Randy Yockey’s 1950 Ford Custom Deluxe Station Wagon

By John Emmering

The beautiful red 1950 Ford Custom Deluxe Station Wagon seems like it comes off a Christmas Card and in fact it will adorn Randy and Debbie Yockey’s Christmas cards this year.  The Yockey’s holidays will be brightened by the presence of this new addition to Randy’s collection as it is displayed among his other cars at Yockeytown, Randy’s own private museum.  Many of you will recall when Randy and Debbie welcomed our regional group there and how we admired the collection of cars and interesting memorabilia.

When asked how he acquired his Woodie Wagon, Randy explained that a couple years back when he was hosting the Illinois Region Model “A” Club Swap Meet at his Friendly Ford dealership, a gentleman approached him.  The man asked if he might be interested in purchasing a 1950 Ford Station Wagon.  Randy expressed an interest and learned a little about the car, which was in Wisconsin.  A couple months later, after checking out the car and getting a favorable impression, Randy decided to buy the Woodie.

Once he transported the Station Wagon home, Randy, and some members of his service staff at Friendly Ford, assessed what kind of work the car would need.  A previous owner already had completed about 75% of the restoration the car needed.  All new wood had been installed and finished, the engine and transmission had already been rebuilt, and all wiring had been replaced.  Extensive body had been done, and the car had then been repainted, resulting its attractive appearance.  During the restoration project the man who began the work unfortunately died and his good friend purchased the car with the intention of finishing the job.  When the new owner realized that there was more work to be done than he had anticipated he sold the Woodie to Randy.

After two years working on mechanical details Randy feels the Woodie is almost complete, although he is still working on the carburetor and a couple other items.  Randy had hoped to attend the Lake Geneva Woodie Car and Boat event in September but of course it was cancelled due to COVID-19.  This winter Randy plans to work out any remaining bugs in the Woodie and have it on the road by spring.  Hopefully, we will all get to see it at the 2021 Friendly Ford Customer Appreciation Car Show next August!