The short 1948 model year brought few changes to the Ford line. Aside from the new design steering wheel-ignition lock, the most obvious distinction came in colors. Although most 1947 colors were carried over, several new hues were added, among them Blue Gray Metallic, Strata Blue, and Shoal Green Gray. The Blue Gray Metallic was available on Ford only, while the other two were designated for both Ford and Mercury.

Shoal Green Gray is one of the subtle colors for which Ford was well known. Like 1941’s Lockhaven Green, it has undertones of a lighter color, and complements the light and dark wood of the station wagon body very well. Equally attractive with blackwall or whitewall tires, it looks green in some lights, grey in others.

A partially restored car, this January 1948 station wagon was acquired from the famed Nick Alexander Woodie Collection in August 2009. It basks in its Shoal Green Gray finish and the paint exhibits a good shine, while the wood has only minor discoloration at joints and bolts. The varnish, renewed in 2006, is excellent. The roof retains its original black artificial leather covering, which shows some cracking. The brightwork is excellent, the original script glass showing some scratches and separation on the vent windows. The running board rubber looks new, but the stone guards are original and have a few blemishes from enjoyed use.

The brown leather seats are new, the front furnished with lap belts for two. The floor has new black rubber mats, front and rear. The dashboard has very good original maple wood-grain, and excellent plastic. The steering wheel and instruments appear to have been restored. The car has a heater and clock, but no radio.

Nick Alexander purchased the car from a Pennsylvania owner in February 2005. It earned a Dearborn Award by the Early Ford V-8 Club later that year at Keystone, Colorado, judged at 978 points. Currently showing slightly more than 42,000 miles, it runs and drives well. The Columbia overdrive axle makes freeway driving easy.