Some classics are undeniably cool and are guaranteed to draw crowds of admiring enthusiasts. Even those who aren’t passionate about classic cars can find them irresistible. I believe that will be the case with this 1946 Mercury Woodie Wagon. It is a stunning vehicle that combines old-world charm with practicality. Throw third-row seating into the equation and this is a Station Wagon that will provide an ownership experience for the entire family. The seller has listed the Woodie here on Facebook Marketplace in Fort Myers, Florida. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting a vehicle that could be yours for $55,000.

Edsel Ford founded Mercury in 1938, creating a marque to bridge a gap between the less expensive Ford models and the more expensive Lincoln brand. The marque borrowed heavily from both companies initially, although it became more reliant on Ford components as it evolved. This is best demonstrated by this 1946 Woodie Wagon, which shares body components and timber with its less expensive Ford cousin. The seller claims to be its third owner, and its overall condition suggests it has led a fairly fortunate life. The Light Moonstone Gray paint shines beautifully, and if there are any issues, they are too insignificant to show in the supplied photos. The timber is exceptional, with no evidence of rot or deterioration. The seller states that the doors open and close effortlessly, suggesting that this classic is structurally sound. The underside is rock-solid, with the Wagon retaining all of its original steel. The trim and glass are excellent, and it seems only fitting that this Woodie rolls on whitewall tires.

I’ve always loved the fact that Woodie Wagons interiors often feature a slatted timber roof, making them feel more like a comfortable home than a vehicle to transport the family. This Mercury continues that trend, and like the exterior, the presentation is first-rate. The seats feature new leather covers, while the versatility is accentuated by third-row seating. The woodwork glows warmly, and the flawless dash is a piece of Art Deco beauty. This is hardly surprising because Edsel Ford greatly influenced Mercury’s vehicle design until his premature death in 1943. His legacy carried forward into early post-war vehicles, including this Woodie.

Considering it fell under Ford’s corporate umbrella, it is hardly surprising to find the engine bay housing a 239ci V8 from that manufacturer. Producing 100hp and 180 ft/lbs of torque, it sent its ponies to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual transmission. The Wagon’s performance was considered quite impressive in 1946, with the flathead’s low-end torque delivery making it exceptionally flexible. Potential buyers can consider this gem as a turnkey proposition that has received some significant recent work. The braking system is virtually new from end to end, while the original V8 received a rebuild a few years ago. The car sports a new carburetor and a rebuilt distributor, with the seller indicating that it runs and drives beautifully. Flying in for a Florida vacation and driving home behind the wheel of this Woodie seems to be a viable option.

There are moments when writing for Barn Finds where a classic is so appealing that it is virtually impossible to be impartial. Such is the case with this 1946 Mercury Woodie Wagon because it is a vehicle that I would happily park in my garage. It doesn’t offer the creature comforts provided by the latest offerings off showroom floors, but it compensates for that perceived shortcoming by possessing character that those vehicles can only aspire to. It has been on the market for under a week, and with the seller’s price looking quite competitive, I believe that it will find its new home fairly quickly.