Despite the fact that Ford was the first manufacturer to return to production after World War II, it was months before cars were actually available.

Production began on 3 July 1945, with the first public showing of the new Fords on 26 October.

The first Sportsman was not actually delivered until Christmas of that year, going to Hollywood star Ella Raines with all the fanfare that Ford’s publicity machine could muster.

Shortly thereafter, Admiral William “Bull” Halsey rode in a Sportsman as Grand Marshal of the 1946 Rose Parade.

As intended, the Sportsman caught the market’s attention and was featured heavily in Ford’s corporate and dealer advertising during its brief production cycle.

Quantity production of the Sportsman was delayed by strikes and material shortages and therefore did not effectively begin until July 1946.

The cars were built by some 300 craftsmen on an assembly line at Ford’s Iron Mountain, Michigan facility, alongside regular station wagons.

Unlike its competit...