1949 FORD CUSTOM WOODIE WAGON
350 cu, in, LT-1 Corvette V8 engine
Camaro five-speed manual transmission
Camaro Z-28 positraction rear end
S-10 independent front suspension
four-wheel disc brakes
The all-new Ford for 1949 was introduced to the American public on June 10,
1948. Potential buyers flocked by the thousands to Ford showrooms and special
events all over the nation to view the radical new Ford. It was new in every
respect, from the restyled bumpers to the modern taillights, and did not
resemble the pre- and post-war Fords in any way. In press releases issued by the
company in June 1948, executives touted their new car proudly. "The 1949
Ford, which reveals a radical departure from the traditional Ford styling and
engineering, was made public today by the Ford Motor Company. New standards of
beauty, comfort, economy and performance in the 1949 Ford passenger cars advance
them far ahead of others in the low-priced field," stated. J.R. Davis, Vice
President and Director of Sales and Advertising. "Styling of the new Ford
definitely long model year establishes it as the car of the year,"
To develop and
produce the 1949 Ford passenger cars Ford Motor Company spent more than
$37,000,000 in tools, dies, jigs, and fixtures. Styling of the 1949 Ford was
well-received from day one. Accordingly, sales took off and over 1.1 million
cars were built during the long model year. It was Ford's strongest year
since1930. The station wagon, an entirely new design, came as a two-door rather
than a four-door, and also came with nearly all-steel body construction and
extensive wood trim.
Fast forward to the year 1990. Before its
transformation, this Woodie Wagon appeared in the movie Loose Cannons starring
Gene Hackman and Dan Aykroyd. In the late 1990s, noted woodie street rod builder
John Warenuk acquired the Woodie, and applied his skills to make this 1949 Ford
station wagon into a modem driving and one-of-a-kind-appearing Custom Woodie. He
started by removing all of the original front suspension and adding an S-10
sub-frame and suspension from the cowl forward. Then, for a powerful, reliable,
and modem drive train, he selected the venerable LT-1 Corvette engine; a Camaro
five-speed transmission was utilized with the bullet-proof Camaro Z-28
positraction rear end. The beautiful and highly-polished 17-inch wheels are from
Billet Specialties, adding to the car's subtle custom look. The power-boosted
four-wheel disc brakes are Chevrolet as well, and provide excellent stopping
capability. Configured in this manner, the car drives and handles like a late
model automobile and is truly a pleasure to drive.
The
interior is tastefully done in a soft mist grey cloth that is both understated
and comfortable. Added amenities include power windows, Vintage air with a heat
component, and a Kenwood High Performance Sound System with room for 10 CDs. Not
forgotten are the dual six-way power seats, Dakota Digital Dash, Ron Francis
wiring, remote entry and windows, Walker radiator, and seat belts. The fit and
finish of the wood on this car is outstanding and was done by long-time woodie
craftsman Mike Nickels.
Overall,
this Woodie drives like a late-model car-if not smoother than some- and has
plenty of power and a commanding presence in any grouping of automobiles. It is
tastefully thought out, well-constructed, and a highly useable car that will be
a pleasure to own, drive, or simply to look at.