The Station Wagon That Started It All: The Legacy of the 1931 Ford Model A

Before there were SUVs, minivans, or ride-share apps, there was the station wagon—and it all started with Ford’s vision to bring utility and style together on four wheels.

The Ford Model A Station Wagon, often called a “Woodie,” wasn’t just a car—it was a solution. As train travel dominated long-distance transportation in the early 20th century, the problem remained: how do you get passengers from the station to their final destination? Ford answered with the first generation of station wagons, a category that would change the way America moved.

Ford Emblem on the Oaklea Mansion 1931 Model A Station Wagon

🌲 Built from Nature, Designed for Need

Unlike the steel-bodied cars of its time, the Model A Station Wagon featured a body made almost entirely from hard maple and birch, sourced from Ford’s own Iron Mountain lumber operations. This wasn’t just for aesthetics—wood was sturdy, relatively affordable, and ideal for low-volume coachbuilding.

Its open-air design and bench-style seating made it the perfect vehicle for hotels, resorts, and small businesses needing to transport groups of people and their luggage. It was a workhorse with elegance, blending utility, durability, and charm—a combination that would define the wagon class for decades.

🛠️ The Final and Finest Year

1931 marked the final production year of the Ford Model A, and by this time, the wagon had evolved with refinements in engineering and design. It featured improved brakes, smoother gear shifting, and subtle design tweaks that made it both safer and more pleasant to drive. That year’s Model A Station Wagon remains one of the most desirable collector models, thanks to its transitional styling and historical significance.

🚂 From Depots to Driveways

What made the Model A Station Wagon truly revolutionary was how it linked the old world with the new—bridging the gap between railroads and residential roads. It became a symbol of local mobility in a time when most people still relied on carriages, taxis, or their feet for short-distance travel. The Woodie was dependable, charming, and versatile—a combination America couldn’t resist.

🏡 A Legacy Preserved

Today, few of these original wagons remain in working condition. At Oaklea Mansion, our beautifully preserved 1931 Model A Woodie isn’t just a showpiece—it’s a storytelling vehicle.

Whether it’s parked for photos, featured in local tours, or used as part of weddings and historic experiences, it still does what it was born to do: bring people together for the ride.

Want to see it for yourself? Book a tour at Oaklea Mansion and experience the legacy firsthand. Because some rides aren’t just transportation—they’re time travel.