Another "What's this car"?

The NOAA recently explored the grave site of the USS Yorktown and found something interesting and seemingly a little mysterious. No records of this cargo was found, surprise! What is it?!

 

Looks like a jeep.

 

That spare wheel looks like a 1940 Ford 16 inch with a stainless steel trim ring. My guess is the car is a Woodie of that era. What you see is the tailgate. Steering wheel is top left of the car.

 

This was on the news this morning, that said it was a Ford Super Deluxe “Woody”.

Of course these are not car people so I would take that with a grain of salt.

However-
https://www.jalopnik.com/1840185/car-discovered-inside-uss-yorktown/

 

I agree, it does look like a 40's Ford woody

 

My guess was a Woody of the era, pre comments.

 

This is a then-new '42 Ford woody, shape of the rear window, missing roof, position of the tail light, spare tire (with no cover) and the top of the rear bumper guard all look correct to me.

 

The U.S. military had a few more to chose from.

 

Just FYI, large Navy ships like aircraft carriers often carried staff cars for their high ranking officials, like the Carrier Strike Group Commander or the aircraft carrier's Captain, much in the same way they had their own "barges." The small destroyer escort my Dad served on in WWII had a Cushman scooter (LOL) for mail runs and errands when in port. He drove it all around the port of Manilla, as his ship was part of MacArthur's return to the Philippines.

 

I’d drive it

 

I watched a you tube video last night where they really focused on certain points of the Yorktown, the car being one. Interesting conversations, one mentioned a Woody as a possibility. BINGO! There are two recent videos if anyone is interested, a look into WWII history.

 

A better shot, Wow!

 

Those lights on the front fenders say '41 Ford to me.

Dave

 

Id drive it ............

 

could use a coat of spar marine varnish, maybe too late…

 

I agree, I saw this pic as well and I'd say it's definitely a '41.

 

I just read a news article where they Identified it as a 40 or 41 Ford wagon used by the ships officers for shore business.

 

How is it in so good shape (relatively speaking) for being in salt water?

 

It will probably stay like that until it's exposed to air. Then, Poof, it's Gone!

 

House of fish..