The 1948 Mercury Woody Wagon represents a sophisticated conclusion to the post-war era of genuine wood-bodied automobiles. As a Mercury, it offered a higher tier of luxury and power compared to its Ford siblings, making it a favorite among affluent families of the late 1940s. This particular example carries significant provenance, having been formerly owned by the renowned collector Nick Alexander. Finished in Taffy Brown and featuring rare, restored Birdseye Maple wood trim, it stands as a testament to the craftsmanship and material quality that defined high-end American motoring before the industry transitioned to all-steel construction.
Hand-Crafted Birdseye Maple and Taffy Brown Elegance
The silhouette of this Mercury is an architectural marvel, blending rounded sheet metal with intricate woodworking. Its Taffy Brown paint provides a warm, period-correct backdrop for the star of the show: the rare Birdseye Maple wood trim. This wood has been meticulously restored, showcasing the unique “eyes” in the grain that make this specific wagon more desirable than standard maple versions. The functional exterior details include a classic wood split tailgate, sliding rear windows, and 15-inch steel wheels adorned with chrome hubcaps. Coker Classic wide whitewall tires complete the nostalgic look, ensuring the wagon maintains its dignified post-war stance.
Preserved Red Leather and Merco-Therm Comfort
The cabin is a masterclass in mid-century design, featuring its original Red leather interior that has aged with incredible character. Wood trim door cards mirror the exterior’s craftsmanship, creating a seamless aesthetic flow from the outside in. For passenger versatility, the second row folds down and the third row is entirely removable, highlighting the wagon’s original purpose as a high-capacity transport. Notable vintage amenities include a pushbutton AM radio and the Merco-Therm ventilation and heating system. The column-mounted shifter remains the primary interface for the driver, maintaining the authentic mechanical feel of 1948.
Rebuilt Flathead V8 with Columbia Overdrive
Under the hood resides a rebuilt 255 CI Flathead V8 engine, which was the preferred choice for Mercury buyers seeking more displacement than the standard Ford units. While specific factory output is estimated, the engine provides a smooth and rhythmic delivery through Fenton headers and a dual exhaust system. This wagon is uniquely equipped with a Columbia 2-speed rear end differential, allowing for much more relaxed cruising at higher speeds than a standard 3-speed manual would permit. Modern reliability upgrades include a replacement radiator and an electric fuel pump, ensuring the Flathead remains cool and responsive during modern rallies or coastal drives.
| Technical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Engine | 255 CI Flathead V-8 |
| Transmission | 3-Speed Manual |
| Rear End | Columbia 2-Speed Differential |
| Exhaust | Fenton Headers w/ Dual Exhaust |
| Fuel System | Electric Fuel Pump |
| Wheels | 15-inch Steel w/ Chrome Trim |
| Tires | 225/75 Coker Classic Whitewalls |
| Brakes | 4-Wheel Drum Brakes |
A Collector Grade Asset with Nick Alexander Provenance
In the current collector car market, the provenance of the Nick Alexander collection serves as a gold standard for wood-bodied Fords and Mercurys. Buyers recognize that vehicles from this stable were curated for their authenticity and rare options, such as the Birdseye Maple found here. Compared to more common Ford Super Deluxe wagons, the Mercury Woody offers a longer wheelbase and a more powerful engine, giving it a distinct advantage in both prestige and drivability. As genuine woodies become increasingly rare due to the maintenance required for their organic components, this restored example represents a secure investment in automotive art.
The Final Flourish of the Wood Body Era
This 1948 Mercury Woody Wagon is far more than a vintage family hauler; it is a finely tuned instrument of post-war Americana. With its rebuilt mechanicals and stunning Birdseye Maple restoration, it is ready to be the centerpiece of any high-level collection or a premier entry into Concours events. Its combination of historic ownership and rare specifications makes it a must-watch lot as it crosses the block at Glendale 2026.
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Source: mecum.com
