Lot 27
1939 Ford DeLuxe Station Wagon
OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

This lot is available for online bidding at Proxibid.com, LiveAuctioneers.com and Invaluable.com

221 cid V-8 engine, 85 HP, three-speed manual transmission, hydraulic brakes; wheelbase: 112”


Designated as a commercial model since 1930, the Ford Motor Company decided to take the Station Wagon down a more lucrative path in 1938 and turn it into a passenger car. Offering a Standard and DeLuxe model, it would only last for two years before it was changed again in 1940. For the 1939 DeLuxe Station Wagon, consumers saw a whole new set of optional features that appealed to the high society. Backed by Edsel Ford and his love for pointy shapes, much like his Lincoln Zephyr, it was appropriately styled for all settings of life. The ’39 DeLuxe featured a prettier, streamlined “cut through water” front end, yet was still built to conform with Ford’s strict standards of reliability and long life. With the capability to be quickly converted into a utility hauling unit by removing the rear and center seats, the DeLuxe proved to be the ultimate luxury station wagon of its time. Before 1937, the center seats were split in the cabin but, in 1938, the wagons featured Ford’s new and improved two-thirds type seating in the middle row. The spare tire was also moved inside where it was mounted upright behind the front seat. The spare tire option lasted only two years before it was moved to the outside of the tailgate. The ‘39 model featured many new changes but set a standard for future station wagons.

This beautiful 1939 Ford DeLuxe Station Wagon was commissioned by Don Criteser to complete an extensive frame-off restoration. Beautifully done inside and out, the body was resprayed in its original Claret Maroon and the wood panels were well-varnished and still retain a beautiful look. The doors shut well with even gaps and the roof has been covered in new brown leatherette. The body is sitting on beautiful and incredibly rare chrome artillery wheels with whitewall tires, which were a factory option for the DeLuxe model in 1939.

The interior has been newly upholstered with genuine tan leather, a seating option only offered in the DeLuxe model. The dash features a beautiful woodgrain finish that houses all the properly working gauges and knobs and the DeLuxe Banjo steering wheel gives the wagon a deco look. This Wagon also comes equipped with a factory radio with a windshield header antenna and a properly functioning heater. The V-8 engine is detailed in correct Ford green, and the entire compartment is finished in period-correct hardware. 1939 also featured the first year for hydraulic brakes. Mechanically sound and well-sorted, it is ready to be taken the distance of any cruise desired.

This excellent example of the 1939 Ford DeLuxe Station Wagon is one of the gems in the Steelewood Collection and, with no show history since the restoration, it would make a great debut and crowd pleaser at any notable concours or show.