1946 Ford Super Deluxe - $109,500 - Bedford Heights, OH - Ford was the first U.S. automaker to resume production at the end of World War II. The assembly lines commenced operation on July 3, 1945, before hostilities had ceased completely in the Pacific. The company had the advantage of being authorized to restart civilian truck manufacture in April 1944. Still, it took time to reach satisfactory production levels, and the more complex styles, like station wagons, took even longer. The Iron Mountain plant had produced glider parts during the war but had kept a stock of 1942 wagon parts on hand for the day that assembly could resume. Because engineering and development work had halted during the war, all 1946 Fords and Mercurys were very slightly re-styled and re-trimmed versions of their 1942 counterparts.
Postwar optimism, and the resumption of prewar activities, boded well for station wagon production. Annual sales quickly rebounded, passing 1941 levels, as returning GIs found Ford woodies ideal for transporting their baby boom offspring and assisting in the completion of projects on their newly-built suburban homes.
Because the conversion of wartime production back to automobiles took priority, and because development work had been curtailed during the war, 1946 cars had few changes from 1942. Fords had new, bolder grilles but no other external differences, other than red accents, added to the brightwork and interior. Deluxe Station Wagons were discontinued, all wagons now being built as Super Deluxe models. Six-cylinder engines were available but few people ordered them for station wagons, despite the fact that the new powerplant was almost as powerful as the V-8.
Most significant was the fact that all V-8 Fords now used the Mercury-derived 239 cubic inch, 100 bhp engine. Slight changes from 1942 involved the ignition system and a new casting for the cylinder block.
This Ford station wagon underwent a frame off restoration in late 2009. All the wood was refinished, as well as a complete engine restoration. The car was purchased from Wayne Dietrich, a noted Ford authority and collector, who also did the final restoration work himself. The car has been driven less than 500 miles since the restoration. In late 2014, Jon Lee added turn signals and did a complete tune up and inspection. The car has been driven only 60 miles since that time.
Accessories on this car include a working radio, clock, heater, defroster and a 3rd row seat.
This is a 100 point, award-winning car. It has no needs and is ready to show or tour.
Ford set a new record for station wagons in 1946, with 16,920 built, all of them in the Super Deluxe line. This car surely sets a new standard for desirability.