The 1940 Ford lineup showcased extremely handsome styling reminiscent of Lincoln and courtesy of the gifted Eugene “Bob” Gregorie. Much like Harley Earl at GM, Gregorie was appointed to lead Ford’s first in-house design department, and, under his direction, grew it rapidly into a force that placed Ford in direct competition with General Motors for styling leadership.

Ford wagons were offered in both Standard and DeLuxe trims, with DeLuxe models chiefly distinguished by chrome headlamp rings that integrated the parking lights, and a distinctive grille treatment combining horizontal center bars with side grilles subdivided into three sections. Other upscale touches included bright red “Ford DeLuxe” hubcap lettering with body color-matched trim rings and an Art Deco-inspired instrument panel, while bodies continued to be constructed of white ash and birch over mahogany-look paneling by the workers at Ford’s Iron Mountain facility in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

This nicely restored example, finished in a period-correct livery of Lyon Blue over a saddle tan interior, features blue wheels accented by bright wheel covers and trim rings mounted with wide whitewall tires. Powered by Ford’s ubiquitous 221-cubic-inch flathead V-8 engine, this “woodie” features an extensive list of period options including front bumper guards, amber fog lights, heater, radio with antenna, side view mirror, cigar lighter, dual sun visors, clock, and lockable glove box.

Subject of a full restoration in the 1990s, this car was among the finest examples in the world upon its completion, scoring 1000 out of 1000 at the 2001 Early Ford V-8 Club meet in Branson, Missouri, as well as earning display at the 2003 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Scores of accompanying photographs document the restoration as well as the car’s turn on the show circuit. Its odometer displayed just five miles at the time of cataloguing, reflecting the extremely limited use this Ford has seen since its award-winning restoration was completed!

Ford station wagons embody a cherished chapter in automotive lore, and this highly lauded example offers a wonderful opportunity for enthusiasts to celebrate and preserve an enduring American icon.