Cabin Crawler: 1946 Ford Super Deluxe 79B Station Wagon – Sold?

May 17, 2022, Update – We just confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

Like it or not, most woody wagons we come across have a surfing theme affixed to them. This 1946 Ford Super Deluxe 79B Station Wagon originally listed in April 2022 on Craigslist in Whitefish, Montana originally saw duty as a guest hauler at a Dude Ranch in Red Lodge, Montana.

Currently offered for $69,000, comparing that price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms the private seller has their Super Deluxe priced between this guide’s #2 “Excellent” estimate of $66,300 and its #1 “Concour” appraisal of $83,800.  Similarly, the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the seller’s ask falls between this guide’s #2 “Very Good” appraisal of $59,600 and its #1 “Excellent” estimate of $89,000.

With World War II over, Ford found itself re-tooling for post-war consumer production for the 1946 model year with many resources in short supply. Consequently, Ford retained the basic design of the 1942 model year for the 1946 model year. Ford changed the grille to a series of horizontal bars that covered the rectangular opening that housed the grille in 1942. Ford eliminated their low-priced Special sixes, which left them with six- and eight-cylinder DeLuxe and Super DeLuxe models. They introduced a second convertible model, called the Sportsman, which featured “woodie” designs similar to the Chrysler Town & Country. The convertible version of this car was the most expensive Ford offered that year, followed by the just as labor-intensive Station Wagon.

If you ever wondered what it takes to completely re-body a Ford Super Deluxe Woody Wagon, this video provides a great overview:

It’s always better and much less expensive to find vintage Woody Wagons in original condition from the dry west. With all of its original body, chassis, and flathead V8 in place, this 1946 Ford Super Deluxe was a great example for sale.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“This 1946 Ford Super Deluxe Woody Station Wagon was found about 22 years ago in central Montana hiding in an old barn where it had been hibernating for over 20 years. The wooden body had been painted drab olive green. The old gentleman who owned it said that it started life as the guest wagon on a dude ranch outside of Red Lodge Montana and when the varnish began to peel the rancher painted it. This most likely saved a lot of the wood.

About 50% of the body lumber is original and all new wood has meticulously been stained to match. The resulting finish is a gorgeous patina. The sheet metal paint is Ford Lockhaven Green with Ford Vermillion Red wheel rims which work well with the red insets in the stainless trim

The Woody runs and shifts very well and has been driven all over the Montana countryside and on into Idaho. Very cool experience

Options include Fog Lights, Grill Guard, Matching Swan Side Mirrors, Radio (works occasionally), Coachman Style Luggage Rack with Step Plate

There are about 8,000 miles on the Woody since it was rebuilt. All three seats are in place and they are LeBaron Bonney Dark Brown and like new”

Show or Go: What would you do with this 1946 Ford Super Deluxe Woody Wagon?  Please comment below and let us know!