[karlosdeville]

I guess what we lovingly refer to as a 'Woodie', would be an automobile employing exposed wood in the framework construction, originally as load members and later on as a cosmetic feature. originally these methods were applied to utility vehicles like station wagons and vans, but later on the trend spread to other conventional bodystyles as well.

Woodies have had a low survival rate in India I guess since many were used commercially and probably driven into the ground or since rebodied. A few nice examples survive, and I thought a dedicated thread might stir some renewed interest.

I suppose the most popular were the Ford and Chevy Woodies

Here is a rare 41 example, followed by a more common 46



This 1948 Fleetmaster is on display at the Heritage Transport Museum in Delhi (actually as is the preceding 46 Ford)


The wood panelling effect wasn't limited to station wagons - Chrysler introduced the convertible Town & Country in 1946 - marketed as a premium lifestyle convertible. This example is newly restored, and another saloon is under restoration in Bombay.





Here is a real rarity, probably dating to 1949/50. I cannot remember where the car is, but looks to be in good shape.




Most Morris wagons of the 40s and 60s employed similar construction, as seen in this well restored Morris Minor Traveller. These were quite popular but surprisingly few seem to have survived.




The Traveller name was also used for their Hindustan cousins, in this case the Landmaster and Ambassador




I don't think the wood finish across the entire panel is authentic, probably should have been body coloured. But otherwise this is a lovely original example, and a very rare one - probably the only survivor. I am not sure whether it still used genuine wooden frames or just wood effect painted on by then.



Here is a rare International in Bombay



And finally, even a Rolls-Royce 20hp. Unsure if this body was constructed in period, but once restored correctly this can be a really fun and attractive vehicle. I suppose for an English car the correct term would be Shooting Brake?



Share your sightings here.

[KPS]

Here are pictures of my 1960 Morris Mini Traveller, when I owned it about 10 years back. My Dad is seen driving

This car remains in Bangalore



















This car had the first transverse mounted engine ever. The engine and gear box shared the same oil. The cooling system was not very efficient as the radiator had to be cooled though the mudguard louvers





Cheers

KPS

[KartikeyaL]

Here is a Morris Minor woodie, from 1931-32. Sorry for the picture quality.

[KPS]

Here is a 1930 Morris Oxford Woody at the Manjusha Museum, Dharmasthala

[KartikeyaL]

Here's the 1930 Ford Model A, which recently participated at the Cartier event.




and some more from our own forum

Dodge


Morris


RR

[//M]

Originally Posted by karlosdeville

Here is a real rarity, probably dating to 1949/50. I cannot remember where the car is, but looks to be in good shape.

Sir, BRR 4592 is currently in Ranchi with a collector. It shares garage with almost 30 odd vintages, most of them are rusting to glory though. I sincerely hope the collector takes up restoration work at a much faster pace.

Attaching a pic of the same.




EDIT:

Attaching a picture of a Dodge Brothers from the owner's collection. Not a woodie, but just to give an idea that this is exactly the same parking lot where BRR 4592 is parked in your pictures (note the overhead red pipelines).

[yardshark]

Originally Posted by karlosdeville

Here is a real rarity, probably dating to 1949/50. I cannot remember where the car is, but looks to be in good shape.

Originally Posted by //M

Sir, BRR 4592 is currently in Ranchi with a collector. It shares garage with almost 30 odd vintages, most of them are rusting to glory though. I sincerely hope the collector takes up restoration work at a much faster pace.

Well this car belongs to Abhishek Jaiswal and family. They have some great cars which are undergoing restoration. Some of the cars like 170v Mercedes roadster, Ford V8 custom, Chevy 40s coupe etc.

[TractionAvant]

Another Town & Country seen at Dastan

[travancore]

Here is a Gwalior State No.18 Chrysler Woody. It is LHD. Could be the Bhogilal car / one of the same cars pictured on this forum!

[TractionAvant]

Originally Posted by travancore

Attachment 1355600

Here is a Gwalior State No.18 Chrysler Woody. It is LHD. Could be the Bhogilal car / one of the same cars pictured on this forum!

The Dastan/bhogilal car is ex-Santrampur

[wasif]

Thanks Karl for starting this up as a homage to the Woddies in India.

My grandfather had a huge 40 or 41 Ford Deluxe Woodie back in his time and I had a few pictures of it, will find and post them.

In Hyderabad probably the most famous Woddie was the Asman Jah Paigah Chrysler Town and Country, went to Bombay last I was told about it, wonder where it is now, was light yellow or white.

Then there was a very nice daily driver Willys Station wagon woody in black with an older gent on Banjara Hills who had a huge handlebar mustache and a Norton too, was running the original Tornado straight six and had a APX number on it.

The driving school opposite Public Gardens had a Ford Modle A Woddie that they used to teach driving back in the day, they then parked it and left it to decay and wouldn't sell it wonder where it is now.

There were a few other, Morris Travelers, Mini Countryman and an Amby Wagon as well.

lets hope some pics of the above turn up soon.

Cheers

[karlosdeville]

Here's another genuine and very desirable Woodie - a 47(ish) Chevy. Origins unknown unfortunately. Probably too far gone to use with a rat look, but can be restored into a really fun bus. Thanks to KPS for reminding us of this one.





http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/vintag...ml#post2125666

[KartikeyaL]

Here is another one discussed on the forum, Morris 1000



http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/vintag...ml#post2827530

and a clearer picture of the Morris minor woddie.

[awini]

There's a very original Buick Roadmaster V8 Ionia wagon out there somewhere.

[srinand]

Hi,

Here are a few pics i had posted earlier, apologize cant find where i had posted them.

Regards,

Srinand.