Hot-Rodding A ’51 Ford Woody Wagon

As Americans, the ‘woody wagon,’ holds a special place in our hearts.

Perhaps it revives memories of neighbors bull-dozing into their driveway with their gas-guzzling, wood-clad station wagon. If you’re a baby boomer, memories of your Ford Country Squire may take you back to the simpler times; going on cross-country family road-trips with your dad’s prized possession, an authentically wooden station wagon. Or maybe you’re a millennial like me, and you watch the National Lampoon movie Christmas Vacation every holiday season with your family, and cringe every time you see Clark W. Griswold’s 1989 Ford Taurus wagon.

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My experiences from behind the TV screen left me with the limited impression of the woody wagon as an outdated style from an unfamiliar time. However, this gorgeous hot-rodded 1951 Ford Country Squire gave me a taste of something different, something I was unfamiliar with: The American Dream.

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Wood-bodied station wagons have been a part of American car culture for its entire existence. From the 1920s through the 1940s they were constructed with wood, all the way from the hood back.

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Sold by most American car manufacturers, woody wagons were usually outsourced to coachbuilders like Hercules Body Company or Ionia Manufacturing Company. Typically built with birch or mahogany, they were on the pricier side of model lineups and were never big money makers.

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Over time, steel replaced wood as a cheaper and more efficient alternative for car bodies. As a result, from 1949 through 1951, Ford’s only woody wagons were constructed with steel but featured wood on the sides as an outer design cue.

Starting in 1952, manufacturing of Ford station wagons transitioned to a full steel build, making the 1951 models the last true woody wagon in Ford’s history. The owner of this particular ’51, Jeff, took a flight to Medford, Oregon with his dad upon hearing about the partially restored Ford Country Squire. Initially he was hesitant, thinking that the last thing he would need was another classic car to take care of. But when Jeff saw the car, he knew he had to have it.

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This example had the paint, chrome, and woodwork – all of the expensive stuff – already done, and it was in great shape.

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The metallic burgundy paintwork was – and still is – beautifully complemented with African mahogany and bird’s eye maple frame wood. This was around 28 years ago, and since then the car has undergone some changes.

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After hearing the original 239ci flathead V8 with a dual exhaust, Jeff entered the slippery slope of hot-rodding. Unlike the recent trend of restomods from companies like Singer or Icon 4×4, Jeff wanted to keep his modifications period correct.

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Years after buying the woody, he found a stroked and supercharged 275ci Flathead V8. For those unfamiliar with the base, it was a classic hot rod engine used in Ford models from 1932 through 1953, its success setting the pace for the future of the company. Known now for its quirky valve-in-block design, in the 1950s it was a staple for American hot rodders. The infamous crooks Bonnie and Clyde attributed their getaway success to the Ford Flathead V8.

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This motor was originally built for the quarter mile, however, Jeff decided it was appropriate to do an engine swap into his woody. Because who doesn’t want a drag racing motor in their nine-passenger family wagon?

To put the power down, a C4 3-speed automatic transmission and drag-spec 3:31 differential have been swapped in place of the original drivetrain.

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To achieve the desired ride height in the front, Jeff installed modified drop spindles with lowering coils for a 5-inch total drop. Meanwhile in the rear, he put in custom drop Jamco leaf springs for a 4.5-inch drop, giving the car a great stance.

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Our pace between locations during the photoshoot could be described as low and slow. We rode in style though; the stock bench seats provided no bolstering, however being OEM from the ’50s, the springiness of them more than compensated for the rough suspension. The upholstery is an original restoration with new old stock (NOS) material.

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Reminiscing on America’s automotive history, it’s impossible to look past the iconic woody wagon, and Jeff’s ’51 Ford is a superb example.

Words & Photos by Tommy Kallgren
Instagram: tkallgrenphoto

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11 comments

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1

Gorgeous car, I just wish you had more shots of the interior. Id like to see how you get 9 people in there with only 2 doors

2

If it's anything like my childhood the older kids were put in the boot. Which we promptly turned it into a adhoc wrestling ring and mostly ignored the calls to "Keep quiet back there"
Ah the good old days

3

A very nice color combination (both body and cab).
Good photos and words buddy, waiting for your next article.

4

Killer photos and information. Plus a flathead with a blower, just wow.. This car wasn't built, it was crafted

5

Wow, I’d love to see that baby on the open road! Awesome pics and info! Thanks Speedhunters for publishing this piece on an American classic....love the detailed insights provided!

6

I just wanted to say thank you, for doing a story on a car NOT FROM CALIFORNIA.

A beautiful car in beautiful surroundings.

See, you CAN find great vehicles outside the Golden State.

Please do more stories like this.

7

Have never been into these cars with the exception of the drag cars people make out of them. Maybe a car you have to drive / own to understand the appeal. Wood interiors need to be in more things.

8
Shotgun Chuck

What do you even say to a car like this. What is it even called when you have nostalgia for an era you weren't alive to experience?

This is an absolutely gorgeous car and everything I've been looking for more of from this site.

9

....favorite Speedhunters article ever! Thanks guys.

10

That’s impressive! Nice work — you nailed it. It shows your passion and will go a long way.

11

Great article, I was hooked in the first paragraph! Very informative and well written and the what great subject matter! I drive by that barn in my Camaro every day and just happened to think to myself this morning what a great background for a some shots of my Camaro it would be, you beat me to it!

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