1937 Ford Model 78 Station Wagon

The Lincoln-Zephyr and the designer E.T. 'Bob' Gregorie had influence on the 1937 Fords. The pointed front-ends and the teardrop-shaped headlights recessed into the fenders were examples of this influence. This would be the first Ford with an 'alligator' hood, and be remembered as having its battery in the engine compartment. The 221 cubic-inch Flathead V8 engine was revised for bettering cooling. The water pumps were placed at the bottom and the water outlets were moved to the middle of the cylinder heads. A cable arrangement was added, replacing the rod-operated mechanical brakes.

Station wagons were given a bench seat in the place of the individual seats in the second row. They were positioned to the left to allow easier passenger access to the third seat via the right side. The third seat rested on a raised platform that was rounded at the front corner, also for passenger access. Ford added a lift-gate with a glass window at the rear, another first for the Ford wagon.

By this point in history, Fords Deluxe Accessory Group had become so popular that a separate series of body numbers, signified by 'B', was adopted.

This 1937 Ford was purchased in 1997 after just emerging from long-time storage. It is an original car except for refinishing of the wood and reupholstering of the front seat cushion. The brown imitation leather roof is original and shows some signs of age. There are flaws throughout the vehicle but the sheet metal is straight and the doors shut well with even gaps.

In 2009, this Ford Deluxe Station Wagon was offered for sale at the Sports & Classics of Monterey auction in Monterey, California presented by RM Auctions. The car was estimated to sell for $75,000-$100,000 and offered without reserve. The lot was sold for the sum of $121,000 including buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2009