Vehicle Description
Late in the 1930s, the American automobile industry emerged from
the Great Depression with cautious optimism. Some believed a brave
new era was on the horizon; one of aeronautical-inspired
streamlining and exotic rear-engine layouts. However, top auto
executives were aware that America was perilously close to
involvement in another brewing conflict in Europe. Ford echoed that
sentiment for the new 1941 model year release. Taking a
conservative approach, designers wanted the new car to be
long-lasting, should production be interrupted for war. Officially
released in 1941, the new Fords were robust, with attractive
contemporary styling by Eugene T. "Bob" Gregorie. Ford offered the
cars in three distinct model lines - Special, Deluxe, and Super
Deluxe. For the first time since 1906, an inline-six was offered -
replacing the small displacement V8-60. However, the vast majority
of customers opted for the tried and tested 85 horsepower flathead
V8. New sheet metal followed current trends, with faired-in
headlamps and a rounded yet upright look. 1942 Models got a new
face, with a lower, broader grille that hinted at the future. Just
as the auto industry was regaining its momentum, America was thrust
into war and automakers were forced to abandon civilian production
to support the war effort. After the war, Ford rushed to get
showrooms filled. As a result, 1946 cars represented little more
than lightly refreshed versions of 1942 models. It took some time
to retool and produce enough parts to resume full production, and
select models like the convertible and station wagon took even
longer to reach showrooms. In addition to the cosmetic
improvements, 1946 Ford models finally received the hotter
Mercury-spec 239-cubic inch flathead V8, rated at an even 100
horsepower. Buyers responded heartily, and sales were quick to
recover. Of the several models offered, the Station Wagon has
become one of the most iconic. Made famous in surf culture of the
1960s, these Ford wagons provide a unique style with exceptional
practicality. Equally at home on a farm, country estate, or in the
city, the beautifully-crafted wood-bodied Ford 69A is the
quintessential American Woodie. A highly desirable model with a
fascinating history, this 1946 Ford 69A Super Deluxe Wagon once
belonged to the famous CIA boss, James J. Angleton, who kept it at
his beloved Brule, Wisconsin fishing lodge for many years. Mr.
Angleton was a former agent in the Office of Strategic Services who
went on to a legendary career as one of the founding members of the
CIA and is considered the father of American counterintelligence,
serving as the counterintelligence chief from 1954-1975. Originally
from Boise, Idaho, Angleton was an avid fisherman, and he used the
car regularly on his vacation property, no doubt hosting
high-ranking officials and conducting secretive state business in
his trusty Ford. It is believed that Angleton first acquired the
Ford when he purchased the lodge from a CIA colleague. Following
his death in 1987, the Wagon went to Angleton's long-time lodge
caretaker. The next owner acquired the Ford from the caretaker at a
country auction, and in approximately 2001 it first arrived at
Hyman Ltd, before passing to a good friend and client in Colorado.
He was shocked when he uncovered the history of this humble Ford
wagon, as he formerly worked as an intelligence analyst in the
Army, working directly with Mr. Angleton's offices in the 1970s. It
seems he and the Ford wagon were destined for one another! In his
hands, the car was treated to a light restoration, with great care
taken to preserve as much of the original wood as possible. The
sheet metal parts were given a high-quality respray in Maroon,
which has held up well over the years. Concurrently, the chassis
was overhauled and V8 engine rebuilt. It passed back through our
showroom in 2010, only to return to our fold now for the third
time, still presenting in very attractive, carefully preserved
condition. The maroon paintwork has aged gracefully and shows well
with a warm luster. Importantly, subsequent owners have maintained
the highly original wood in excellent condition. The exterior
chrome and brightwork also present very well overall, with just
some minor polish marks and pitting found on some pieces. It
retains its original Super Deluxe body trim as well as the fully
enclosed, color-keyed rear-mounted spare wheel. Rolling stock
consists of factory-correct, body color steel wheels, adorned with
beauty rings, Ford-embossed hubcaps, and wide-whitewall bias-ply
tires. The interior is faithfully presented with factory-correct
materials and finishes. Hard-wearing brown leatherette upholstery
suits the rugged nature of the wagon while providing a pleasing,
complementary color to the maroon paint. Correct rubber floor mats
carry on the robust, utilitarian theme. Comfort isn't completely
ignored, however, as this top of the line Super Deluxe features
both a heater and an AM radio. Throughout the cabin, the materials,
controls, and fittings are in excellent condition. Ford's legendary
flatehead V8 engine is correctly detailed with the appropriate
hardware, hose clamps, Ford script radiator plumbing, and lacquered
ignition wires. The engine and ancillaries are nicely finished, and
the presentation is honest, unfussy, and perfectly suitable for
regular use. Recent specialist service ensures it runs and drives
well, with the engine delivering the smoothness and relaxed,
low-rpm nature expected of a flathead V8. Historically speaking,
the high-maintenance character of the wood body and popularity with
surfers and hot rodders made for rather high attrition rates with
these station wagons. Therefore, it is incredibly rare to find such
an unmolested example with so much of its original wood. Thanks to
many years of attentive care, this beautiful, enjoyable, and
historically intriguing Ford survives in remarkable condition. For
additional details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6399-1946-ford-super-deluxe-station-wagon/