Woodie Wagon Day
Ride in style and feel the breeze with a classic car that embodies the essence of the beach culture. Perfect for a sunny day.
Ready to get nostalgic and delight in the classic invention that is a wood-sided station wagon? Then it’s time to celebrate everything related to Woodie Wagon Day!
How to Celebrate Woodie Wagon Day
Join the National Woodie Club
A fun way to get connected with other Woodie Wagon lovers and stay informed about these delightful cars is through the National Woodie Club. This club was started by and for those who own, or simply appreciate, the rich history and cultural contribution of the Woodie Wagon, whether American or foreign.
Stay apprised of various local and national events related to Woodie Wagons. Membership includes a subscription to the monthly Woodie Times magazine, the opportunity to participate in local chapters of the Woodie Club, and free classified ads on the website.
Learn more about Woodie Wagons
A wide range of books have been published about this classic car that would be perfect to read for Woodie Wagon Day. Or, watch some interesting documentaries or shows about classic cars that offer information related to the Woodie Wagon.
Start learning with some of these fun facts for Woodie Wagon Day:
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Woodies started out as utility vehicles but eventually were turned into family wagons and some were even made into luxury cars.
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The first Woodie to be mass produced was the 1929 Ford Model A, which was a beloved model for 25 years.
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It’s been more than 50 years since the last legitimate Woodie was made, which was the Morris Minor Traveler in 1971.
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Woodies faded out of use as steel was more practical and lighter weight as it became easier to mold. Plus, many owners didn’t like the fact that wood was high maintenance.
Visit a Car Museum or Car Show
Get a glimpse at an actual Woodie Wagon by taking a tour through a car museum that features an array of these delightful automobiles. Celebrate Woodie Wagon Day in one of these interesting car museums in the United States:
- Audrain Auto Museum in Newport, Rhode Island.
- St. Louis Car Museum in St. Louis, Missouri.
- San Diego Automotive Museum in San Diego, California.
- Northeast Classic Car Museum in Norwich, New York.
History of Woodie Wagon Day
Some people might be asking, “What’s a Woodie Wagon?” They’ve probably seen them, they just didn’t know that’s what they were called!
Woodie Wagons are the station wagon cars that were originally built in the United States beginning in the late 1920s and through to the late 1940s. The sides and doors of these cars were painstakingly paneled with actual wood. The back trunk door or hatch, as well as the insides, were also often made with this lush wood paneling.
The design was incorporated by many different auto manufacturers in the United States, including Ford, Mercury, General Motors, Chrysler and others. Featuring ash, mahogany and birch, some of these models also included gumwood.
This type of wood-filled wagon was rather heavy, weighing approximately 200-300 pounds more than cars like them that were made from all steel. Still, what the Woodie Wagon lacked in practicality, it made up for in beauty and class.
Woodie Wagon Day FAQs
Why were Woodie Wagons once nicknamed “station sedans”?
Automakers marketed early Woodie Wagons as “station sedans” to appeal to wealthier buyers in the 1940s.
The term made the vehicles sound more elegant than utilitarian. This strategy boosted their appeal as stylish, family-friendly cars, blending function with flair.
What made Woodie Wagons a favorite among surfers?
Surfers in the 1950s and 1960s loved Woodie Wagons for their affordability and space for surfboards.
Many picked up old Woodies second-hand, giving the vehicles a second life as beach-ready cruisers. Their connection to surf culture remains a defining aspect of their legacy.
Are Woodie Wagons featured in popular music?
Yes, Woodie Wagons appear in classic surf rock songs like The Beach Boys’ Surfin’ Safari.
Lyrics about cruising to the beach in a Woodie made the car synonymous with California’s coastal lifestyle. Music cemented its place in American pop culture.
Did any global carmakers produce Woodie-style vehicles?
British and Australian automakers made their own versions of Woodies, such as the Morris Minor Traveller.
These vehicles featured wooden trim but were smaller and catered to urban drivers. Each country gave the design its unique twist.
How do collectors restore the wooden panels of Woodie Wagons?
Restorers often replace wooden panels with hand-crafted replicas using traditional tools.
Some use original techniques, like steam bending, to shape the wood. The process is time-intensive, but it ensures authenticity and durability.
Did Woodie Wagons influence any unusual industries?
Woodie Wagons inspired toy makers and model car producers. Companies like Matchbox created miniature Woodies, turning them into collectibles.
These models continue to appeal to vintage car enthusiasts and nostalgic toy collectors.
What unexpected materials were used in Woodie Wagons during wartime shortages?
During WWII, some Woodie Wagons used composite materials like “artificial wood” made from compressed fibers.
These substitutes kept production going despite material shortages. This innovation reflected the resourcefulness of the era.
What unique traditions have sprung up around Woodie Wagon Day?
In some places, enthusiasts recreate old road trips, complete with era-specific clothing and props.
These reenactments bring the nostalgia of 1940s and 50s family vacations to life. It’s a way of celebrating not just the car but its cultural role.
What unusual challenges do Woodie Wagon owners face today?
Woodie owners must carefully monitor for wood rot and weather damage.
They often store their vehicles in climate-controlled garages to preserve the wood. Keeping these classics roadworthy involves balancing modern maintenance with vintage aesthetics.
Why do some people refer to Woodie Wagons as “rolling furniture”?
The extensive use of wood and craftsmanship in Woodies led to this playful nickname.
Their construction resembled fine furniture, with polished finishes and intricate joints. The name reflects their elegance and attention to detail.
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