Surf’s Up! But where did the Woodie go? I dug up a wonderful article by Sara Green, Men’s Vogue, June 2007, that likened the Woodie to a pre-war “Green” car. Although the engines were by no means eco-friendly, the bodies were largely constructed of biodegradable wood. The 2008 Doheny Wood Show was held on 4/19 at Dana Point, Ca. Check out the photos on socalwoodies.com. Wood was used a variety of early vehicles, but the first “Woodie”, the Model A, was introduced by Ford in 1929. Chevy, Packard and others followed. They fell out of favor after WWII – they couldn’t keep up with the new, sleek finned all metal models that were better able to withstand the demands of superhighway driving. The old clunkers became the perfect rides for the surfer – cheap, roomy, could tote a board and could be slept in if necessary! To find and fetch a restored Woodie now may cost six figures. It is great to see these wonderful icons of a treasured era in Americana, resplendently restored to their heyday appearance. Can’t make it to next year’s show? Click on http://www.socalwoodies.com/doheny.htm
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