Everybody loves a "Woodie," especially California auto dealer Nick Alexander. Nick has collected more than 35 examples of the iconic wood-panelled wagons, along with their coupe/convertible cousins. Once a year, he holds an open house, offers space for swapping parts and auto display, and provides a wonderful BBQ lunch. His ultimate goal is to restore one Woodie for each year that Ford and Mercury manufactured them. You have to admire Nick's dedication to a specific type of auto body that began, not as a stylistic interpretation, but as a purely practical vehicle.

The station wagon first made its appearance when wood was commonly used for framing, wheel spokes, steering wheel rims and truck bodies; in later years the material acquired a design charisma, notably with the Chrysler Town & Country. When the price of handcrafting finally got out of hand, manufacturers faked it with Dy-Noc, a wood look-alike. The last "woodie" was a special edition PT Cruiser meant to remind buyers of another era. I'd be willing to bet that Nick Alexander won't add a PT Cruiser to his collection, unless he creates a section for Woodie Wannabees. Link to the National Woodie Club here.

Thanks to Classical Drives contributor Nigel Matthews for bringing this to our attention.