Ford History Surfaces With World War II-Era Shipwreck

Written By Paul Kampe
May 08, 2025
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A 1941 Ford Deluxe station wagon similar to this 1946 model, affectionately known as a “Woody” for its wood-paneled body, was recently discovered at the bottom of the ocean among a World War II-era shipwreck.

Some Ford enthusiasts may have noticed an interesting tidbit of news recently, as a 1941 Ford Deluxe “Woody” wagon was discovered along with other wartime items from the sunken USS Yorktown, which went down during World War II. Ford Heritage and Brand Manager Ted Ryan, who leads Ford’s Archives team, helped officials identify the vehicle after the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) made the discovery. 

The eight-seater, reverently known as “Woody” for its signature wooden paneling, was available in Deluxe and Super Deluxe models, along with the rest of Ford’s 1941 car lineup. The center and rear seats were removable, too, quickly transforming the family hauler into a capable utility vehicle. The Woody was popular, Ryan said, and its fame included references in popular songs.  

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Ford’s Deluxe and Super Deluxe station wagons were known for their distinctive wood paneling.

The water-logged Woody discovered with the Yorktown wreckage was likely produced just months before Ford stopped production of civilian vehicles due to the outbreak of World War II, not to resume until 1945. The 1941 line of Ford cars was touted for its improved ride comfort and rigid new frame, as well as advances in the famed Ford V8 engine, which was now calibrated to provide better acceleration in first and second gears, according to a brochure. Advertising also leaned into Ford’s advanced climate testing. At the time, Ford had the world’s only such facility, which was capable of re-creating blizzards, sandstorms, and extreme temperatures, among other testing scenarios. 

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A young “Teddy” Ryan got an A on his middle school paper chronicling the Battle of the Midway.

Ryan, who as a student once analyzed the historic Battle of the Midway that led to the ship (and the car) sinking, along with other officials, came to the conclusion that the car must have been used when the ship was docked in Honolulu. Ryan’s colleagues at the National Archives speculate the car was left aboard the Yorktown, which was damaged during a previous clash, in the military’s haste to get the vessel back into action before the big battle. The Battle of the Midway had a lasting impact on a young “Teddy” Ryan. 

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Ryan and his colleagues believe the car was mistakenly left on the ship in the rush to get the Yorktown back into service for the big battle.

“This story fascinated me because, as a middle schooler, I wrote my first serious historical paper on Midway, which made me realize I wanted to spend my life studying history,” said Ryan, adding that he still has the paper today. “This event brought everything full circle for me.” 

Ford is well known for its involvement in the efforts of the Allied Forces during World War II, but the discovery of one of Ford’s most popular civilian products of that era is a powerful reminder of the company’s impact on pivotal moments in world history. 

Love Ford history? Access http://fordarchivesonline.com with your CDSID to search your favorite topics. Or visit http://fordheritagevault.com, where no CDSID is needed, to browse and download product history.