87 bhp, 217.8 cu. in. inline six-cylinder engine, three-speed selective sliding manual transmission, hypoid rear axle, and four-wheel hydraulic brakes. Wheelbase: 126"

• Striking Brewster Green on burgundy

• Engine was freshly rebuilt

• 2008 Willistead Concours d’Elegance Best in Class winner

Like other manufacturers that built cars for professional use, Dodge would dispatch a finished, fendered chassis with complete bodywork from the cowl forward. A specialist coachbuilder, in this case U.S. Body and Forging, would then build and fit the wooden body and add the interior before returning the wagon to Dodge for final assembly and trim. A trademark of U.S. Body and Forging was the fitting of a red gumwood trim strip.

The striking 1937 Dodge Westchester Suburban Woodie Wagon offered here was part of a large collection when it was completely restored in 1993 by Woodie World in Florida. Although it was a very solid, original example to begin with, the kiln-dried, white ash framing and maple paneling were replaced where necessary, as was the tongue-and-groove woodwork. The three seats of the seven-passenger wagon were completely restored and recovered in striking burgundy leather, which wonderfully complements the dark Brewster Green paint and beautifully finished light wood body and panels.

The current owner purchased the Westchester in 2007 and commissioned RM Restoration to rebuild the engine. Following its mechanical reconditioning, this Suburban was awarded Best in Class at the 2008 Willistead Concours d’Elegance. Having been meticulously maintained since, it remains in excellent condition and is ready to be driven home. Although not all the wiring was replaced in 1993 and the paintwork has a slight patina, both these areas remain in very good condition.

Ford tended to dominate the market for station wagons, so it wasn’t surprising that Dodge stopped building them in 1939, leaving Plymouth to meet the needs of this niche market. Due to the very nature of woodie wagon construction, these extremely collectible vehicles have a low survival rate. Few of the less than 500 1937 Dodge Westchester Suburban Wagons built survive, making this an extraordinary opportunity to purchase a well-sorted example.