1949 DeSoto Deluxe Woodie Station Wagon
Rare, 1 of 850 produced
This is a genuine 1949 DeSoto Deluxe Woodie Station Wagon, one of approximately 850 wood-bodied wagons produced for the model year. These were factory-built, coach-assembled wagons and represent DeSoto’s return to the station wagon market after a long absence. This example is believed to have undergone a refurbishment in the 1990s and is currently owned by a collector in California. It remains a correct, intact example retaining its original configuration and character, rather than a later conversion or recreation.
Power comes from DeSoto’s 236ci flathead inline-six, factory rated at 112 horsepower, paired with the column-shifted three-speed Fluid Drive semi-automatic transmission. This drivetrain remains as built and operates in the typical smooth, torque-focused manner these cars are known for. Service work performed in 2022 included a new battery, spark plugs and wires, freeze plugs, brake wheel cylinders, brake hoses, and fuel system service. The car starts, runs, and drives as expected for a well-maintained postwar Chrysler-built vehicle, with braking provided by four-wheel drums.
The exterior presents in tan, reportedly applied during the earlier refurbishment. The body retains its correct wood panels, steel roof, split clamshell tailgate with integrated spare tire cover, chrome bumpers, hood ornament, and period brightwork. There is a touched-up scratch on the right front fender. The car rides on black 15-inch steel wheels with chrome hubcaps and H78-15 Coker Classic bias-ply whitewall tires, with a matching spare mounted in the rear cover. Glass appears intact and serviceable. Please note that both cowl-mounted search lamps are inoperable.
Inside, the cabin features three rows of brown vinyl bench seating with coordinated door panels and carpeting. The steel dashboard wears engine-turned panels with painted woodgrain trim. Gauges for oil pressure, water temperature, fuel level, and amperage are functional, though the speedometer needle bounces while driving, a common issue with cable-driven units of the era. The odometer shows 98,876 miles, with total mileage unknown. The heater, defroster fan, and wipers are operational. The AM radio is present but currently inoperable. The glove box lock is broken. A battery kill switch is discreetly mounted under the passenger side of the dashboard. Based on inspection and period construction methods, the doors appear to be fully wood rather than steel-skinned with applied wood paneling, though this has not been confirmed by disassembly.
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