Vehicle Description
The 1948 Ford Woodie Marmon-Herrington 4x4 Super Deluxe wagon is a
one of the industry's first heavy-duty luxury SUVs. What makes this
Woodie unique is that Ford sought the expertise of the then tank
builder Marmon-Herrington to convert this standard wagon into a
rugged all-purpose 4x4.
The restoration of the wood and the interior upholstery has been
expertly refinished by renowned Woodie collector Nick Alexander.
Everything on the wagon has either been replaced by original parts
or restored to its original specs, including the vintage wiring and
working radio.
During the 30's and 40's Marmon-Herrington was building heavy
all-wheel-drive trucks, tanks, and 4x4 chassis for towing light
weaponry. Ford selected the perfect company to combine the civility
of a passenger car with the durable terrain capability of a
four-wheel-drive truck.
The Marmon-Herrington factory lifted the body off the Ford chassis
and strengthening cross members were welded into place to support
the weight of the new front axle. A matching Ford rear axle was
fitted in front, with CV joints on either end, a drive-shaft was
attached from the new transfer case.
Power is provided by a 239 cubic inch L-Head V8 flat head engine
with original parts, it produced 100bhp at 3,600rpm and sent power
to both axles via the original 4-speed manual transmission.
The rear of the wagon kept its original axle but gained ground
clearance with new transverse semi-elliptical leaf springs and the
front axle sits on quarter-elliptical torque springs with
longitudinal semi-elliptical leaf springs.
This immaculately restored Ford conversion is extremely rare; it is
believed that only seven were built. This vehicle pioneered the
modern four-wheel-drive. It is a true testament to American style,
power, and ingenuity.
