1949 Plymouth Special Deluxe Station Wagon W

This 1949 Plymouth Special Deluxe Woody Station Wagon is an absolutely stunning woody, that underwent an extensive documented frame-off restoration. The use of wood in automobiles dates back to the dawn of the automotive industry. Like many of the early elements of engine powered automobiles, many of the early designs were borrowed from the dominant method of transportation for people and cargo at the time, horse drawn carriages and at that time many carriages were built out of wood. Over the next few decades, wood remained a significant construction material used in the production of cars and trucks, and many of the early cargo haulers looked a lot like the woodies we still see today at car shows and events. With history dating back to 1928, the Plymouth division of Chrysler was positioned as Chrysler's entry-level automobile marque, offering a great value for a great car. Starting in the mid-30s, Plymouth began offering woodies for mainly commercial users, either those needing to haul cargo or more passengers, and continued to do so until American auto production was halted in the early 1940s due to World War II. As the United States emerged victorious from the War, its auto industry resumed production but the first post-war models were, for the most part, re-badged or re-trimmed pre-war designs. However in the spring of 1949, Plymouth debuted its first completely redesigned models for the first time in nearly a decade. Although these new-look '49 Plymouths were brand new designs, they were more subdued than many of their contemporaries reportedly due to K.T. Keller's, Chrysler's Chairman at the time, preference for putting practicality over beauty. In turn, Plymouth's cars were touted as being roomier and smoother-riding, and less costly to buy, own and repair. Plymouth touted the '49 models as being the car that likes to be compared. The cars were divided into two main series, the entry level P-17 Deluxe and the premium P-18 Special Deluxe. By far, the most expensive model in Plymouth's 1949 lineup was the 4 door station wagon model, costing nearly twice as much as Plymouth's lease expensive model. Likely due to its high cost, the 4 door woody station wagons are also the rarest Plymouth from 1949 with a mere 3,443 examples produced, representing less than 1% of the production for America's third largest automaker in 1949. This particular '49 Plymouth Station Wagon comes to us having benefitted from an extensive frame-off restoration, where seemingly every component was rebuild, restored, or replaced. Under the hood on this '49 Plymouth Woody is a 217.8 cubic inch inline 6 cylinder engine fed by a single barrel carburetor that together were said to have produced 97 horsepower when new. The 218 straight 6 is mated to a 3 speed manual transmission that is shifted via a column-mounted 3-on-the-tree shifter. Exhaust exits this Plymouth flathead engine via a single exhaust setup that generates a terrific sound out of the rear tailpipe. This 1949 Special Deluxe Woody Wagon comes equipped with a number of neat options! An exterior sun visor gives this station wagon an Americana look while also providing a bit of extra shade for the driver. A chrome side mirror is another welcome addition on this 1949 Plymouth since it greatly improves the overall driving experience and makes squeezing into a tight space at a National Park or even the local car show much easier. The front chrome bumper is protected by chrome bumper guards that further elevate the exterior appearance of this 1949 Plymouth P-18 Woody. Mounted on the front side of the rear fenders are scuff guards to help protect from an occasional rock chip. Riding on a set of wide whitewall tires mounted on steel wheels and accented with large full-size wheel discs, this 1949 Special Deluxe Station Wagon has an outstanding look while parked or while cruising down the road. Additionally, a spare tire is tucked away inside a compartment mounted on the rear hatch