100 bhp, 239 cu. in. L-head V-8 engine, three-speed manual transmission, solid front axle and live rear axle with transverse semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 114"

• Iconic postwar Ford woodie

• Well-maintained high-level restoration

Henry Ford’s vision of a company with integrated production encompassed not only the production of vehicles but also the steel, glass and wood from which they were made. The ultimate expression of this vision are the ‘Woodies’ produced by Ford. From the first wagon Ford made in 1929, their presence steadily grew until Ford found itself as the market leader in wood-trimmed cars by 1947. Bob Gregorie, the legendary Ford designer, had been recalled by Henry Ford II when he took over the company from his grandfather, Henry Ford, in order to design their first postwar products. Gregorie used the post-WWII shortage of steel as a convenient reason to create the wood-trimmed Sportsman in 1946, building on Ford’s reputation in the woodie market and at the same time creating an attention-getting limited production showroom magnet. Hollywood stars and military heroes were associated with the Sportsman, and trading off the reputation of woodies as the cars of the wealthy country set, the Sportsman was used in much of Ford’s advertising, expressing the feeling of the return of carefree pleasure driving after the privations of wartime America.

This 1947 Sportsman is a superbly restored, beautifully detailed example. Originally delivered to California and restored when it was described to have been a mint, low-mileage, rust-free car little over 15 years ago, it has had the benefit of a recent freshening to bring it back to show condition. Retaining all its original sheet metal and a large majority of the original wood, it stands proudly among the best of the model. The rich Pheasant Red paint sets off the well-finished maple and mahogany wood trim and chrome accents. The red leather trim inside is soft and welcoming, inviting long cruises on summer nights.

As sharp as it looks under the hood and underneath, the new owner is sure to enjoy driving this Ford, which is said to have fully operable power hydraulic windows and seat. Welcome at AACA and Early Ford V-8 Club events, this Deluxe Sportsman is sure to please owner and onlooker in equal measure.