When the Ford Motor Company entered the station wagon market, it quickly became the nation's acknowledged wagon-master. It was natural then that when the upscale Mercury line was introduced for 1939, a Mercury wagon would follow this came to fruition in 1941. Although the basic wagon bodies were the same, the Mercury used higher grade finishes, color-coordinated top fabric and all-leather interiors, and of course it had the larger Mercury engine. Accordingly, it sold at a higher price, $125 above the Super Deluxe Ford.

Wood for the station wagons came from Henry Ford's forests in northern Michigan. By 1940, Ford operations at Iron Mountain oversaw all body operations. It was there at Iron Mountain that the wood was cut, shaped, and assembled into the iconic bodies.

From the first year of production for the Woody Wagon, the top-of-the-line Mercury featured here was part of the Nick Alexander Woodie Collection. Acquired in 1998 from Roy Perle of New Haven, Connecticut, Alexander picked the car up himself and drove it cross-country to California. Restored to Finished to Alexander's exacting standards and painted Cayuga Blue over red leather upholstery, the car has retained its Iron Mountain Birch wood body and sheet metal. In Alexander's ownership, this Mercury earned a Dearborn Award from the Early Ford V-8 Club. The wagon joined the collection of the current owner in August of 2009.

Remaining local to the Monterey Bay Area for the past baker's dozen years, it has lap belts installed for the front seats and black rubber mats front and rear. Comfort features include dual outside mirrors, an AM radio, and a heater. A file of records from the current ownership shows maintenance completed on the car including a recent service last month to recommission the car after a period of limited use.

Showing beautifully today, this rare Woody is sure to bring smiles to the whole family!