1939 Chevrolet Woody Station Wagon

Long before the minivan took over as America’s number one family hauler, the station wagon was the car that took families on vacations all over the country.  As a vehicle that could hold more than the average sedan, the station wagon could comfortably seat multiple adults and children while still leaving room for a few suitcases.  The Chevrolet wagon featured here is actually one step up from the average wagon as it was built on Chevrolet’s truck chassis.  Making the package even better was the abundant use of real Maple wood in creating a body that was both functional and beautiful all at the same time. 

The body for this wagon was built by Cantrell of Huntington, New York.  While Cantrell had contracts with Pontiac and Oldsmobile, 1939 was the first year for Chevrolet.  This woody was built on a Chevrolet half-ton truck chassis, making it a rare and unusual wagon.  It certainly could be called the predecessor to the modern Chevrolet Suburban.  This woody features an impeccable restoration that left no stone unturned.  Its fit and finish are finely detailed, something not easily achieved on a wood-bodied vehicle.  The wood is Maple and its finish is worthy of a fine piece of furniture.  Even more impressive is the interior headliner, which again is nicely finished in real wood.  The interior has been completely refurbished with new upholstery and highly detailed dashboard components.  Most impressive is the amount of room inside the spacious interior with extended head space and room for several passengers on three bench seats.  The weather tight side curtains are also removable for open air motoring on fine summer days.  The engine compartment in this truck is completely detailed and shows very little wear.  This wonderful piece of Chevrolet’s history is a fine running vehicle that is reliable and stands ready for any drive in the countryside.  Overall, it is a fine example of the true wood-bodied chapter of American automotive history.