AACA National First Prize

1939 Ford Woody Station Wagon AACA National First Prize Winner 221 CI Flat Head V-8 Engine, Three-Speed Manual Transmission, Hydraulic Brakes

For 1939, Ford offered two versions of the station wagon, but each model was easily distinguishable from the other. The '39 Standard used the previous year's front fenders style and a grille styled after the 1938 DeLuxe. By now, most wagons came equipped with safety glass windows, with side curtains being an option. A total of 2,203 Standard wagons came with the standard glass option from the factory, a low number for a mass-produced automobile. While the Standard station wagons did not have all the bells and whistles of the DeLuxe, they still proved to be far ahead of their competitors in 1939.

During the high quality frame-off restoration, the outside was painted in a delightful dark maroon that coalesces nicely with the well-restored wood doors and panels. All of the doors have good alignment and close with dispatch, the brightwork appears new as do the original running boards with new vulcanized rubber. Equipped on this station wagon is a set of whitewall tires, an option seldom seen in 1939.

The interior is newly upholstered in correct brown leatherette and features ample seating for eight occupants with a two-thirds bench seat in the middle. The dashboard has been restored with mahogany woodgrain, and the instruments are in well-working order. The front features roll-up windows, and the back is fitted with original sliding Ford script glass windows and one can't help but notice the beautifully varnished wood ceiling.

The engine compartment is correctly detailed and the chassis and underbody are painted in a gloss black. The period-correct 221-cubic-inch V-8 engine has been thoroughly gone through and is in well-working order. A modern-day battery has also been placed under the hood as a reliable power source. Adding to the driving experience is a classic floor-mounted shifter mated to the three-speed manual transmission.

This beautiful station wagon is also no stranger to drawing in attention either, as it has earned an AACA National first prize. Still ready to be taken to shows, it would make a great car to drive to the local drive-in or car show. The 1939 Ford woodies are highly desired by collectors for their combination of new-for-1939 hydraulic brakes as well as the floor shift transmission which was discontinued a short year later. As evidenced by the wonderful frame-off restoration and the rare mechanical combination, this can easily be regarded as one of the finest '39 Ford Standard Station Wagons extant.