The real reason people still buy Woodies is not necessarily because of their charm or appeal, but because some are highly collectible and can fetch a small fortune. Woodies are also a fascinating piece of automotive history, deserving a second look. It could be argued that the wooden panels in the early era of the Woodies were a reflection of the old-style horse-and-cart. But later, the faux-wood panels took on their own aesthetic. In the '60s, surfers proudly flaunted their "woodies," packed with surfboards, bringing a certain coolness to the sub-culture.
The evolution of these "Woodies" has brought us some awesome models. You just need to check out these stunning modified Woody cars. Let's check out some of the greatest, perhaps even most iconic, Woodies that once hit our roads, including some of those with fake wooden trim.
9 Ford V8
The 1932 Ford V8 Woody is certainly a reflection of its time. Introduced in the early '30s, the Flathead V8 engine powered this wagon. Baker-Raulang was responsible for the wooden exterior.
Jacob Rauch and Charles E. J. Lang were working together at the beginning of the twentieth century, producing electric-powered vehicles from their base in Cleveland, Ohio. They later merged with Baker electric, becoming Baker Raulang. After the war, their creations were known as Raulangs. The wooden bodies they created soon attracted the attention of other companies. The 1931 Model A Traveller's Unit, an early camper, was also one of their builds. They were later involved in the production of industrial trucks in World War 2.
8 Chrysler Town & Country
The Chrysler Town & Country station wagons were distinctive because of their wooden paneling. It all started in the early forties. The roof was steel. The straight-six engine powered these early wagons.
When the war ended, the Town & Country "woody" returned. The Town & Country two-door hardtop, produced in 1950, was the last in this line of Woodies. The Town & Country brand continued, and it became one of the most important cars in Chrysler's history.
7 Ford Country Squire
The Ford Country Squire has a long history, producing eight generations. The woodgrain trim distinguished them. But then consider how much a Ford Country Squire is worth today, with a 1978 model selling for $45,000 at auction.
The first generation of Ford Country Squires is considered a true "Woodie." The Ford Iron Mountain Plant manufactured the wood panels for these cars. But we can't go past the later models with their wood-like aesthetic.
6 Buick Roadmaster Wagon
Go back to the early '90s. The nostalgic memories of the Buick Roadmaster Wagon, with its 5.7-liter LT1 V8 engine, and its practicality. It is what makes the Buick Roadmaster Wagon a classic. Of course, we cannot forget its fake wood paneling.
The '90s are not the first time we have seen the wood paneling in the Roadmaster. The wood-grain side transports us back to the spacious Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagons of the early '50s.
5 Jeep Wagoneer
The Jeep Wagoneer had a long run. Starting in the early '60s, the Jeep Wagoneer continued the tradition of the Willys Jeep Station Wagon. It continued until the early '90s. But now we are seeing the 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer living up to the brand's legacy.
The Jeep Wagoneer had a distinctive look: Rugged, robust, and ready to hit the open road. When reminiscing about the Jeep Wagoneer of bygone years, one thing that sticks in most people's minds is the side paneling, with its wood-like look.
4 Nash Ambassador Suburban
The Nash Ambassador Suburban came out after World War 2, distinguished by the wood paneling. Mitchell-Bentley supplied the mahogany paneling. Mitchell-Bentley was founded by Donald R. Mitchell. His career included working in the furniture industry, but he was also an engineer. He eventually was contracted to work on the bodies of "Woodies" from companies like Chevrolet and Buick.
The Nash Ambassador Suburban embraced a streamlined design of that era. It is a very rare collectible. 1,000 cars may have been built between 1946 and 1948, but far fewer exist today.
3 International Harvester Travelall
The International Harvester Travelall came out in the '50s, lined with windows that contrasted with the earlier wood-bodied station wagons, such as the International Harvester Woody Wagon of the '30s and '40s.
Enter the fourth generation, 1969-1975, where the faux wood paneling formed part of the aesthetic. There were plenty of options available, with different engines, up to the optional 401 cu in V8, available after the IHC V8s were dwindling. Of course, we should mention those other options, such as the 304, 345, and 392 cu in V8 engines.
2 Morris Minor Traveller
The Morris Minor Traveller came along in the '50s. The Traveller was updated over its time. The Grille was changed. Its 948 cc engine was updated to a 1098 cc. The varnished wooden features complete the look.
Production of the Traveller started at the Morris Plant at Cowley. Not having the necessary equipment, because the Morris Plant was only equipped for unibody cars, production moved to Abingdon. The car was completed at the MG factory, where they had the necessary equipment and experience to assemble and fit wood-framed bodies to the chassis.
1 Packard Station Sedan
The Packard Station Sedan was produced in the late '40s. After the war, the popularity of the "Woody" soared. However, the Packard Station Sedan never found the same success as other Woodies of that decade.
The evolution of the Woody is not only fascinating from a historical perspective, but it also reinforces our appreciation for these cars, which have become a collector's dream.