One Family Owned Since New Fascinating History 448,000 original Miles

1949 Dodge B1B-108 Woody Station Wagon

Just into the 20th century, furniture makers began making "woodies" as a sideline to their businesses. They would purchase an automobile without a body and build a body from wood. These custom vehicles were often set up like small buses and were commonly used by resorts to transport guests to and from railroad depots. They weren't called woodies back then. Rather, they were known as "depot hacks". In the horse-drawn days, a "hack" was a wagon.

Fast forward to 1949 in the month of January when the consigner's father purchased the car from a New Jersey Dodge dealership. She took on the name "Old Betsy" and has seen miles as a delivery truck, a newspaper delivery truck, a farm vehicle, a family vehicle, a commuter, and a moving van.

Exterior
The original wood cargo/passenger compartment, and roof did not survive, and have been totally rebuilt buy the consigner, who is the original buyers' son, so this car has been in the same family for almost 70 years. A frame off rebuild was painstakingly taken on, done by hand, and done very well. A peek of the underside shows virtually new wood throughout, new ceiling, and new floor deck. Interior doors are not finished but are covered. A marine varnish brings out the White Ash and Poplar exterior, which has very good fit and finish. Steel shows brush painting, done by consigners father over the years and in need of some love. Lower wheel wells are rusted through, and if restoring, can be done when fenders are removed. A new waterproof canvas has been installed on the roof.

Interior
Original interior bench seat, re-covered, though only 1 of the 3 seats are left. Metal dash, and original gauges are present, excepting their temp gauge which has been replaced. Floor is wool ribbed carpeting and is in good condition. Back bed liner is painted plywood and was done during the restoration. A well-used steering wheel tells the story of this vehicle and its use, and if it could talk, it would be a while. A Campbell body works emblem is on the roof next to the interior light, showing the initial wood body manufacturer, who were based in Waterloo, New York.

Drivetrain
A replaced 230ci engine from what is believed to be a 1954 Plymouth done over by a company from Orlando, Florida by the name of Auto Machine Company (see numbered plaque on engine shots). A valve job, as well as a new head gasket were installed during the restoration. The 3-speed transmission connects to a 4:11 gear ratio, so you will not cruise down the highway at 70MPH! During the rebuild, all brakes, bushings, and suspension as well as wheel cylinders, and master cylinder were replaced. Consigner states it rides nicely, but still like a truck.

It's rare to find a vehicle that has been in the family for its whole life, and even rarer if that vehicle is a Dodge B1B-108 Woody. Mostly restored, this vehicle comes with all the documentation it has been through, including the original Dodge Factory build sheet. 2 binders full of information, titles receipts etc., as well as stories about this car, old photos and then some abound. The nice thing about this vehicle is you can literally drive it away, do nothing to it, and enjoy the new wood body, rebuilt engine and mechanicals, and be proud of the hand painted with a brush steel age the truck shows, but certainly not in a bad way. I'd say more like a well-worn, well-read novel from the library, that no one could put down.

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 150 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. A 450 barn find collection is currently also on display.
This vehicle is in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.