Although not the first to catalogue a station wagon – that distinction goes to Billy Durant and his Star in 1923 – by the 1930s Henry Ford was the world’s acknowledged wagon-master. When introduced in the commercial line in 1929, the Model A wagon became immediately popular, with nearly 5,000 sold the first year. In typical Ford fashion, much of the work was done in-house, the wood coming from his forests in Northern Michigan, and the bodies built either by Murray or by Ford’s own craftsmen.

The 1938 model year was particularly significant for Ford station wagons. It was the first year that Ford’s Standard and DeLuxe series were differentiated by their front end sheet metal. Through 1940, each year’s Standard cars had hoods and grilles similar to the previous year’s DeLuxe, with slight differences, while DeLuxe cars had a completely different look. For wagons in particular, 1938 marked a milestone: they were finally recognized as passenger cars, no longer in the commercial catalogue.

On station wagons, the spare tire was moved inside, attached to the bulkhead behind the driver’s seat and furnished with a canvas or artificial leather slip-over cover. The body was newly revised, the five horizontal panels of 1935–1937 giving way to a two-panel configuration. For 1938, it also seems that the station wagon was available only as a DeLuxe model, with 6,944 built.

This smart 1938 Ford DeLuxe Station Wagon was purchased by the current owner in 2015. Its restoration dates to the early 2000s, and has been well cared for. Equipped with a correct 21-stud early engine, it has been converted to hydraulic brakes for more reliable operation in today’s traffic. The wood has been expertly finished, and wide whitewall tires are nicely complimented with wheel trim rings. Accessory fog lights have been added to the front bumper. The car runs and drives well, and is bound to delight its new owner.