Elkin, North Carolina, was lucky enough to be close to railroads and major rivers, and as industry thrived in the United States after World War II, Elkin’s massive cotton mills fed the town’s prosperity. A prominent sight on the streets of the city was this 1948 Plymouth Special Deluxe Six Station Wagon, which was owned by Mr. Newman, a local florist. Over the years, it was lovingly cared for, as it covered only some 30,000 actual miles and was maintained in much the same condition as when it was received new.

Accompanying the Wagon is a small, spiral-bound notebook, which was kept as a logbook by the previous owner, respected collector Michael Leith. One entry, dated August 5, 2002, is particularly telling: “First test drive of 6 miles. Car is great. Jim Miller drove from Harrisburg, PA, to Lockhaven, PA (2½ hrs) to meet me @ Central Penn Auto Auction. He said car was perfect in every way—he is right!” Few cars went unloved by Mr. Miller without coming home with him. It was no surprise that shortly thereafter, the Plymouth came to join the Miller Collection in Baden, Ontario, and it has been lovingly maintained there since.

Finished in Casino Beige with brown upholstery, this Wagon continues to wear about 90% of its original paint, which was touched-up only where absolutely necessary, and it continues to shine deeply, as only factory paint can. The original wood paneling is in excellent shape throughout, and the factory chrome shows only minimal wear. Inside, excellent brown vinyl upholstery and a factory AM radio and heater can be found, which, along with the rest of the dashboard, shows in as-new condition. Only the brown vinyl top material has been completely replaced. Even the undercarriage of this Wagon is immaculate, thanks to factory undercoating.

The spiral-bound logbook notes, “One owner—actual mileage 39,340—don’t even think about you know what!” That is good advice. Far too nice to restore, this is perhaps the very best original 1948 Plymouth “woodie” to be found, as it has been preserved since new by three sympathetic, knowledgeable owners.