The success of Ford’s revolutionary new V-8 was immediate, with more than 200,000 sold during 1932. Improvements for 1933 included a new cruciform, double-drop frame, and a longer wheelbase of 112 inches. Evolutionary upgrades to the V-8 engine included improved cooling and ignition systems, plus new higher-compression aluminum cylinder heads that raised output to 75 horsepower.

Among the rarest 1933 Fords to feature this new V-8 were the Model 40 Station Wagons, cars which bridged the gap between the relatively new horseless carriage and the days when travelers braved the unknown while riding in horse-drawn “wagons” between “stations” along the trail. With bodies crafted of maple, station wagons not only possessed a rich, gorgeous exterior finish, but could comfortably haul four passengers along with all the necessary accoutrements for a countryside picnic. The Ford station wagon revolutionized the way Americans thought of the automobile and gave rise to the sport utility vehicles of today. At a cost of $640, the Model 40 Station Wagon was the most expensive car in Ford’s standard lineup, resulting in a production total of just 1,654.

Featuring a splendid older restoration that still presents beautifully, this 1933 Model 40 Station Wagon has been under single ownership for the past 19 years. Red, welded-spoke, 17-inch wheels shod in whitewall tires accentuate its sumptuous maple body, which contrasts nicely with the black fenders and hood. Notable features include a fender-mounted spare with cloth cover and period-correct Pantasote roof and interior trim. With its charming appearance, this original-specification Ford Model 40 would be ideal for touring with the American Automobile Club of America or the Early Ford V-8 Club of America.

Blending flathead V-8 power with gorgeous, all-wood coachwork, this Model 40 is quintessentially practical and more than capable for use shuttling around one’s farm or coastal estate.