Original Wood: 1950 Ford Woody Station Wagon
Spotless station wagons are a “must-have” in the classic scene today. Therefore, finding one like this 1950 Ford Woody is quite a treat. What makes this vehicle truly impressive is the fact that all of its timber is original. This is a fantastic survivor, and it is now ready to head to a new home. The Woody is located in Lakewood, California, and has been listed for sale here on Craigslist. You can drive away in this beautiful wagon by handing the owner $26,000. I have to say thank you to Barn Finder Ikey H for spotting this remarkable classic for us.
The 1950 model year saw a new name appear within the Ford wagon range, the Country Squire. This was an attempt by Ford to change the public’s perceptions of the wagon and helped to separate it from its more “commercial” roots. It inferred a more luxurious experience for potential buyers. This Country Squire Woody presents beautifully, and it appears that it is a rust-free classic. It spent a large part of its life south of the border, down in Mexico. It has since found its way to California, and it is this life that has helped it to avoid all of the issues with the dreaded tin worm. The owner states that all of the timber is original. However, I believe that the wagon has been treated to some restoration work at some point. The owner has the original Sales Invoice, and this describes the color as “metallic brown.” Looking at the 1950 Ford Color Charts, I suspect that this would potentially have been something resembling Hawaiian Bronze. I have to say that the new color suits the Ford nicely, as it provides a striking contrast to the timberwork. It is hard to find a lot to fault with this wagon because it simply presents so well. The panels are straight, and the paint wears a beautiful shine. There is some noticeable cracking of the timber inserts on the tailgate, but the remaining wood looks fantastic. The chrome shines beautifully while the whitewall tires add a touch of class. The glass looks good, and the numerous stickers tell the story of a classic that has seen some action. It appears that a life spent in a garage gathering dust has not been the sort of life that this Woody has led.
The entry-level engine offering for the Woody was the 226ci 6-cylinder engine. However, lifting the hood on this Ford reveals the optional 239ci flathead V8, which is backed by a 3-speed manual transmission. This combination would have been good for a healthy 100hp and would have given the Wagon a top speed of 82mph. The engine bay presents as well as the rest of the vehicle. It is worth noting that this classic isn’t merely about spotless presentation. The owner states that the Woody runs and drives well.
Taking a peek inside the Ford reveals more impressive levels of presentation. It isn’t perfect, but it looks very comfortable. The wheel has a few marks on the rim, and one bottom corner of the driver’s door trim has been broken away. However, the dash looks great, and there are no signs of any issues with the seat upholstery or carpet. The invoice shows that this Wagon was ordered with a factory radio, while it also features the versatility of 3rd-row seating. The reality here is that there is not much for the next owner to do inside the Ford, although they might be tempted to repair the door trim. The only issue that they might strike is some difficulty getting a good color match. However, a competent cabinetmaker should be able to achieve this successfully.
In case you hadn’t noticed, I really like this 1950 Ford Woody. This car hails from an era when consumer confidence was high, and buyers were clamoring for the latest offerings from car manufacturers. This is a wagon that appears to be sound of limb and in good mechanical health. The wide assortment of stickers that it wears suggests that it has led an active life of adventure. Are you going to be the person who will add to that sticker collection?
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Comments
I’ve always liked old station wagons, especially the wood-bodied ones. I would likely be driving one except that my better half doesn’t share my enthusiasm. However, she is coming around. She even contributed to the decor of our tub room.
This is a nice car. Take it and enjoy it. That ol’ flattie will take you anywhere you want to go, and you’re sure to attract attention. But for me, realistically, about the only ’49-’50 Ford station wagon I can afford is the diecast one on my shelf…
What the devil happened there? That pic didn’t transfer worth a tinker’s damn. Talk about ruining a story! Let’s try it again and maybe you won’t be stuck with a pic of of a pic of some ’49 Plymouth…
Well, that was improved but still short of desired…
Don’t forget to wash your woodie lol. Love it!
I think that even though it is too rich for my blood, it is priced very reasonably.
Sure, those that remember these new are dying off, and that is bringing the value down. I get it, but this is still priced cheaply compared to what my mind says it should be at. I hope whoever buys it continues to use and enjoy it, but cherishes it too. They ain’t making any more of them!
We’ll never see the likes of them again so
why not preserve the ones we have. As a
kid, I started liking them after seeing the ’50 Mercury on ABC’s The Mod Squad
every Tuesday night for nearly two years.
But it was my practical side that kept me
from owning one. While they were stunning impressive vehicles, they were
actually a car owner’s nightmare–if the
tinworn didn’t get ’em, the termites did.
Just imagine calling Orkin and asking them to treat your car for termites! That
did it for me and the thought left my mind
for good. When you see how they’re built,
you get a daunting sense of fear–fear that if you buy it, you’ll never get it right.
At least that’s how I felt when I had the chance to buy one in the early ’70’s. So
what did I do? I bought my ’50 Packard
limo instead!
These are usually either complete wrecks or over restored. It’s nice to see an honest survivor like this one. The price is certainly within reason.
Interestingly, it doesn’t have the optional heater installed. Dress warm in winter!
Who needs a heater in Mexico?
I KNEW that was a 239 CID Phlathead, cuz I got one in my ‘53 Vicky! This Old Skool runner is a surfers‘ DREAM! I dunno if Ford was the first company to have 3rd row seating, but in any beach town this little ‘Woodie’ should easily command an audience! And, that’s a Phact!!!
I would imagine that visor would create a bit of a problem at a stoplight.
Visor no problem in California. Haven’t you heard about “California stops”at traffic lights? Really nice car. As said, nice to see one in good condition.
First time I heard that term. I’ve always known them as ” boulevard stops.” I’m a New Englander BTW.
Great time to enter the Woodie market.. prices are as soft as wet rotten wood.. find the best example you can.. cause finding a good work worker is getting tougher and tougher as most are a dying breed.. I am a wood worker and have restored many of my own personal woodies..trust me when I say they are pure labors of love..
Take photos of those stickers, then scrape em off.
And drive it.
If those are original water decals, not stickers, they are worth pretty good dollars! They sell from $25 and up. I was shopping for some for my ‘66 Impala S/W, that’s why I know the cost! Don’t scrape them off, that tells the story, it’s a badge if you will!
Gray Wolf,
If you’re still looking for original, NEVER USED* water decals of US states, I have a bunch of them coming up for auction on the 29th. I don’t think the auction company has them photographed yet, but I can make sure they do. They are already consigned, so I can’t take them back, but you can look the auction up at Green Gavel Auctions at Clayton, Delaware [near Dover] They will arrange for shipping if required. They can also take phone bids as well.
* Never used – Still in the original hanging tags and packaging, these came out of a NAPA store that closed in 1966 when the owner died, and I bought the remaining inventory about 20 years ago. [No much left today.]
370zpp,
I’d go a step further to save the stickers. Simply remove and replace the glass with new flat glass. Cost about $30 per panel, or about $120. Frame and hang ’em in your man cave.
You can also sell them with the car at a later date.
In my car dominated world, I have been fortunate enough to have owned and driven some very cool rides and it is always been experience ,I love. In all the cars, I have had, there has only been one Woody. The Woody was by far the most fun to drive, when you would stop at a light ,the drivers next to you always have a big smile on the their faces and usually some great comment. If you are having a bad day, just take the Woody for a spin around the block and come back feeling like a super hero.
Here ya go, Murray….
https://barnfinds.com/original-wood-1950-ford-woody-station-wagon/?utm_campaign=Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Newsletter+(Daily)
Somethin ain’t right, Hagerty has this car at $45,100. I have seen rust bombs at $20,000 for a 1953. I must have gone to 1968, the year I got out of highschool… where is my Delorian?
Man, would I love to bring this home to Fort Lauderdale. It would be so cool to drive it along A1A with a couple of surf boards on top.
Great car it should be preserved just the way it is!!! Do they still make lemon pledge????
Well Fellas….generally speaking I think this is a great deal for a “tin’ “shoebox” wagon. I’m partial to the earlier ones of course as mine is a ’47 and I really like the ’40’s. The prices vary tremendously . When Nick Alexander sold off his collection ( many bought from people I know) the prices cratered a bit but generally speaking 25 grand today wouldnt buy you a hulk.
With the aging of the Sixties demographic, many of whom paid a hundred dollars for them to use as surf wagons back in the day, and later became the backbone of the National Woodie Club and its chapters, finding ones with flatheads, maybe a Columbia overdrive and built as they were from the factory is becoming harder. So many have been customized because the aging demogaphic likes power steering, brakes etc..
So I dont know this car but if you have the spare cash, it looks like a less expensive ( the term being relative) way of getting into the Woodie World, which is one of the friendliest cohorts around.
As for Bill’s stickers. I used to collect them and have almost complete sets of many of the states, usually with women in bathing suits. They are just sitting in my collection of stuff.
Happy to see interest in the Woodie world :)
Mountainwoodie, You are so right about the Woodie group in Southern Ca.
I was in Ca. with my wagon from Colo, they immediately made friends with us and included us in all their activities. I have met many car people who are great, but this group is over the top.
Implied, not inferred.