To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' Arizona
event, 17 - 18 January 2019.
Estimate:
$80,000 - $110,000
- Freshened highly original car
- Documented ownership history
- America's favorite woodie
Ford was the first U.S. automaker to resume production at the end
of World War II. The assembly lines commenced operation on 3 July
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 restyled and re-trimmed
versions of their 1942 counterparts.
Most significant was the fact that all V-8 Fords now used the
Mercury-derived 239-cu. in., 100-bhp engine. Slight changes from
1942 involved the ignition system and a new casting for the
cylinder block, the latter taking its "59A" designation from the
Ford project code.
Equipped with radio, heater, and electric clock, this 1946 Ford
Super DeLuxe station wagon was formerly owned by James J. Angleton,
a young officer in the Office of Strategic Services during World
War II. Joining the Central Intelligence Agency after the War, he
became Chief of Counterintelligence in 1954, serving until 1975.
The car was kept at his vacation retreat in Superior, Wisconsin,
for many years, stored carefully in a red brick garage. After
Angleton's passing in 1987, it was discovered by the estate's
caretaker. Highly original, it is finished in maroon with brown
artificial leather upholstery. The car is in excellent condition
throughout and has received restoration as required. A history of
Mr. Angleton and a letter from a prior owner documenting its
history are included with the car.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/az19.
