1937 Ford Model 79 Suburban

Ford Model 79 designation meant it was a truck. The 79B classification indicates that it was fitted with the Deluxe Accessory Group package, including whitewall tires, fog lamps, side-view mirrors, dual windshield wipers, and the Deluxe dashboard and banjo spoke steering wheel.

As in prior years, the models were available in Standard and Deluxe versions. This included the popular wood-bodied station wagons, who's timber was sourced from the northern Michigan forest near Ford's Iron Mountain facility. 1937 was the only year the spare tire was mounted on the rear hatch; in prior years, it had been side mounted. The following year, in 1938, it was stored internally.

The designs of the Fords for 1937 became more sleek and streamlined. This was achieved through the implementation of a new V-shaped chrome grille with horizontal bars. The former bullet headlamps were incorporated into the fenders.


This example, a Woodie Deluxe Station Wagon Model 79B, is also equipped with the optional sliding glass window that were newly available in 1937. It was given a comprehensive restoration which was completed in late 2008 by Woodie expert Chris Messano of Long Beach, California. The maple and birch wood paneling have been carefully refurbished and a few upgrades have been installed, including period alloy heads, a dual-tip exhaust and a new rear hatch frame fashioned from matching wood grain.

In 2010, this Model 79B was offered for sale at Gooding & Company's auction held in Amelia Island, Florida. The car was expected to sell for $110,000 - $140,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of 101,750, inclusive of buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2010