1940 Ford Model 01A Deluxe “Woodie” Station Wagon
One of the most cherished classics in American automotive history, the 1940 Ford Deluxe “Woodie” Station Wagon combined practical utility with unmistakable charm. This top-of-the-line model featured handcrafted wooden bodywork that required skilled craftsmanship to construct.
Under the hood sat Ford’s reliable 221ci flathead V8 engine. Producing 85 horsepower at 3,800rpm (not 5,000rpm as occasionally misreported), this power plant provided adequate performance for the era. The engine utilized a single twin-throat carburetor and was paired with a three-speed manual transmission that sent power to the rear wheels.
The chassis employed a straightforward but functional design typical of the period. The front suspension used a solid I-beam axle with transverse leaf spring, while the rear featured a live axle. Four-wheel drum brakes provided stopping power that was standard for vehicles of this vintage.
What truly distinguished the Woodie was its bodywork. The main structure used maple and birch panels from Ford’s own timber operations at Iron Mountain, Michigan.
These woods were selected for their strength and visual appeal, creating the distinctive appearance that made these vehicles instantly recognizable. The wood required regular maintenance, including sanding and varnishing, to preserve its condition.
The interior featured three rows of seating that could accommodate up to eight passengers. The dashboard maintained the clean Art Deco-inspired design found across Ford’s 1940 lineup, with simple round gauges set in a metal panel.
Production figures reveal the Woodie’s exclusive nature – Ford manufactured just 8,730 Deluxe Station Wagons in 1940, making it the lowest-production body style in the Deluxe series. This rarity has contributed to their desirability among collectors today.
Contemporary competitors included the Chevrolet Suburban and Plymouth Westchester station wagon, though the Ford’s combination of V8 power and distinctive styling gave it particular appeal.
The 1940 model year also marked an important transition in Ford styling, adopting the more modern front-end design created by Eugene Gregorie that had previously been exclusive to the Deluxe series.
Credit: Bonhams|Cars
