1940 Pontiac Woodie

  Woodys hold a special place in automobile history.  Many factors contribute to their rarity such as low production numbers and a low survival rate due to the wood structure not being as austere as steel.  Here in southern California we often hear stories of surfers taking apart the wood bodies of their surf wagons and using them for firewood on a cold night by the beach. 

   This particular woody did not meet its demise at the hands of a weary surfer.  The 40 Pontiac woody did however have extremely low production numbers. Exact figures are speculation but it is believed an estimated 400-500 units were produced with well under 100 known to still exist today. All woodys can be considered special but this particular one is definitely above and beyond.

   In true HR&CS form we couldn’t leave good enough alone.  The ultimate Pontiac woody could be equipped with no less than a full modern Air ride suspension, disc brakes, Ramjet Fuel Injected Chevrolet small block V8 and overdrive transmission.  The special wheels really help tie the whole package together. They come from Wheel Vintiques and have a classic style with their Pontiac caps but still give that modern flare in a 17” size.  

   Some GM cars of the era shared sheet metal parts but the front end of this car is Pontiac specific and was restored with new show stopping chrome on that unforgettable grille.  The amazing black paint job contrast well with the wood bodywork.  In the interior you will find a simple but classy blend of wood and leather that is set off by one amazing dash.  Our talented painter was able to simulate woodgrain on the entire dash. The effect leaves most people thinking it is carved out of a solid block of wood.  

   It is safe to say you won’t see another car quite like this anywhere.  Now that it is complete it has been taken to a few different local shows where it was well received and the owner has been very pleased to be able to cruise his one of a kind woody. With Pontiac being an extinct brand now this 1940 is a great look back on some of the finer and unique cars that were produced by the company! 

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The ’40 Pontiac recieved the Boyd Coddington Memorial Award at Goodguy’s Del Mar 2014!

Below Andy Meeh, our painter, accepts the award presented by Chris and Gregg Coddington.