Sunday, October 07, 2012

Old Car Trends I Just Don't Get

This has always confused me.

Could someone explain to me the concept behind wood-paneling on cars? Here's one.

1972 Ford LTD Country Squire Station Wagon

And another, earlier example:

1964 Ford Falcon Squire Wagon

And for that matter, a trend that still persists -- albeit barely -- to this day: the fake convertible tops?


Here's a more modern vinyl top:

2010 Buick LaCrosse CX

I don't get it.


11 comments:

Shayne said...

You may not get it, Doug. But it certainly brings me back. My dad had a '62 Falcon and years later, my ex and I received a wood-paneled Olds Custom Cruiser as an inheritance. Hated the Ford (I remember loving the Pontiac Catalina we had at the same time), but the Olds drove like a dream (and made 8MPH on the highway!)

Good times.

Anonymous said...

Check out the "History" section of this entry:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Station_wagon

Essentially, the fake wood panels on later vehicles that you post hear are visual references to an older form of a "Station Wagon" that had its passenger compartment made out of real wood.

JimK said...

"Beef on Wood" was the game we played spotting wood panels on those long road trips. That was 50 years ago.

Anti Money Laundering said...

For me old cars are classic. What matters to me are the memories. I would love to keep an old car that has been with the family for years.

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Reaganite Independent said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Reaganite Independent said...

It's real Americana, inspired by the Woodies such as in 'Surf City' by Jan and Dean

1947 Ford Woodie

The body on wagons used to be wood from the firewall back (Ford had a special plant for them up on the Upper Peninsula of Mich. due to plentiful wood supply) but by the early 50s they went with metal roof, then by the late 50s the whole car was steel bodied but most retained the look with the fake wood.

Hey, that pic above is identical to my mom's 72 Ford wagon- it was fun way in the back with the dual facing rear seats!

Dale Day said...

Check out http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4a/Pontiac_Woodie.jpg/220px-Pontiac_Woodie.jpg
for a great picture of an old Woodie.

I grew up in that era and clearly remember all of the great old classics. Especially the 1957 Ford Fairlane two-door hardtop couple with a big V-8 under the hood. Black with gold trim. Loved that car.

Bones said...

The best style for the car companies is the one that sells.
When wood on the side is no longer what people want, it disappears.

Bob H said...

Come on, do a little research. Old Ford wagons were wood after body;s. Check the 1948-49-50 Ford /Chrysler
convt.s. There's your answers.