A Tribute to That ‘60s Beach Icon: The Woody

In the ‘60s, no surfing safari was complete without a “woody” (or woodie) station wagon parked on the beach, surfboards lashed to the roof

The origins of this modern wood-trimmed wagon stem from early horse-drawn wagons. Later, wood was used for the framing and bodywork of early 20th century vehicles from cars to trucks. The first mass-produced wood-sided station wagon, a 1929 Ford, sold for $650. Today, the largest collection of vintage woodies is parked at the Owls Head Transportation Museum in Maine, where an exhibit titled “Vacationland Woodies in Maine” will be on display through December. More than 25 specialty woodies are spotlighted, including a 1999 Subaru Forester Woody Wagon concept car and a 1900 Bronson Horse Drawn Wagon.

Along with revolving car-related exhibits, the Owls Head Transportation Museum hosts two gatherings next month geared to car hobbyists: a show featuring hundreds of antique autos and engines, Aug. 4-5; and the annual New England Auction of Antique, Classic and Special Interest Vehicles on Aug. 18, with more than 200 vintage autos crossing the auction block.

The museum is located on Route 73 in Maine. For information, call (207) 594-4418.

Woody fans can find out about upcoming events and club information at the National Woodie Club’s Web site, https://www.nationalwoodieclub.com; or Old Woodies, https://www.oldwoodies.com.