October 11th 2015 Premier Automobile Sale
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/10/2015
•One of 2,905 V-8 woodie wagons produced for 1934.•Excellent club support and vintage parts availability.•All wood believed to be original.Henry Ford had the foresight . . . and the capital to purchase the town of Pequaming in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and along with it, the half million acres of forest surrounding it. From these forests came the maple framing and birch paneling needed for Ford’s new station wagon. Up to this point, Ford had been buying lumber from the mills on the peninsula for the framing on his Model T’s, but he opened his own Iron Mountain sawmills about 1922 under the Michigan Land, Lumber and Iron Company in the Menominee River Valley. At first, Iron Mountain’s mills turned out raw lumber. Then woodworkers made components which were shipped to Briggs and Murray in Detroit and later to Raulang in Cleveland for assembly. This changed when Ford opened his own station wagon assembly line in the fall of 1936 at Iron Mountain.The V-8 Station Wagon designated Type 860, was Ford’s most expensive car at $660.00. Weighing in at 2,635 pounds, it was constructed of basswood, birch, and maple cut and trimmed at Iron Mountain with final finishing at the Murray Corp. Power was supplied by Ford’s 85hp 221cid “Flathead” V-8 and a three-speed sliding gear transmission. All wagons rode a 112-inch wheelbase and featured rod-actuated mechanical brakes on all four wheels. Suspension is rather simple with a solid front axle and a ¾ floating rear axle along with transverse front and rear leaf springs. The new Fords were introduced on December 6, 1933. Styling changes were minimal as most of the changes were mechanical. Under the hood, the V-8 included a Stromberg carburetor and a newly designed A.C. air cleaner for easier breathing. Combined with a redesigned intake manifold, the engine was smoother running and produced an additional 10hp. Aiding in the smooth operation was Ford’s first fully-counterbalanced cast alloy crankshaft which contributed to a substantial reduction in vibration. Open-skirted pistons, a unitized valve assembly, new thermostats, and a new fuel pump also enhanced the updated design. In total, Ford built 2,905 V-8 wagons for 1934 as well as another 95 equipped with four-cylinder engines. Wagons were not classified as Standard or Deluxe as they were actually considered to be part of Ford’s commercial vehicle line. As such, they were a curious mix of trim items such as painted horns but bright cowl lights as well as painted windshield trim. Interior were trimmed in black-brown imitation leather and side curtains were provided for weather protection as there were no roll-up windows.Offered at no reserve.