85 bhp, 221 cu. in. Flathead V-8 engine, three-speed manual transmission, solid front axle and live rear axle with transverse semi-elliptic leaf springs, four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 114"

- Rarest of all Ford woodie wagons from 1935 to 1948

- Exceptional hard rock maple with beautiful, contrasting African mahogany panels

- All trim and equipment features of the Super Deluxe model inside and out

When it comes to ranking collectible cars, rarity is always a top consideration. Other factors include eye-catching design and the quality of workmanship and materials, along with being a car not easily replicated in today’s market. These are some of the reasons that explain the continuously growing interest in woodies. Always uncommon and offering a special sporting image with their varnished hard rock maple framework and contrasting panels, Ford woodies were relatively typical transportation for top actors in Hollywood.

This was recently brought to light for one of the nation’s foremost collectors of outstanding European and American classics, Mr. Roger Willbanks. One day, a nearby neighbor, who never said a single word to him about his fabulous cars, came running over to look at his Ford woodie sitting in the driveway. The neighbor carefully placed his hand on the hard rock maple and said, “Now you’ve got something! This is quality and they don’t make anything like this anymore!”

When it comes to an exceptional woodie, it’s hard to beat a rare 1942 Super Deluxe Ford V8. This car has the desired updated styling that appeared late in 1941 with production ending in January 1942. Ford Motor Co. intended to make their 1942 wagons more competitive with Chrysler Town & Countrys by building only the Super Deluxe models.

The very short production run makes this 1942 a very rare woodie indeed. The number of 1942 woodies built was quite small compared with annual production in the years 1935 through 1948 of Ford’s wood-bodied station wagons. With World War II underway, the Army and Navy needed cars, which may have accounted for a significant percentage of 1942 production made in standard form for the military.

The first owner of this rare woodie owned a gold mining operation in Colorado, which supplied an important strategic material for the war effort. The dry climate where he lived is known for rust-free cars. He always enjoyed being known as the owner of the very rare 1942 woodie, and he kept it until he passed away in the 1960s. It was sold out of his estate to its second owner and noted collector Roger Willbanks who also resides in Colorado and owned the car until 2010.

Powered by a V-8 mated to a three-speed transmission, today it is offered with all trim and equipment features of the Super Deluxe model, both inside and out – dual Ford scripted fog lights, a radio, upgraded Southwind heater, twin taillights, turn indicators, twin “gooseneck” mirrors, twin front seat armrests, hydraulic brakes, Ford scripted wide whitewall tires, metal spare tire cover and three seats (capacity for eight passengers).

Even with relatively large gatherings of Fords and other woodies at major car events, a 1942 Super Deluxe V8 woodie very seldom appears. When one does show up, crowds are drawn to it because of its rarity and its unique-to-1942 stainless steel grille with vertical bars. Indeed, this rare Ford woodie would be welcome to, and appreciated at, virtually any vintage car event.