Ode to the Woodie

Side wood paneling, vibrant colors made the body of the classic Woodie, but in the 1960s the crown was the board.

We shove our boards awkwardly in our hatchbacks, tie them to our roofs, or put them in the back of the van, but we can always imagine the days when the Beach Boys sang of loading their boards in the back of a Woodie.

These cars are scarcely seen on the streets, but are still a predominant figure in beach culture. They are key chains, magnets, post cards, and frequently appear on the elite beach culture style of Tommy Bahama. They are a symbol that evokes a fond nostalgia for the relaxed atmosphere of the beach: palm tree shadows, the crashing of the waves, and the absence of stress.

While they carry the surf culture title, they were originally crafted in the 30s, right after the model T. They evolved through the decades, ending in 1954 with Buick’s Wood Master Wagon. Surfhistory.com has more about the car that represents surfing.