1950 Ford Custom Deluxe V8 Station Wagon

The changes were minor for the Ford in 1950, including new pushbutton door handles that operated rotary latches, relocated parking lights, a modestly redesigned hood ornament, and a new medallion for the hood and trunk. Inside, the instrument panel received new knobs, and 'non-sag' springs and foam cushions improved the seats. Under the bonnet, the engine received a new camshaft, timing gear, and a three-blade fan. The front suspension received a torsion stabilizer, and improved steering linkage resulted in 'finger-tip control.'

Station wagons now had real leather only on the driver's seat, while the second and third seats were in vinyl. Custom DeLuxe models had an automatic courtesy light.

Ford offered two versions of the station wagon in 1950. The early model carried over the window design, seats, and wood tailgate of the 1949 Custom. In May of 1950, a revised model was introduced. The second seat could now be folded flat for load space, although the third seat still had to be removed. The side windows were changed so that only the forward pane slid open, and steel stamping replaced the wood tailgate. The side panels were also steel now, with Di-Noc imitation wood grain.

This Woodie Station Wagon is an early model that was a one-family car before purchase by the current owner. It was built at Ford's Saint Paul, Minnesota and spent most of its life in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The car has been repainted in Ford's Sunland Beige. The wood is largely original and some of it is Birdseye Maple. The odometer currently shows 66,000 miles, which are believed to be correct. Accessories include a Ford radio, a Magic Air fresh-air heater, a locking gas cap, and rare full wheel covers.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2014