85 bhp, 221 cu. in. L-head V-8 engine, three-speed manual
transmission, solid front and live rear axle with transverse
semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.
Wheelbase: 114 in.
• Four owners from new; kept by the original family for decades
• Formerly owned by Ralph Marano and Malcolm Pray
• An outstanding restoration presenting exceptionally well
today
Before the station wagon became an iconic part of American family
life, it belonged to a different social class. Reputedly, the term
"station wagon" was first developed based on the common practice of
the owner of a country house traveling to the train station to pick
up his guests and their luggage for the weekend. Later, the station
wagon became associated with use as a utility vehicle for servants
of the house, and it was also perhaps used for the occasional
picnic or quail hunt. Yet, it was as much a part of the life
well-lived and a symbol of genteel prosperity.
That is the purpose that this 1941 Ford Super DeLuxe served for so
many years in its original ownership. It is a symbol of a bygone
time, when these wagons could be seen regularly on the road, often
with their owner's monogram or yacht club burgee proudly borne on
the doors.
This Station Wagon was originally owned by a family near
Blairstown, New Jersey, and it would be more accurate to say that
it was part of the family, as it remained in their care until the
late 1980s. Near the end of their ownership, it was comprehensively
restored by Marty Beron, of Grey Hills Auto Restoration in
Blairstown. The family had wanted their much-appreciated car to
wind up with a collector after their ownership was over.
Accordingly, it wound up in the fine stable of Ralph Marano, where
it remained for approximately five years, and then it moved to the
collection of Malcolm Pray in May 1996.
This Ford is finished in the appropriately titled hue of Coach
Maroon, and its 25-year-old restoration has mellowed in the best
possible way. It still exhibits an outstanding level of finish and
detail, and it is better than it was in 1941. Under the hood, the
correct hoses and clips are evident. Much of the body wood remains
original, and all of it is varnished to a superb shine, with the
inside of the body resembling the hull of a fine wooden boat. Most
notably, the extensive blond wood paneling is particularly
stunning, with several sections of figured maple in prominent
areas. The original-type imitation leather interior is in superb
condition, and the odometer shows 80,375 miles, which are believed
to be original. The dashboard even contains an original radio and
dash clock.
This Ford Wagon is a fine older restoration that can still be a
point of pride in any collection, whether the focus is on flathead
V-8 Fords or landmark estate conveyances.
