Vehicle Description
This 1949 Plymouth Special Deluxe Woody Station Wagon is an
absolutely stunning woody, that underwent an extensive documented
frame-off restoration. The use of wood in automobiles dates back to
the dawn of the automotive industry. Like many of the early
elements of engine powered automobiles, many of the early designs
were borrowed from the dominant method of transportation for people
and cargo at the time, horse drawn carriages and at that time many
carriages were built out of wood. Over the next few decades, wood
remained a significant construction material used in the production
of cars and trucks, and many of the early cargo haulers looked a
lot like the "woodies" we still see today at car shows and events.
With history dating back to 1928, the Plymouth division of Chrysler
was positioned as Chrysler's entry-level automobile marque,
offering a great value for a great car. Starting in the mid-30s,
Plymouth began offering woodies for mainly commercial users, either
those needing to haul cargo or more passengers, and continued to do
so until American auto production was halted in the early 1940s due
to World War II. As the United States emerged victorious from the
War, its auto industry resumed production but the first post-war
models were, for the most part, re-badged or re-trimmed pre-war
designs. However in the spring of 1949, Plymouth debuted its first
completely redesigned models for the first time in nearly a decade.
Although these new-look '49 Plymouths were brand new designs, they
were more subdued than many of their contemporaries reportedly due
to K.T. Keller's, Chrysler's Chairman at the time, preference for
putting practicality over beauty. In turn, Plymouth's cars were
touted as being roomier and smoother-riding, and less costly to
buy, own and repair. Plymouth touted the '49 models as being "the
car that likes to be compared." The cars were divided into two main
series, the entry level P-17 Deluxe and the premium P-18 Special
Deluxe. By far, the most expensive model in Plymouth's 1949 lineup
was the 4 door station wagon model, costing nearly twice as much as
Plymouth's lease expensive model. Likely due to its high cost, the
4 door woody station wagons are also the rarest Plymouth from 1949
with a mere 3,443 examples produced, representing less than 1% of
the production for America's third largest automaker in 1949. This
particular '49 Plymouth Station Wagon comes to us having benefitted
from an extensive frame-off restoration, where seemingly every
component was rebuild, restored, or replaced. Under the hood on
this '49 Plymouth Woody is a 217.8 cubic inch inline 6 cylinder
engine fed by a single barrel carburetor that together were said to
have produced 97 horsepower when new. The 218 straight 6 is mated
to a 3 speed manual transmission that is shifted via a
column-mounted "3-on-the-tree" shifter. Exhaust exits this Plymouth
flathead engine via a single exhaust setup that generates a
terrific sound out of the rear tailpipe. This 1949 Special Deluxe
Woody Wagon comes equipped with a number of neat options! An
exterior sun visor gives this station wagon an Americana look while
also providing a bit of extra shade for the driver. A chrome side
mirror is another welcome addition on this 1949 Plymouth since it
greatly improves the overall driving experience and makes squeezing
into a tight space at a National Park or even the local car show
much easier. The front chrome bumper is protected by chrome bumper
guards that further elevate the exterior appearance of this 1949
Plymouth P-18 Woody. Mounted on the front side of the rear fenders
are scuff guards to help protect from an occasional rock chip.
Riding on a set of wide whitewall tires mounted on steel wheels and
accented with large full-size wheel discs, this 1949 Special Deluxe
Station Wagon has an outstanding look while parked or while
cruising down the road. Additionally, a spare tire is tucked away
inside a compartment mounted on the rear hatch, which makes getting
to the spare, should you need it, much easier. Mounted atop this
stunning '49 Plymouth Woody is a roof rack complete with all sorts
of accessories from the era. The steel body on this 1949 Plymouth
P-18 Special Deluxe has been refinished in beautiful Red Burgundy
paint, and the doors and window surrounds are beautifully trimmed
in refinished oak and ash wood, together completing the exterior
look of this gorgeous automobile. The interior of this 1949
Plymouth Special Deluxe Woody Station Wagon is absolutely stunning!
The 3 rows of bench seats have all been reupholstered in a Caramel
like-leather that provides a wonderful complement to the overall
look of the car. The wood-trimmed door panels, carpeting, woodgrain
trimmed dash, and ivory steering wheel are all in fantastic
condition and all appear to retain a gorgeous stock look.
Instrumentation includes a 100 MPH speedometer, temperature gauge,
amp gauge, oil pressure gauge, and fuel gauge. The dash is finished
off with a push-button AM radio and integrated chrome speaker,
clock, cigarette lighter and ashtray, glovebox, and various
lighting and temperature controls. Whether you're an established
Mopar collector or you're buying your very first classic station
wagon, this 1949 Plymouth Special Deluxe Woody Station Wagon would
make an excellent choice. Give Ellingson's a call today at
763-428-7337!
*217.8 Cu. In. Inline 6
*Single Barrel Carburetor
*3 Speed Manual Transmission
*97 Horsepower
*Wide Whitewall Tires w/ Full Wheel Covers
*1 of 3,443 Wagons Produced
*Extensive Documented Frame-Off Restoration
*Red Burgundy Paint w/ Gorgeous Oak/Ash Wood Paneling
*Caramel Like-Leather 3-Row Bench Seat Interior
*Wooden Roof Rack w/ Accessories
*Stock Instrumentation
*Odometer Reads: 17,456 Miles
