Woodie Waggon Day is celebrated annually on the third Saturday of July, or July 15 this year, to honour the invention of the woodie waggon. Yes, the classic waggon was an excellent vehicle at the time of its invention and was mass-produced by a number of renowned automakers. Why is the automobile still an icon? Because it was made of wood during World War II, when steel was commonly used.
Due to the car’s continued visual appeal, it remains a favourite among collectors of vintage automobiles.
The background of Woodie Wagon Day
Despite the popularity of the woodie waggon at the time of its invention, many members of the current generation are unfamiliar with the vehicle. A woodie is essentially a station waggon with a wooden structure instead of a steel one. Initially, woodies were produced as a side enterprise by furniture makers and carpenters, who referred to them as ‘depot hacks.’ The resorts used the custom-made depot hacks as small buses until automobiles acquired popularity in the United States.
As soon as wooden bicycles became popular, companies like Ford began mass-producing them. During the height of their popularity, the vehicles were even featured in famous Hollywood films. Even though the automobile was in high demand, production was low because it was difficult and expensive to manufacture. In order to increase productivity, Ford began to cultivate and harvest its own trees. The 1950s witnessed a precipitous decline in the demand for wooden ships as a result of their increasing cost and difficulty of upkeep. In 1949, Plymouth manufactured the final Streamliner Waggon. In 1950, the waggon was officially discontinued after approximately one thousand models were produced.
After steel automobiles were developed, the use of wooden vehicles declined. In the 1960s, surfers transported their boards to the shore using woodies. Woodie waggons are frequently displayed at auto exhibits and museums today. In 2010, George Barris created a wooden version of the Smart Fortwo, while GM displayed a wooden Chevrolet prototype at the 2010 Paris Motor Show.
WOODIE WAGGON DAY ACTIVITIES
Attend a classic car exhibit.
Miss the days of wooden waggons? Visit a vintage car exhibit or a museum to view the various models of wooden automobiles that once dominated the industry.
Take a ride in a woodie
Never travelled in a woodie? Now is the ideal time to experience what it’s like to travel in a classic wooden automobile. Remember to snap photographs!
View a documentary on automobiles
Download a documentary on the history of automobiles to learn about the evolution of the automotive industry if you want to feel nostalgic or simply learn about wooden waggons.
5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT WOODIE WAGGONS
A Ford woodie waggon cost $45 in 1962.
The 1952 Mercury custom woodie waggon sold for $134,750 in 2013.
To assemble a woodie, one would need 150 unique wood sizes and shapes.
Wooden waggons are 200 to 300 pounds heavier than steel automobiles.
The National Woodie Club was founded by Woody proprietors.
WOODIE WAGON DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | July 16 | Saturday |
| 2023 | July 15 | Saturday |
| 2024 | July 20 | Saturday |
| 2025 | July 19 | Saturday |
