Shannons Melbourne Auction

... with a private collection of these distinctive timber-paneled vehicles from the 1930s and 1940s selling earlier this month for $8.5 million in California.

Originally the preserve of wealthy families, 'Woody' wagons became cult vehicles in the late 1950s and 1960s as a new generation of young surfers began using them to transport their surfboards and they soon found their way into pop music culture.

Now with Australians warming to Woodies, Shannons offered the ultimate timber twosome at their recent August Melbourne Spring Auction. As this issue hits the news stands the auction will be over, and we hope this superb vehicle and trailer has found a new owner!

The spectacular custom 1934 Ford 'Woody' Station Wagon and its matching 'Teardrop' camper are a unique, award-winning combination that has won the 'Best Custom Commercial' award at the Victorian Hot Rod Show. Completely rebuilt four years ago, the Ford now runs a 351 Cleveland V8 with a 650cfm four-barrel carburettor, an FMX column change automatic, Chrysler diff and fully independent Ford front-end with power disc brakes. Painted in striking Festiva Blue with a red pearl overlay and hand painted pinstriping, the Ford has a steel body with fibreglass mudguards, while the station wagon section was built from marine ply, finished with nine coats of clear marine varnish. A great heritage buy.

Source: JUST CARS, October 2009, Collectors Issue #164