Inventory Listing

Spectacular frame-off restoration with just 115 miles since it was completed. All new wood by expert craftsman. Detailed engine and chassis. Runs and drives superbly. One of the very best!

This stunning 1946 Ford Super Deluxe station wagon is fresh from a comprehensive frame-off restoration to the very highest standards. It shows just 115 miles since it was completed, and is quite likely better than new in every way that matters. The wood was hand crafted by a gentleman who claims that standard cabinet-making is “Just too boring,” and who specializes in challenging work like this woody body. The rest of the body was finished by the experts at Capaldi Enterprises, and all of the Washington Blue sheetmetal is in superb condition. The fenders are smooth and wave-free, the hood opens and closes without a heavy slam, and regardless of the weather, the doors fit without binding or rattling. Of course, all the chrome and stainless trim was restored to show standards and simply glitters against the dark blue finish. This is a car that you could look at for hours and not see all the wonderful details.

The interior is a fantastic combination of honest simplicity and expert craftsmanship. Three rows of bench seats are rare, as most owners pulled the third row to increase cargo capacity. That’s the standard smooth vinyl upholstery Ford used throughout station wagon production, which is durable and attractive without being too fussy. The floors are covered in simple rubber mats and the door panels are fully finished mahogany panels. All the gauges were rebuilt and show crisp red markers and clear lenses, and the steering wheel is beautifully refinished, complete with horn ring and button. There is no radio, as they were still optional in 1946, but there is an effective heater/defroster unit under the dash.

The engine is Ford’s venerable and fun-to-drive 239 cubic inch “flathead” V8. This one has been fully rebuilt to stock specs, so it feels torquey and eager to rev but reliability hasn’t been compromised. It starts almost instantly and idles well even when it’s cold with just a little choke. There’s a correct oil bath air cleaner up top, an accessory oil filter unit, and a proper Ford Script carburetor underneath. The 24-stud flathead is dressed corporate blue engine enamel that’s not quite the same shade as the bodywork but it looks crisply rendered under the hood nonetheless. The wiring harness is new, the lines and hoses are new, the radiator is new, and, well, I think you get the point. This is a car that you can drive and enjoy or trailer to shows and it’ll be equally successful at either occupation.

The undercarriage is perhaps even more highly detailed than the engine bay. Yes, there’s an argument to be made that it’s over-restored, what with gloss black chassis components and bright hardware, but the results are so impressive that it’s hard to imagine doing it any other way. It’s totally stock, from the live front axle with transverse leaf spring to the banjo-style rear end that houses 3.78 gears, making the woody a comfortable highway cruiser. A single exhaust system gives the flathead exactly the right voice and the agile handling isn’t diminished one bit by the station wagon bodywork. There’s also a new gas tank, a crisp-shifting 3-speed manual transmission, and hydraulic brakes that are strong enough to instill confidence behind the wheel. Color-matched 16-inch steel wheels are dressed up with trim rings and hub caps, plus a set of 6.00-16 Firestone wide whites.

This is quite possibly the finest woody we’ve ever represented. It’s expertly built, tastefully finished, and totally sorted, which is unusual in a show-quality vehicle. Woodies remain red hot and the best ones will always be treasured heirlooms. Available for a fraction of its restoration cost, if you’re a Ford fan, this woody deserves a closer look and offers exactly zero excuses.