The daylight you see there is the rear portion of the top fabric gone missing. Probably best to replace that entire top. The Ford Barn says don’t use padding between the top and the slats, but that’s up to the new owner, because people do it both ways. While we’re on the topic, here are the extra doors that convey with the sale.
This view displays the damage to the rear; note some pieces are missing. The seller indicates that there’s blue paint beneath brown primer. Dents are scattered about, some pretty obnoxious. Rust is said to be minimal, with one hole in the driver’s floor. And now it’s time to consider value. It’s true that these vehicles commanded six figures some years ago. This example from the Dingman Collection was sold by RM Sotheby’s for over $123k in 2018. But today, prices are less than half that, as shown by this lovely ’46, selling for $40k a few months ago. Bringing the example we’re featuring today up to even driver quality will cost a pretty penny. I’d be reluctant to pay more than low four figures for this car; what do you think?
I think that it’s a $75-100K restoration project that will have you underwater (and I may be underestimating that given shop labor charges). If one can DIY, more power to them. 500-1000 hours. Not for the faint of heart or with short arms and deep pockets.
One part has caught my eye, yes the one item I would like two of is the front bumper guard. If anyone knows where https://barnfinds.com/untouched-for-fifty-years1946-ford-woody-wagon/#comment-1583663any are please let me know in reply. The bar across the bottom of the guards are unusual and would look great on my 47 convertible (front and rear). Appreciate any reply.
I like that it’s a woody but it is a very needy woody. A total restoration is required to do it justice. I can only guess what the final bill would be but it will be a money pit for sure. The current market makes this project a financial crapshoot IMO. Too bad this wasn’t for sale ten years earlier.
Agree with the author and carbob 100 %. This car is no bargain in this market. When there are nice cars for 40 K, why would you want this project.
This breaks my heart, as I drove a 1946 Ford Super Deluxe V-8 Tudor sedan for many years. Those small round parking lights were on the 1947 and 1948 Fords only: both Deluxe and Super Deluxe 1946 Fords had the rectangular 1942- style parking lights as you see on this wagon. Both could come with either the V-8 or the six. Externally, they were identical except for the chrome-plated “Super Deluxe” banner under the left headlight, as opposed to nothing in that place on the Deluxe. The Super Deluxe had an interior of blues and greys, as opposed the tans and browns in the Deluxe. The Super Deluxe had stainless bands of trim on the insides of the door-panels, which the Deluxe lacked. The Super Deluxe had a horn ring; the Deluxe did not. The Deluxe had only a driver’s side sun-visor. The earthtone interior on the Deluxe was generally plainer and the seats lacked the faux leather trim-pieces. I think that the Deluxe also lacked the inside pillar lights and hanging-straps. The Super Deluxe had matching carpet, but the Deluxe might have had only rubber mats. Actually, the Super Deluxe also had rubber in front, but with carpet inserts. The gauges were fancy black with red indicators lit from behind in the Super Deluxe, but the Deluxe gauges were more plain.
Even if it was free, you would still lose. Nothing but pain, headaches and depleted bank balance.
To Wayne from Oz: I agree.
The early 47 Fords had 46 trim including the rectangular parking lights above the grille. Later 47s and 48s had round parking lights below the headlights and wider chrome as well as other changes. All had the round parking lights, not just the Super Deluxe
The early 47 Fords had 46 trim including the rectangular parking lights above the grille. Later 47s and 48s had round parking lights below the headlights and wider chrome as well as other changes. All had the round parking lights, not just the Super Deluxe
Kid down the street dad a 47 woodie with a oldsmobile engine and hydro.
quick quickAlways thought it would be nice to own,until I went for a ride and it started to rain. Hard to tell wher the most water was coming from outside or inside. Changed my mind quickly. Nice when the sun was shining!
I’ve got a 51 buick woodie wagon – have had a 53 buick and 49 olds woodie – and touched a lot of great projects needing new wood – long trail of patience, dreams, and $$ – and still in the garage – under-appreciated wood body cars I predict in the future will rise again – but get ready to spend 35k-50k on a new body, years, and very few artisans making wood bodies, and then it only comes out in the sunshine – still drawn to them