The Ford Super DeLuxe 89A Woody Wagon, introduced in 1941, was one of the most distinctive and desirable models in Ford’s lineup, combining the practicality of a station wagon with the style and craftsmanship of hand-built wooden bodywork. Falling under the Super DeLuxe trim line, the Woody Wagon represented the top level of Ford’s utility vehicles, offering both space and elegance for families, resorts, and businesses. The “89A” designation identified it as a V8-powered model, giving it the strong performance that was a hallmark of Ford’s flathead engines.
The Woody Wagon was built with a wooden body produced by the Murray Corporation and finished by craftsmen at Ford’s Iron Mountain facility in Michigan, where Ford owned extensive timberlands. The body featured a mix of maple and birch framing with mahogany veneer panels, carefully assembled and varnished to a high standard. This gave each car a unique, artisanal character that set it apart from mass-produced all-steel vehicles. The design provided seating for up to eight passengers, arranged across three rows, with wide-opening rear doors that gave easy access to the back. Its versatility made it useful for families, hotels, and country estates, while its distinctive appearance made it fashionable in coastal and resort areas.
Inside, the Super DeLuxe Woody Wagon offered more refinement than earlier Ford wagons. Upholstery was upgraded, dashboards featured woodgrain finishes, and chrome trim was used throughout. The interior was airy and practical, with foldable seating that could expand the cargo area, making it ideal for both people-carrying and utility use.
Under the hood, the 89A Woody Wagon was powered by Ford’s 221 cubic inch flathead V8, producing 85 horsepower. Known for its smooth torque delivery, the V8 gave the heavy wagon respectable performance, with cruising speeds of 65–70 mph possible. A three-speed manual transmission handled power delivery, while the chassis, based on Ford’s passenger car frame, used transverse leaf spring suspension front and rear. Hydraulic brakes, introduced a few years earlier, provided improved stopping power, though the Woody’s weight made it less nimble than smaller Ford body styles.
With a price of around $950–$1,000, the Super DeLuxe Woody Wagon was among the most expensive models in Ford’s range in 1941. Its high cost and the labor-intensive nature of its wooden body meant production numbers were relatively limited compared to sedans and coupés. As a result, Woody Wagons were often purchased by wealthier customers, hotels, and institutions that valued their capacity and stylish presence.
Production ended in early 1942 when Ford halted civilian automobile manufacturing to shift to wartime production, making prewar Woody Wagons especially rare.
Today, the Ford Super DeLuxe 89A Woody Wagon is one of the most collectible prewar Fords, admired for its craftsmanship, rarity, and unique character. Restored examples showcase the artistry of the hand-built wooden bodies and the charm of prewar American station wagons. Among collectors and enthusiasts, it represents both the pinnacle of Ford’s prewar wagon design and the enduring appeal of the Woody as a cultural icon.