ESTIMATE: $100,000 - $125,000

$99,000 Sold

Specifications:
87bhp, 217.8 cu. in. inline six-cylinder engine, three-speed selective sliding manual transmission, hypoid rear axle, four-wheel hydraulic brakes. Wheelbase: 126"

The ultimate in style today amongst collectors, the “ woodie ” station wagon was designed first and foremost as a utility vehicle to usher guests from the train station to their hotel, inn or mountain retreat. The versatility of the station wagon as a transporter of people and cargo soon made these handsome haulers popular vehicles in cities as well as rural areas.

Dodge, like the other car manufacturers, would send out a finished, fendered chassis with complete bodywork from the A-post forward. A specialist, U.S. Body and Forging in Dodge ’ s case, would then build and fit the wooden body and add the interior before returning the wagon to Dodge for final assembly and trim. A trademark of U.S. Body and Forging was the fitting of a red gumwood trim strip.

The striking 1937 Dodge Westchester Suburban Woodie Wagon pictured here was part of a large collection until recently, when it was completely restored to concours condition in 1993 by Woodie World in Florida. Although it was a very solid, original example to begin with, the kiln-dried White Ash framing and Maple paneling were replaced where necessary, as was the tongue-and-groove woodwork.

The three seats of the seven-passenger wagon were completely restored and recovered in striking tan leather, which contrasts wonderfully with the dark Brewster Green paintwork and beautifully refinished light wooden body and panels.

Mechanically, this Woodie Wagon, having been meticulously maintained, remains in excellent condition and is ready to be driven home. Although not all the wiring was replaced in 1993 and the paintwork has a slight patina, both these areas remain in very good condition.

Ford tended to dominate the market for station wagons, so it wasn ’ t surprising that Dodge stopped building woodie station wagons in 1939, leaving Plymouth to meet the needs of this niche market. Due to the very nature of woodie wagon construction, these extremely collectible vehicles have a low survival rate.

Of the less than 500 1937 Dodge Westchester Suburban Wagons built, few survive, making this an extraordinary opportunity to purchase a highly desirable example.