The car body style specifically known for being made entirely or partly of wood is a woodie, often referred to as a woodie wagon. These distinctive vehicles feature bodywork constructed of wood or are styled to resemble wood elements, making them a unique and iconic part of automotive history.
Understanding the Woodie Car
A woodie is essentially a wood-bodied automobile that gained significant popularity, particularly as a type of station wagon. Its defining characteristic is the extensive use of wood, either structurally or decoratively, for its body panels. Initially, the wood elements were integral to the vehicle's structure, often crafted from ash, maple, or mahogany.
The Allure and Construction of Early Woodies
Early woodies were not just aesthetically unique; their construction reflected a blend of traditional coachbuilding techniques with nascent automotive manufacturing.
- Hand-Crafted Appeal: Many early woodies were built by independent coachbuilders who specialized in woodworking, leading to high-quality, handcrafted vehicles.
- Structural and Aesthetic: The wood served both a structural purpose, forming the framework and panels of the car's rear body, and an aesthetic one, providing a warm, natural look.
- Practicality: As station wagons, woodies offered practical utility for families and businesses, combining passenger transport with cargo space, making them popular for trips to the beach or for carrying goods.
Evolution and Types of Woodies
Over time, the construction of woodies evolved. While early models featured genuine, structural wood, later designs often incorporated wood for aesthetic purposes, eventually leading to simulated wood grain.
| Era | Construction Method | Examples | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1930s-1950s | Genuine wood (structural and decorative) | Ford, Chrysler, Buick, Plymouth wagons | Hand-built, high maintenance, iconic surf culture |
| 1960s-1990s | Simulated wood (appliqué on steel body) | Ford Country Squire, Mercury Colony Park | Mass-produced, lower maintenance, family-oriented |
Beyond True Wood: The Simulated Woodie
As manufacturing processes advanced and demand for more durable, lower-maintenance vehicles grew, the true wood construction became less common. Many later models, particularly from the 1960s through the 1990s, featured simulated wood grain panels (often vinyl or fiberglass appliqué) applied to a conventional steel body. These vehicles still carried the "woodie" moniker due to their distinctive styling, maintaining the nostalgic aesthetic without the associated upkeep of real wood.
Iconic Woodie Models
Many automotive manufacturers produced memorable woodie models throughout history:
- Ford Woodies: Ford was a prominent producer, with models like the Ford Deluxe Station Wagon and the later Ford Country Squire becoming synonymous with the woodie style.
- Chrysler and Plymouth Woodies: These brands also offered attractive wood-bodied station wagons that are highly sought after by collectors today.
- Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon: A luxurious example that showcased the elegance of the woodie design.
- Mercury Colony Park: A well-known example of a simulated woodie, popular for its family-friendly design.
Today, genuine woodies are prized collector's items, admired for their craftsmanship, unique appearance, and the bygone era they represent. Simulated woodies also hold a nostalgic place, reminding many of family road trips and classic Americana.
