According to a written history from Les Holden, this 1939 Ford DeLuxe “woodie" was bought new by Mayor Geise of Calafon, New Jersey, from Swankhammers Ford in nearby Long Valley. Mr. Geise owned the car until the late 1940s when he sold it to another Calafon resident, Rudolf Isak, who continued to drive the Ford until it failed its 1955 state inspection, the form for which is still with the car. That year’s inspection sticker, still on the windshield, notes 54,310 miles. Thereafter the wagon was parked in Mr. Isak’s garage until 1975, when it was sold to Richard Sangiamo of Roselle, New Jersey; photographs in the file depict the transition of ownership.

Mr. Sangiamo got the Ford running again and completed some restoration work, but otherwise drove it little in the 28 years that it remained in his ownership. When Mr. Holden acquired it in October 2003, it had 57,235 miles. It retains its original seat upholstery as well as correct Ford script side glass, with replacements carefully sourced as needed, as well as excellent original running boards and rubber floor mat, and the original woodgrain on the dashboard. Especially loaded with options and accessories, it is equipped with a radio, clock, heater, bumper guards, locking Ford script gas cap, and banjo steering wheel, as well as a Columbia two-speed rear axle that gives it excellent long legs on the highway.

Noted as running and driving beautifully, the Ford is still in striking condition, with just the right amount of patina—including to the fabulous bodywork which incorporates birdseye maple, the rarest and most beautiful wood to come from the Iron Mountain forests. Accompanying the car are a selection of reproduction delivery documents, manuals, and a parts list, as well as Mr. Holden’s usual highly detailed records of restoration work and parts invoices.

Few surviving Ford woodies have this wagon’s abundant character, charm, and, especially, its rich known history—sure to be appreciated by the true enthusiast. Perhaps its true spiritual home is at its owner’s luxurious log residence, much like where it has lived in its Holden ownership!