What is a Woody Wagon?
Classic cars or station wagons with a wood frame for the cabin or wood trim on the doors are often called woody wagons or woodies in the collector community. The style lasted from the earliest days of the automotive industry up into the 90s.
When did they start making Woody Wagons?
The first mass-produced woody wagon was the Ford Model A, which rolled out in 1929. It was designed to carry several passengers or goods so that it could have been more luxurious. However, throughout the 1910s and 20s, wood was commonly used to build cars as it was less expensive to source than stamped steel, and carriage builders that used to cater to the horse-drawn clientele transferred their wood-building skills to vehicles.
Do Woodies always use natural wood?
Vintage station wagons were often adorned with a natural wood frame through the 1950s. Ash was the most popular wood with its tight grain, impressive strength, and beautiful yellow colour. But builders would use any available hardwood, including oak, maple, and walnut.
At the end of the 50s, it became cheaper to use steel and the obsession to be part of the California surfing scene waned, which saw the demand for woodies dwindle. Automakers started using vinyl wood grain panels to mimic the look offered as a luxury upgrade through the 70s. Those late-model woodies eventually became a symbol of modern suburbia.
Why did automakers keep using wood when steel was more robust?
In the first part of the 20th century, stamped steel was more substantial than wood but significantly more expensive to manufacture. The wood carriage industry was still booming, which meant a good supply of premium wood needed to make woodies and an experienced workforce familiar with crafting wood-framed carriages. Wood was also perceived as a luxury material as it had always been associated with the carriages of the rich and famous.
As cars became more powerful in the 60s, switching to a safer frame crafted from steel became imperative to protect passengers.
Why was the woody wagon popular on the surfing scene?
If you search the internet for the California surfing scene of the 1950s, the images will often feature a woody wagon with a surfboard strapped to the roof. Surfing was most popular with the younger generation in the 50s, and those teens were buying used station wagons because the long roofline perfectly supported their boards. It just so happened that those old wagons often were woodies. Then we had the Beach Boys release their Surfin’ Safari record with the band climbing over a woody truck on the cover. The concept of woody wagons and surfing was forever ingrained in our collective memory.
What are the most popular woody wagons?
That timeless oversized passenger cabin and substantial rear cargo area are often best remembered in the 1949 Ford Deluxe. The Morris Minor, made between 1950 and 1971, also reflected the best parts of the Deluxe on a smaller scale.
The most iconic woody for the current generation would be the 1977 Ford LTD Country Squire, a station wagon designed for the up-and-coming family of six or more while featuring those vinyl wood panels on the doors and rear quarters.
Lingering Details of the Woody Wagon in Today’s Car Designs
If you thought the Woody was a car design of the past, you should look at the dash of a Mercedes-Benz S Series or a Cadillac Escalade. You will still find bespoke wood accents on the energy, steering wheels, and throughout luxury car cabins. For side panels, look at the new Jeep Grand Wagoneer–it’s got woody sides as an option! Our love affair with that woody look is not over.
How much does a classic car woody station wagon cost?
Since woody wagons came in so many shapes and sizes throughout history, adding one to your classic car collection can be okay without breaking the bank. A vintage woody from the 60s or 70s that needs some TLC can be had for around $10,000. A 1949 Ford Deluxe Woody Wagon that has been lovingly restored will bring up to $70,000 on the auction block.
Remember to Protect Your New Classic Station Wagon
Add a collector car insurance policy to your portfolio to protect your vintage car against fire, theft, and accidents. Call Wayfarer Insurance Group today to get a quote.
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