Steel might be strong, but it’s also cold. It can never offer the character and warmth that hardwood can. For a short period in the late ’40s and early ’50s, a few manufactures were combining the two to make family wagons that could offer the best of both worlds. While sheet metal is prone to rust, it typically survives the elements better then wood, which could explain why so few remain today. This 1947 Pontiac Streamliner Woody Wagon is one of only ten believed to still remain today. It has been in storage since 1963 and can now be found here on eBay.
This wagon is believed to be completely original and is in great condition for its age. The odometer currently reads 47,686 miles, which is believed to be correct. It still even has its last Esso oil change sticker on the door pillar, which shows the last oil change having been performed at 47,613 miles. It was part of the Horace Kane Estate of Saratoga Springs, New York and spent its entire time there in storage.
The seller claims that this rare Woody runs and drives, but it likely needs work. Hopefully the 248.9 cid straight eight is mechanically sound and only in need of a tune up. These wagons are extremely rare and are sought after, so it’s hard to tell how much this one will go for. We featured a similar Pontiac a few months back, which was in worse shape and it sold for $25,000. If we thought we could afford it, we would love to have it for a grocery hauler.
Kuhl!
Our family had a ’40s Pontiac with this same straight-8 flathead engine in it, and its 249 cubic inches were pretty peppy. I remember surprising a guy in a ’55 Ford V8 at a stoplight once back in the last century, but that’s another story…
With a car like this low mileage is good, but the most important thing is how was it stored and what was it exposed to (or not exposed to) during the long storage. The pictures seem to show that this car is in remarkably good condition. But have a close look at the underside (of which there are no photos), and bring an ice pick or small penknife to test the integrity of the wood all over that beautiful wooden structure. Some of the wood looks suspect, like just above the rear bumper, so check carefully all over. My guess is that this car could be saved without the need to replace much of the wood, at least based on the photos. In a car like this, rebuilding the wood is a very big job, and if it is to be done properly you need a different skill set than for metal. I know a guy who restores Ford woodys, and the hours he racks up on a project would terrify anyone who is not a Wall St banker.
That said, this looks like an extremely worthwhile project. The plywood door panels, the simple upholstery, the wonderful Art Deco dash, and many other small touches make this car very appealing. If you get lucky with the underside and the condition of the wood, and if the selling price isn’t crazy, someone who was willing to do a thorough clean-up and some light restoration could get a very special driver out of this deal. And you wouldn’t likely see another one like it at all those Show ‘N Shines you could happily drive it to next summer.
In a heart beat! But it will probably go for 50 G’s as it stands, & someone will put another 100 G’s or more into it , but it is worth every penny, just as a keeper!
i wouldn’t touch a thing on it and would not be the slightest bit interested if this car was a restored one. i have it on my watch list and will hit my line of credit til i can sell a car or two to have this in my garage.
That sure looks like all it needs is a good cleaning. Maybe a little bit of sandpaper.
Vehicles like this are important to demonstrate how many safety features have been incorporated over the years to make cars safer.
Yeah, like cell phones and texting… The “safer” cars get…people just get more and more lazy and dangerous. At least these old cars demanded the full attention of the driver
Saratoga Springs? Take that thing to JPG Carpentry on Gansvoort Lane, that dude is such a good carpenter, he’s got tree sap flowing in his veins. He can restore anything made of wood.
Intact. Not “In Tack”.
AFTER HAVING TWO STROKES AND NEEDING A WHEEL CHAIR TO GET AROUND AT TIMES I THINK THIS WOULD BE PERFECT FOR CARRYING MY POWER CHAIR AND I AROUND AFTER DOING SOME RESTORATION AND CUSTOMIZING. A GREAT FIND AND GOOD LUCK TO THE NEW OWNER…
I love all the nice comments please keep them coming. This really is a nice woody wagon rare and hard to find all original too. Pontiacs ride so nice they are a joy to drive.
i’m in bob. my guy is coming to look it over for me tomorrow. i think he spoke to you.
wish me luck fellers!
I agree Bobby. I had a 40 Pontiac club coupe, a 38 4dr., a 72 and 76. They were great cars and enjoyable to drive. Too bad G.M. stopped making them.
so my buddy checked this car out for me tonite. all i can say is i won’t be placing any more bids on this car. it’s a shame. i had the cash lined up to go. no BS. anyone that wants to see the pictures of a few of the problems, let me know.
I have an unrestored ’47 Pontiac Woody wagon…just taken out of storage of 32 years. No rust. Wood is in great shape. Runs great. Drove it yesterday and had a wonderful time. Too many projects…willing to sell. It’s complete. 360-608-7707