Somewhere someone is going to read the next sentence, hyperventilate, and then pass out! When I saw this car the first image that popped into my head was of a woody wagon parked near a beach with a surfboard or two tied to the roof. To prove that it’s not just me, I went to Google Images and typed “woody wagon beach” in the search bar. Guess what the first image was? Anyway, this particular woody is a 1947 Buick Super Woody Wagon. Complete with a clear title, this little gem is located in the Exeter region of New Hampshire. It is listed here on Craigslist and is priced at $38,000. A big thanks goes out to BF readers Bill W and Michael for bringing this wonderful car to our attention!
Alright, I’ll admit that $38,000 is probably a little steep for a surfer’s wagon. However, I think that there might be some value in this car at that price. My biggest criticism? This is another ad that has been posted with limited text and a few blurry photos. There isn’t even a side photo that shows the whole car. The one thing that this photo does do though is back the owner’s claim that the timber is “solid and amazing”. The seller says that the car is really solid right through and could either be resurrected as is, or could undergo a full restoration.
Sadly this is the only interior shot of the Buick that isn’t of the timber roof. As you can see it reveals little about the condition, which is really frustrating. Hagerty give a condition #4 car a value of $33,000 and value a condition #2 car at $60,000, so there may be some room to undertake a full restoration to raise this one from a #4 to a #2. Interestingly, there is a Buick Super 50 Series Wagon currently for sale here at Gateway Classic Cars. It’s in very nice condition. It’s priced at $86,000, so maybe this wagon is quite a good buy. It’s also worth noting that in 1947 Buick only built 2,036 Woody Wagons. The main reason was the price. A Woody was priced at $2,805, while the equivalent sedan was $1,929. Most people resisted a 45% premium for the Woody.
The seller states that the car has an interesting history, with the original documentation and title present with the car. The history may have something to do with a “Candlewood Kennels” sign that features in the photos. However, the seller doesn’t elaborate. One of the great attractions with this Woody is that it has either been garaged or stored for its entire life. In fact the car has been in storage for the last 45 years.
Under the hood is the Buick Dynaflash Straight 8 with a capacity of 248ci. The seller says that it will run but should be serviced. They do say that it will have to be moved on a ramp-truck or trailer. If I was buying the Woody I would be going through it with a fine-toothed comb before I even considered driving it.
This is a really interesting proposition. If the whole car is as solid as the seller states and it needs little work to get it back on the road, it could be a lot of fun. Given that there is one for sale in awesome condition for $86,000 elsewhere, deciding between a resurrection and a restoration may be a tough decision if you bought it.
From what little you can see of this car it looks to be solid how ever the colour of stain chosen is all wrong way to much reddish tones in it. It should be much blonder like the interior which is probably the correct colour. These are beautiful cars when restored, but are very pricey. I think its uniqueness of these cars is the attention getter. After all these were also produced in an a steel bodies but seam rather mondain in comparison. This car is of course packing a straight 8 but at only 248 cubic inches, when you think about it that is not a big motor. It was by no means a high compression motor either. So only really getting it torque from a long stroke and likely a big flywheel. I like stroker engines mountains of torque without a lot of rpm. That is a great combination they last longer because they’re turning slower, they use less fuel again turning slower. A good example of the difference between short and long stroke for those of you that know your motorcycles if your familiar with what a trials bike is ( not trail bike ) you would know that the long stroke large flywheel engine will allow for a easy start and go on the side of a steep hill. Where as a moto cross bike caught in the same situation with it short stroke high reving engine will most often have to go back down the hill and take a run at it. I’m off on a rabbit trail sorry. As for the car it would be nice to see it in the hands of someone that will do it justice. This should go to a guy like Rudy who has revealed to us his skills and talents. Personally I like the Chrysler town and country’s more just a styling preference, so would not want this car.
Posting already deleted!
It’s back up now.
It’s still available search 1947 Buick on N.H. Craigslist . Also now comes with a new battery !!
The price is also reduced to $35,000 now !
The $86,000 one for sale is a Roadmaster and is completely restored. Big difference from an unrestored Super.
Big difference in price too ! And the Super is original … they’re only original once .
Except there’s no way that finish on the wood is original, It would not be that colour.
Old solid wood changes color or “colour” after 71 years of care and storage . You seem to be an expert critic of original .