Santa Cruz celebrates California’s surf culture this weekend by showcasing the classic surf wagon - the woodie. Over 200 restored woodies will line the wharf in Santa Cruz on Saturday, June 26 from 10am to 4pm for its annual Woodies on the Wharf. Besides spiffy cars, there’ll be music, food, memorabilia and prize drawings. The event is free.
Photo: Santa Cruz Woodies On The Wharf
Automakers such as Plymouth, Ford, and Chevy built the first woodies in the 30’s and 40’s. They’re aptly named because the rear portion of the car’s bodywork was crafted of wood. In America, however, they were originally called station wagons because they were used to transport passengers and luggage at railway stations.
Image: 1950 Dodge Coronet Woodie (Dodge Dealer brochure)
Woodies were mass produced and hugely popular after World War II, especially with families. Popularity of woodies peaked in the 1950’s and by the late 50’s and 60’s, drivers were looking to ditch their wood-sided cars for something new.
Photo: 1941 Plymouth Woodie used in the film "Bugsy"
Surfers took notice of the woodie’s low resale value and discovered a perfect-fit car for their lifestyle. The woodie was cheap, had loads of room for surfboards and beach buddies and it attracted attention from bikini-clad females. Every surfer wanted one.
Photo: Ford Woodie
The woodie became synonymous with surfing in the 60’s. It was woven into song lyrics by beach rockers Jan and Dean and featured in those loveable Frankie and Annette beach party movies. Today, Woodie Club members throughout California and the USA restore and promote these iconic wooden cars, which can sometimes sell in the six figures.
More Information: Woodies On The Wharf – Free Admission
Location: Santa Cruz Wharf 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, Ca
Saturday, June 26, 2010, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Santa Cruz Woodies website
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Posts
I think Woodies are awesome. It would be so much fun seeing so many all in one place. Great shots of them and the Boardwalk.
ReplyDeleteThose are so cool! What fun! And what a perfect W for the day! Terrific captures! Love the Boardwalk! Hope your week is going well!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
my dad had a woodie; way cool.
ReplyDeleteROG, ABC Wednesday team
What an event - would be so much fun to be there!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful vehicles. So many of them in one place.
ReplyDeleteI just got through watching Julia and Julie, and one of the first scenes in a woody station wagon being taken off the boat.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic classic.
I remember these cars ! they looked so nice.
ReplyDeleteWonderful Word......Woodie. I think they're really elegant and there's something down to earth about a car that paus homage to wood!
ReplyDeleteThis is something new to me! I've never see a woodie in my country, but I love the sight of them. Especially the yellow one! Thanks for this post!
ReplyDeleteOld cars have such style don't they? I wouldn't mind that last one to trundle around in today!
ReplyDeleteGreat W post, Gayle. I remember those woodies.
ReplyDeleteWonderful W post! Woodies Galore...how timely for you that Woodies on the Wharf coincided with ABC Wednesday W! Every time I read one of your posts, I want to travel to California. Well done!
ReplyDeletelooks like the equivalent of our old Morris Travellers.
ReplyDeleteSo cool!!! What a fun collection of pics :)
ReplyDeleteHood Photo Blog
won't it be cool to have a wedding in the top yellow car? Everyone will be looking at you.
ReplyDeletethat is so wonderful!
ReplyDeletelove the 1st pic!
Most interesting and definitely superior to the old British Morris Traveller.
ReplyDeletebeautiful old cars, especially the first.
ReplyDeleteWow, I never knew any of that. What a great post. I wish my coast weren't 3000 miles away from yours. I'd be there in a heartbeat. Love vintage cars.
ReplyDelete