In general, woodies are rare beast these days, especially in running condition. The one you see before is especially rare, as only 2,400 Mercury wagons were built in 1952. How many are still on the road or in restorable condition is not known, but it can't be more than a handful.
Like most car companies in the 1950's Ford and its Lincoln/Mercury divisions began eliminating wood as structural componant in cars, and it was not long before Ford closed its Iron Mountain facilities. The Woodie "look" was still desired though, and wood panels gave way to decals and wood trim. This '52 Mercury "Custom Series" wagon is an excellent example of one of transition from wood to chrome as a trim of choice.
Designed by Gordon Buehrig, the Custom Series bodies were offered in 3- and 5-door models for six to eight passengers. It came with a V8 motor, 3,800lb curb weight, and would set you back about $2,700.00.
This Merc has been restored to its original showroom condition, right down to the "hillcrest green" factory paint color.
Source: Hot Rods Custom Stuff
