Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 18
1938 Ford Model 81A Deluxe Station Wagon Chassis no. 18-4522106
Sold for US$50,400 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 18
1938 Ford Model 81A Deluxe Station Wagon
Audrain Concours Auction|29 September 2023, 16:00 EDT|Newport, Rhode Island, International Tennis Hall of Fame
1938 Ford Model 81A Deluxe Station Wagon
Chassis no. 18-4522106
Chassis no. 18-4522106
221ci Flathead V-8 Engine
Single Stromberg Downdraft Carburetor
85bhp at 3,800rpm
3-Speed Manual Transmission
Front Semi Elliptical and Rear Transverse Leaf Spring Suspension
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
*Beautifully restored example
*Reported to be a long time Hawaiian resident
*Family fun with room for eight
*Who doesn't love a big woody?
THE '38 FORD V-8
Ford made one significant but subtle change in its product line for 1938, creating separate Standard (82A) and Deluxe (81A) models and making their external appearance distinctly different and instantly recognizable. Ford's intent was to position the Standard in competition with the base Chevrolet and Plymouth models and move the Deluxe models up to compete with Pontiac and Dodge.
For 1938 the Model 81A Deluxe got a new grille with turned down, pointed hood and a tall, sharply vee-shaped grille with horizontal elements extending up and back on each side of the hood. As in 1937, the headlights were inverted teardrops set into the fender catwalks. Ford now actively promoted its all-steel welded bodies, first seen in 1937, and still maintained "The safety of steel from toe to wheel" in its mechanical brakes. Cable operation had replaced the original rods in 1937, however, and vastly improved the Ford mechanical brakes' performance, balance, service, and feel.
THE CAR OFFERED
This beautiful Ford Deluxe 'Woody' Wagon is reported to have spent most of its life in Hawaii, where it was no doubt used for hauling surfboards to the beach and carrying all manner of luau party supplies from beautiful island abodes. The penultimate owner, the Steelewood Collection of Woody Wagons, acquired the car and shipped it to the mainland where it was reported to be the subject of an eight-year restoration. Finished in classic Dartmouth Green, the birch and maple wood framing and panels were carefully conserved and revarnished. A new leatherette roof was fitted, while the interior was retrimmed in brown upholstery under restored basswood ceiling ribs. Up front, the faux wood paneling on the dash was redone and the full complement of options, including clock, radio, and Deluxe banjo-spoke steering wheel were refreshed. Under the hood, the engine is reported to have been overhauled and restored.
The current owner purchased the car a few years ago and has used it sparingly. In his care, it is understood that a new set of brakes was fitted, and the engine was tuned and serviced last summer.
Showing beautifully today, this Deluxe Wagon is the perfect hauler for the whole family. With room for eight and plenty of power on tap from the trusty V-8, it is the ultimate beach or island car—whether that beach is on Nantucket, Montauk, Oahu, or Malibu.
Single Stromberg Downdraft Carburetor
85bhp at 3,800rpm
3-Speed Manual Transmission
Front Semi Elliptical and Rear Transverse Leaf Spring Suspension
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
*Beautifully restored example
*Reported to be a long time Hawaiian resident
*Family fun with room for eight
*Who doesn't love a big woody?
THE '38 FORD V-8
Ford made one significant but subtle change in its product line for 1938, creating separate Standard (82A) and Deluxe (81A) models and making their external appearance distinctly different and instantly recognizable. Ford's intent was to position the Standard in competition with the base Chevrolet and Plymouth models and move the Deluxe models up to compete with Pontiac and Dodge.
For 1938 the Model 81A Deluxe got a new grille with turned down, pointed hood and a tall, sharply vee-shaped grille with horizontal elements extending up and back on each side of the hood. As in 1937, the headlights were inverted teardrops set into the fender catwalks. Ford now actively promoted its all-steel welded bodies, first seen in 1937, and still maintained "The safety of steel from toe to wheel" in its mechanical brakes. Cable operation had replaced the original rods in 1937, however, and vastly improved the Ford mechanical brakes' performance, balance, service, and feel.
THE CAR OFFERED
This beautiful Ford Deluxe 'Woody' Wagon is reported to have spent most of its life in Hawaii, where it was no doubt used for hauling surfboards to the beach and carrying all manner of luau party supplies from beautiful island abodes. The penultimate owner, the Steelewood Collection of Woody Wagons, acquired the car and shipped it to the mainland where it was reported to be the subject of an eight-year restoration. Finished in classic Dartmouth Green, the birch and maple wood framing and panels were carefully conserved and revarnished. A new leatherette roof was fitted, while the interior was retrimmed in brown upholstery under restored basswood ceiling ribs. Up front, the faux wood paneling on the dash was redone and the full complement of options, including clock, radio, and Deluxe banjo-spoke steering wheel were refreshed. Under the hood, the engine is reported to have been overhauled and restored.
The current owner purchased the car a few years ago and has used it sparingly. In his care, it is understood that a new set of brakes was fitted, and the engine was tuned and serviced last summer.
Showing beautifully today, this Deluxe Wagon is the perfect hauler for the whole family. With room for eight and plenty of power on tap from the trusty V-8, it is the ultimate beach or island car—whether that beach is on Nantucket, Montauk, Oahu, or Malibu.
Additional information
Looking for a similar item?
Our Cars specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.
Find your local specialistSpecialist section
Auction Viewings
- 28 September 2023, 09:00 - 18:00 EDT
- 29 September 2023, 09:00 - 16:00 EDT
