1931 Model A "Woodie" Station Wagon
Tour Guide In Winnsboro, Texas
Motor: 4 Cylinder, 201 CID, 40 HP
Brakes: Mechanical
Battery: 6 Volt w/positive ground
Transmission: 3 Speed Manual non-synchronized
Tire Size: 450-21
Body: Briggs Manufacturing Company
Color: Manila Brown
Wood: Maplewood and Birchwood Materials
Fuel Capacity: 11 Gallons
Maximum Passengers: 8
Weight: 2482 Lbs
Cost New: $625
Wood, Wheels & Wonder
The Story Behind Our 1931 Model A “Woodie” Station Wagon
During the golden age of railroads, trains moved people swiftly across the country—but the journey didn’t end at the station. Passengers still needed a ride from the depot to their final destinations. That’s where the station wagon came in—designed to bridge the gap between train travel and doorsteps.
Enter the 1931 Ford Model A Station Wagon, affectionately known today as a “Woodie.” Built with durable craftsmanship and timeless appeal, this vehicle became the go-to for hotels, resorts, and businesses needing reliable group transportation. Its rugged frame, wooden body, and versatile seating made it both practical and stylish.
As the final year of Model A production, 1931 brought refinements in design and performance, making this Woodie one of the finest in the Ford lineup. Today, it stands not only as a nostalgic icon—but as a rolling testament to American ingenuity and the rhythm of everyday life in the Model A era.
About Oaklea's Wagon
This particular Model A Ford Station Wagon is a beautifully restored example, maintaining its authenticity as an original, not a re-body. It is painted in Manila Brown—the only factory color offered for this model in 1931—creating a striking contrast with the Maplewood and Birchwood used for the body and structural framework. More than 60% of the vehicle's wood remains original, a testament to its preservation and craftsmanship. Original front door hinges and a multi-piece cowl further enhance its authenticity, ensuring that this vehicle remains as close to its factory specifications as possible.
Inside, the wagon retains its classic three-row seating configuration, allowing for ample passenger space. The black leatherette seats feature original frames with new covers that faithfully replicate the factory specifications in both fit and finish. Rubber floor mats, a standard feature for easy maintenance, remain in place, preserving the practical yet elegant interior.
Under the hood, Ford’s dependable four-cylinder, 201-cubic-inch engine has been meticulously restored to its original specifications, delivering 40 horsepower and a smooth, reliable driving experience. This station wagon runs like new, featuring the correct Zenith carburetor and filter, an original-style ignition system with flat copper plug leads, a period-correct water pump, a two-blade fan, and a rebuilt generator and starter—all contributing to its authenticity. The three-speed manual transmission ensures an engaging and enjoyable driving experience, true to the era.
Additional features on this Model A include canvas side curtains for weather protection, a driver-side single side-mount spare tire, a driver-side view mirror, upgraded door handles, an exhaust turn-down, and a storage box beneath the rear seats to conveniently store the side curtains when not in use. These period-correct details enhance both functionality and historical accuracy.
The Model A Station Wagon was one of Ford’s earliest wood-bodied utility vehicles and laid the foundation for the later development of the modern station wagon. As a relatively rare model, particularly in such well-preserved condition, this 1931 Woody Station Wagon stands as one of the finest Model A examples available today.
Car Shows this Model A Station Wagon has been shown:
2019 Boca Raton Concours d'Elegance. It was presented in Class P - Vintage Trucks and Wagons: 1920 - 1960
2024 12th Annual Toys for Kids Auto & Cycle Show in Lindale, TX
2025 East Texas Auto & Cycle Show in Tyler, TX