1948 Super Deluxe Ford Woody Wagon

This 1948 Ford Super Deluxe Woody four-door wagon was the recipient of a three-year restoration effort that addressed top-to-bottom mechanical and cosmetic needs, including a rebuild of the 239ci flathead V8 mated to a 3-speed manual transmission. The wooden trim both inside and out was removed, sanded, refinished, and varnished in line with factory specifications, the body was repainted with a clear coat finish, and the brightwork was redone. Recent maintenance has included replacement of the radiator and a conversion to a 12-volt electrical system. Finished in Maroon over a reupholstered brown vinyl interior, this Woody is now offered with a clear Arizona title in the seller’s name.

The Ford model lineup went through cosmetic changes each year of the 1940s including moving the parking lights from above the grille to below each headlight beginning in 1947. The following year was the last for all-wood bodies on station wagons, and this example from that year was the subject of a multi-year restoration process that involved a respray in PPG Maroon with a clear coat. The wood was removed, sanded, bleached, and toned by a specialist, and then treated to multiple coats of varnish prior to being polished to a gloss finish. Similarly, the brightwork was redone including the bumpers, grille, headlight rings, and stainless-steel side moldings. Additional finish work included refurbishment of the black top and the installation of a color-matched spare tire housing on the rear tailgate.

Color-matched steel wheels with Ford-branded bright hubcaps and beauty rings are wrapped in whitewall tires. The brakes and suspension were overhauled as part of the restoration, and stopping power comes from four-wheel drums.

The interior offers newer brown vinyl upholstery for all three rows of seating with additional padding having been added. The door panels and headliner are trimmed in gloss woodgrain to match the exterior, and rubber flooring material has been installed in the footwells. The dash is finished in ivory, offset by a white steering wheel and bright accents throughout.

Instrumentation consists of a 100-mph speedometer and a series of auxiliary gauges mounted to the left of the steering column, including readouts for fuel level, oil pressure, voltage, and coolant temperature. The odometer is a five-digit mechanical unit, and true chassis mileage is unknown.

The rebuilt 239ci flathead V8 received a rebuilt carburetor and replacement pistons, rods, valves, and gaskets as part of the restoration. During the seller’s ownership, the radiator, motor mounts, and fuel tank were replaced, and the wiring was converted to 12-volt with the addition of a new battery and an electric fuel pump. A new clutch and throwout bearing were installed, and power is sent to the rear wheels via a rebuilt 3-speed manual transmission and a column-mounted shift lever.

Additional photos showing the condition of the underside are available in the carousel.

A photobook and records documenting the restoration, the original certificate of title from Texas, and more will go with the vehicle.