1940 Chevrolet Special Deluxe Woody Station Wagon
Shooting brakes were originally horse drawn wagons that carried ammunition and harvest items from shooting and hunting trips, and they were constructed of wood. In the 30's and 40's, a modern interpretation was developed, and the wood was finely polished to resemble high end wood furniture one might find in a home. Today, woody wagons remain some of the most iconic and collectible classic cars with numerous master craftsmen around the country who support this specialized endeavor.
For consignment, a 1940 Chevrolet Special Deluxe woody station wagon with a title verified 75,941 actual miles and arriving to the new owner with extensive photographic and document records of the restoration of this vehicle.
Exterior
What color goes best with wood? Many will argue but few can deny that green, in this case Ridge Green Metallic, is a stunning choice to contrast with the honey colored wood of the body. This green covers the steel body from the nose to the firewall and again over the rear fenders. A grain patterned vinyl cover over canvas creates the roof and its dark color also provides a great counter to the light wood and blends well with the header areas above the windshield, which is green. The chrome grille and hood ornament, along with other metalwork on the car is spectacular and upstaged only by the glossy wood of the exterior which looks positively wet. The wonderfully square rear of the car contains high windows and an encased spare tire, the case pinstriped and containing the same hubcap that appears on the 16-inch wheels the car rides on. Chrome bumpers are adorned with a twin red stripes which is picked up in the Chevrolet emblem and seal on the nose. An amazing exterior with the only flaws being a chip and a scuff on a fender.
Interior
Let's start on the ceiling where a lath-like construction of wood runs the length of the large top. The inner doors are constructed with seamless wood panels trimmed in oak and housing basic hardware. It's all wood on the way back and on the rear hatch as well and if there's ever been a treehouse on wheels, this is it! Sidewalls, seat backs, and door jambs, all wood. The front bench is a tubular framed black vinyl affair in fine condition while the shorter back seat is of the same construction and materials. A wonderfully flat floor with a step down is underfoot, unimpeded by carpet or large humps, (there is a small one). A chocolate brown steering wheel leads to an amazing wood dash with a wood applique framed gauge cluster that matches the frame in color precisely, a perfect blend with art deco fonts. A metal grille takes up the center while a glorious clock is embedded on the glove box door. A Super Deluxe branded heater is in the footwell in front of the passenger looking as clean as it did on day one.
Drivetrain
Under the hood is a driver quality engine with patina and surface rust but overall free of debris. It's a 216.5ci inline 6 cylinder with a 1-barrel carburetor rated at 85 horsepower. It is tied to a 3-speed manual transmission shifted on the tree, which sends power to the rear wheels and 3.73 gears. Drum brakes were standard, and they are present here.
Undercarriage
Generally clean underneath with surface rust and flaking paint on numerous components and a bit of residual oil on the transmission, a single drop on the oil pan plug. There's road spray throughout but no grease build up on steering and brake components. A single exhaust finds a stock style muffler before exiting out back. Suspension consists of coil springs in front and leaf springs in the back. Looking under the doors, we see no rust of course, and also no sign of wood boring insects.
Drive-Ability
The airy interior provided a regal perch, even if the bench is not the most luxurious seat in the house. Still, the high view, the greenhouse of windows, and the breathtaking dashboard makes the interior a very nice place to be. The car runs with predictable power, straight tracking, and the expected roll on turn-ins. The few people near our test loop turned to look at the car, a small sampling of what's to come for the next owner. Between a Lamborghini Aventador and this car, our bet is on this car getting more stares. Meanwhile, every function that's on board works as intended. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
They say that modern cars have a certain level of off gassing from the plastics and synthetic materials used. We don't know much about that but suffice it to say that woodies bring it back to nature. You're surrounded by wood as if in the woods and only the varnish stands between you and the formerly alive materials. This is a fantastic automobile for the discerning buyer and a special piece of Americana.
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
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