Description

The Ford Model T Woody Overland Coach was one of the many adaptations of the famous Model T chassis, created during the 1910s and 1920s to meet the growing demand for light commercial and passenger vehicles. Unlike the standard touring car or runabout, the Woody Overland Coach featured a hand-crafted wooden body, usually built by independent coachbuilders, that turned the utilitarian T into a practical people carrier or delivery wagon. These vehicles are often seen as forerunners to the station wagon and later the “woodie” wagons that became popular in the 1930s and 1940s.

Built on the rugged and simple Model T frame, the Woody Overland Coach used the familiar 177 cubic inch (2.9-liter) four-cylinder engine producing about 20 horsepower. It retained the two-speed planetary transmission operated by pedals, making it as easy to drive as any other Model T. The sturdy suspension with transverse leaf springs allowed it to handle both rough rural roads and city streets, while its lightweight wooden construction kept it practical for hauling passengers or goods.

The wooden bodywork is what set the Overland Coach apart. Typically, it featured a tall, boxy shape with large side windows and seating for six to ten passengers, making it useful for hotels, resorts, schools, and small-town transport services. Many were open-sided with roll-down canvas curtains, while others were fully enclosed for all-weather use. The wood was often left natural or varnished, giving the vehicles a warm, handcrafted look that contrasted with the standard painted metal bodies of most cars. Some versions were configured for carrying luggage and produce, while others were used as rural buses or depot hacks, shuttling passengers to and from railway stations.

Because Ford did not produce these wooden bodies in-house, the Woody Overland Coach was the product of regional builders who worked with Ford chassis supplied by dealers. This means that no two examples were exactly alike—each coach reflected the style and craftsmanship of its maker, ranging from very simple utilitarian boxes to elaborately detailed wooden coaches with decorative paneling.

The Model T Woody Overland Coach became a vital tool for small businesses and communities that needed inexpensive yet versatile transportation. It helped fill the gap between private automobiles and larger, more expensive buses or trucks. Its adaptability also made it one of the most charming and distinctive uses of the Model T platform.

Today, surviving examples of the Model T Woody Overland Coach are quite rare, as most were worked hard and discarded after years of service. Those that remain are prized by collectors for their unique appearance and historical significance. They represent both the creativity of early coachbuilders and the incredible versatility of the Model T, which could be transformed into nearly any type of vehicle to serve the needs of early 20th-century America.