Rare 1937 Ford Model 78 Deluxe Woodie Station Wagon

Originally station wagons were referred to as ‘depot hacks’ and were vehicles designed to haul guests and their luggage from train stations to hotels or resorts. In the beginning coach building firms such as Murray and Baker Raulang took delivery of a complete chassis and added the wooden bodywork before returning it to the OEM builder for final assembly. Henry Ford believed so strongly in the use of wood he purchased over 300,000 acres of forest in Michigans Upper Peninsula as a direct supply to the company’s production efforts. The facility came to be know as Iron Mountain and was originally a sawmill and kiln drying facility. Iron Mountain eventually became solely responsible for the production of the station wagon and other wood based bodies for Ford. Over the following decades the stylish workhorses produced there became the preferred choice of surfers and outdoor enthusiasts for their carrying capacity and durability. Today car collectors treasure them for their sheer beauty and rarity.

The 1937 Ford Woodie Wagon offered here is one of the very few of its kind that has managed to survive intact. A grand total of 9304 Ford Woodie Wagons were produced in 1937 with a sticker price average of $756. Although the exact number of survivors is unknown it is thought that there may be as few as a dozen or so original specimen cars left. A 2007 sale from The Exceptional Cars auction by Christies took place on June 3rd 2007 with a hammer price of $159,500 while a June 14th 2008 sale from Joes Garage: The MacPherson Collection by RM Auctions gathered 30 bids and went for $195,000. The car offered here is as attractive as either of the aforementioned vehicles. This fully restored example projects the dignity and style its creators envisioned. With its unique Deep Pewter exterior finish, Tan leather and wood grain trimmed interior, restored wood sides, and all the mechanical advantages the 1937 Ford offered, the new owner can enjoy a truly stylish, reliable and rewarding driving experience. As well, the new owners can expect a very pleasant and cooperative purchase experience.

Yes, it is for sale.