LOT 805 ¤
1948 Ford Super Deluxe Station Wagon 'Woody' Chassis no. 899A295773
Sold for US$50,400 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 805¤
1948 Ford Super Deluxe Station Wagon 'Woody'
1948 Ford Super Deluxe Station Wagon 'Woody'
Chassis no. 899A295773
Chassis no. 899A295773
350ci OHV V8 Engine (see text)
Electronic Fuel Injection
(est) 420bhp at 6,000rpm
3-Speed TH350 Automatic Transmission
Front Independent Suspension, Real Live Axle
Front Disc, Rear Drum Brakes
*An exceptionally built custom 'Woody' by legendary builder Roy Brizio
*Built using Hawaiian Koa wood, amongst the rarest in the world, endemic to only Hawaii
*Powered by a Cub Barnett built street performance, fuel injected Chevrolet V8 engine
*Woodwork completed in 1999 by veterans Nickels Automotive Woodworking
*Fitted with modern creature comforts including power windows and air conditioning
*Finished in a beautiful livery of metallic sand beige over tan leather interior
*Custom boxed frame finished in Por/15 for increased protection
THE 1941 - 1948 FORD
Ford introduced their last pre-war model in 1941, with a design by Bob Gregorie. The 1942 Fords were the last produced before civilian production was shut down in favor of supporting the war effort. For the return to civilian production in 1946, the design was refreshed, with the final 1947 refresh lasting until the 1949 model year. While the styling was long-lived, it still inspired others – the Swedish Volvo 444 being one such vehicle apparently influenced by Ford's styling.
For the woodies built at the Iron Mountain plant, Ford sourced their wood from their own forests in northern Michigan. They also milled the wood and built the bodies. Apparently, they let easy access to timber go to their heads, because it appears everywhere in the car – exterior panels, interior door panels, even the interior roof was finished with wood slats. Curiously, the dash had a painted-on simulated wood finish.
The 1948 Ford was a car of lasts: the last to have a full wooden body, the last built during Henry Ford's lifetime, the last US iteration of the flathead, the last with a crank option to start (one end of the lug wrench could be inserted though the grill to crank the engine over if your battery died). In spite of all the historic milestones, they were very capable drivers. According to period reviews, these were among the best cruising cars and can comfortably manage freeway speeds allowing them to be usable still today. They were also recognized for having excellent brakes in their time. However, the station wagons were no doubt most comfortable in small town settings, running to the depot, hauling equipment, or going to the market.
THE CAR OFFERED
There are Woody's, then there are Woody's with the highest of details. This Woody here belongs in the latter part. The amount of work involved, careful planning, and attention to detail is clearly visible. What started off a standard 1948 Ford Wagon, has now transformed into one of the most impressive Woody's available. Starting with the wood, this is one of the rarest forms of wood out there, this vehicle utilized real Hawaiian Koa wood. Not only is this wood endemic to only Hawaii, but it is also very rare due to restrictions because of harvesting and factors of environmentalism. The Koa wood used on this example was harvested by the previous owner after a hurricane swept Hawaii back in 1979. It is stated that the Hawaiian government officials needed to give permission for this wood to be harvested and exported for use on this project. Quite possibly, this might be the only Woody out there utilizing this beautiful and significant Koa wood.
With the wood already sorted, the materials were sent to Nickels Automotive Woodworking of Traverse City, Michigan. From there, the artisans at Nickels began the painstaking work of their detailed craftsmanship. They built the car for its previous owner, a Gawain Booth of Holualoa, Hawaii. The woodwork was completed on the car in 1999. The rest of the car was built and assembled by legendary hot rod builder, Roy Brizio of Brizio Street Rods in San Francisco, California. Built by some of the best marque specialists in the industry, this Woody has an incredible pedigree. The body sits on a custom boxed frame with POR/15 epoxy coating. This wagon also sits on adjustable air bag suspension.
The Woodie has been well-kept mechanically through the years, having been in the ownership of its current caretaker for many years. During his ownership the Woodie has been carefully preserved in the climate-controlled Richardson collection. The car is finished in metallic sand beige with tan leather trim. The interior is also adorned by a custom wooden dashboard and steering wheel to match. The interior also features an array of VDO gauges, added air conditioning, hidden stereo in the glovebox, tilt wheel steering column and more.
The car is powered by a Cub Barnett 350ci street performance Chevrolet fuel injected V8 engine connected to a TH350 automatic transmission. This car not only has great looks, but enough horsepower to back it up. A quintessential American icon, this Woody is reported by the vendor to be an excellent driver, currently showing 10,840 miles on the odometer, and should provide many more happy miles over the years. Truly one of the most impressive Woody builds available and should not be overlooked.
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 specialistAuction Viewings
- 19 September 2025, 13:00 - 19:00 PDT
- 20 September 2025, 09:00 - 18:00 PDT
- 21 September 2025, 09:00 - 18:00 PDT
- 21 September 2025, 09:00 - 18:00 PDT
Lot symbols
| ¤ | No Reserve |
| Unless indicated by the ¤ symbol next to the lot number (or bearing an explicit statement such as "No Reserve" or "Without Reserve"), which denotes no reserve, all lots in the catalog are subject to a reserve. The reserve is the minimum hammer price that the seller is willing to accept for a lot. This amount is confidential and does not exceed the low estimate value. |
