1936 Ford Model 68 Station Wagon

A Woodie is a car body style with rear bodywork constructed of wood framework with infill wood panels - and in a world of metal, they definitely have character. Woodies are typically American, as few European manufacturers offered the style. On this side of the pond, however, they were offered as sedans, convertibles, and station wagons - so named because they were used to carry people and luggage back and forth from the station.

For 1936, Ford retained the basic body designs for 1935 but added a new front end design, most notably the grille. Wire wheels were replaced by pressed steel 'artillery' wheels.

A variety of body styles were available for 1936, including the wood-bodied station wagon shown here. Total Ford production in 1936 was 798,812 units; of that number, 7,044 were station wagons. The birds-eye maple was harvested from forests located in Iron Mountain, Michigan, and the body panels were fabricated at the local Ford plant. The wood panels were then shipped to the Murray Body Corporation in Detroit where they were installed.

This station wagon features a recent, complete restoration that was completed in 2008. The car has been the recipient of numerous awards, including best of class and best of show. The car has the original doors, but the top and tailgate were replaced. It was originally purchased in New York and owned by a local doctor who used it for service calls. The current owner purchased the car in 1997 and commissioned a complete frame-off restoration in 2008.

The 1936 retains most of the basic body design of 1935, but Ford added a new front end design, most notably the radiator grill and the concealment of the horns inside the fender. The engine is a Ford Flathead - a full 85 horsepower with a single Stromberg carburetor.

This car features roll-up front glass windows, with canvas side curtains fitted with transparent isinglass plastic windows that can slide into the roof using brass tracks.