Lot 59
1950 Ford Custom Deluxe Station Wagon
OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

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

239.4 cid flathead V-8 engine, 110 HP, three-speed manual transmission with overdrive, hydraulic drum brakes; wheelbase: 114”


Coming off the major sales success of the 1949 model, Ford decided to make little to no changes to the 1950 model, at least at the start of the production year. In May of 1950, Ford decided to roll out a revised model to keep up with its competitors. The updated models were introduced to the public as the “Ford Country Squire Wagons”, although they were not adorned with updated badging until the following year. The main difference between the two versions was early to mid-year models had all wood panels, whereas the later models, like the one being offered here, were built with mahogany grained steel body panels. All of the 1950 models came from the factory with the new pushbutton door handles, a feature that would last for years to come. The exact number of late-model ‘50s wagons is unknown, but what is known is that Ford offered six different body styles for the year. In total, 816,371 models were built with 29,017, a mere 3.5 percent, were station wagons. Interestingly enough, they also offered a V-6 engine option for the year, but these records were also not kept so the exact number of V-8 Deluxe Station Wagons could be considerably lower.

Though this late-production 1950 Ford Custom Deluxe Station Wagon was given a comprehensive restoration that really sets itself apart from many, the stunning Hawthorne Green metal flake exterior is what grabs one’s attention. In the shade, the paint appears as a darker green, but once an ounce of light hits it, the metal flaking radiates a brilliant shine. The mahogany-grained wood panels have been beautifully varnished back their original glow, and the bullet-nose grille has been restored accordingly. An optional pillar mounted drivers side spotlight was installed which comes in handy when trying to locate the cabin in the woods.

Amazingly, this car still retains its original two-tone factory vinyl seating showing only very minimal signs of wear. The balance of the interior has been completely and beautifully restored. The elegant brown dash features all of the restored gauges and knobs and houses the factory optioned radio. Under the dash is the original restored Magic Air heater which is in proper working form. The entire interior harkens back to its original factory appearance. Under the hood lies the flathead V-8 engine that has been restored to its factory-correct appearance. The engine block was repainted a brilliant bronze that will catch the attention of anyone walking by.

Changing the model and name halfway through the production year was a huge risk, but the Country Squire proved to be a risk worth taking. Lasting until 1992, it became something of a legend and rightfully earned its place in the “Woodie” heritage. Ready to be shown and enjoyed, one will proudly be able to present themselves at all types of gatherings, tours or just cruising for enjoyment.