Why Wood? The Unique Craftsmanship Behind Model A Wagons
- Oaklea Mansion
- Aug 4
- 3 min read
When you first lay eyes on a 1931 Ford Model A Station Wagon, one thing stands out instantly—wood. Beautiful, bold, and unmistakably vintage, the wood-bodied “Woodie” wagon isn’t just a product of its time; it’s a testament to the craftsmanship and resourcefulness that defined an era of American ingenuity.
But why wood? Why not steel like the rest of the car? To answer that, we have to journey back to the late 1920s and early ’30s—when Ford was building more than just cars; it was building an empire.
Form Meets Function: The Case for Wood
During the early 20th century, wood was readily available, relatively inexpensive, and easier to work with than stamped steel—especially for low-volume body styles like station wagons. Ford took this to the next level by sourcing its own timber from the Iron Mountain forest in Michigan, where the company owned a lumber mill and kiln-drying facilities.
By controlling its own supply chain, Ford ensured consistency in material and quality—two critical ingredients when crafting hand-assembled wooden body panels. The primary woods used? Maple for the frame and birch or basswood for the panels, chosen for their strength, workability, and visual appeal. These hardwoods were not only durable but capable of holding up to the elements and the daily wear of utility use.
The Coachbuilders: Murray, Briggs & Beyond
While Ford provided the chassis and basic components, much of the bodywork for Model A wagons was completed by outside coachbuilders, including Murray Corporation and Briggs Manufacturing. These firms specialized in constructing the wooden bodies that were then mounted to Ford’s Model A frame.
Murray Corporation was known for producing refined, well-crafted bodies that often found their way into high-end station wagons and sedans.
Briggs Manufacturing, one of Ford’s most trusted partners, also played a key role in scaling up production while maintaining quality and precision in hand-built wooden components.
These partnerships reflected the hybrid nature of early automotive manufacturing: industrial mass production combined with artisanal craftsmanship.
Body Styles & Design Details
Unlike other Model A variants, the Station Wagon featured:
Open sides with removable side curtains
Three bench seats (including rear-facing middle seats in some versions)
Double rear doors for easy cargo loading
Steel cowling and fenders, but a fully wooden body rear of the front doors
The design was both practical and charming, evoking the warmth of a handcrafted piece of furniture with the durability of a working vehicle.
And while modern eyes see nostalgia and style, the original intent was all about utility. These wagons were built to haul people, gear, and goods—reliably and comfortably.
A Lasting Legacy
The 1931 model marked the final year of the Model A and one of the best examples of early station wagon design. As steel-body construction became cheaper and easier to mass-produce, wood-bodied cars gradually faded from the mainstream. But their charm never disappeared.
Today, original Ford Woodie wagons—especially those from 1931—are highly sought after by collectors and celebrated for their craftsmanship and connection to a bygone era of travel and design.
Still Rolling at Oaklea
At Oaklea Mansion, our beautifully preserved 1931 Model A Station Wagon stands as a tribute to this unique chapter in automotive history. With its golden wood grain, vintage curves, and storied past, it doesn’t just roll—it tells a story.
Come see it for yourself.Because sometimes, the best rides are made of wood.
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