The Woodie – The Automobile Sub Culture and Legend

Well we all drive around in nice sleek metal cars, bullet proof cars, Bridal Cars, Sqaud Cars etc. Now would you like to drive around in a wooden car???

Presenting the Legendary Woody

The Woodie is a car body style, usually a Station Wagon, wherein the bodywork is constructed out of work and with infill panel or painted metals. These vehicles posses style and character which is missing in today’s robotically built steel vehicles.

It can be noted that in  the old days wood was used on every conveyance which included boats, chariots, wagons, trains and even Areoplanes.

These wood-sided wagons, convertibles, sedans and trucks have trademarks and characteristics of their predecessors.

The Most Expensive Cars

In the heyday, the Woodies were some of the most expensive cars offered by a Manufacturer and had impressive sales figures too.

The Uses of the Woodie

1)      The Style Guru of Transportation: Known for their looks, drove people around in their finest to make an impression at any gathering.

2)      The Messenger of Good News (and Bad News alike):  See despite being made of wood they were sturdy enough to belong to the working class and successfully played Angel Gabriel to many people and families and brought great or bleak tidings to them.

The Rockaway Influence

The earliest Woodie automobiles were utility based adaptations of the Rockaway horsedrawn carriages and canopied express trucks.

The 1930’s

1)      The fashionable American wooden station wagons were introduced into service by inns, lodges and country clubs of the days.

2)      They were chauffeur driven by the wealthy  Estate owners for  suburban transportation.

3)      Utilised as coachbuilders of exquisite vehicles for the aristocrats of Europe.

The Second World War and post War Era

1)      The Woodies gained popularity as it saved steel for critical War-times uses. 

2)      Post the war period, the middle class mass produced the cars for as a perfect family travel get away car.

3)      It was also very popular mid century for personal transportation.

Old is Gold

There were lots of Woodie cars that had passed their use-by dates around the area. They were predominantly from the 1950’s and 60’s which needed to be redone to restore them to past glory.

Surfers Bargain Board

The result was simple there was a high influx of perfect bargains for hauling their longboards for the perfect wave. 

The Sub-culture and Legend

The car is a sub-culture and a legend that is most popular at car shows but guess what my neighbours in the area actually own them and I get to see them everyday too. Its nice to be part of the ancient legendary and famous lifestyle of yester-years.

Some of the Popular Brands:

1)      Ford

2)      Pontiac

3)      Chrysler

 By Anisha Achankunju (C) 13th July 2011