Wood-bodied cars once represented a practical way to build spacious family transportation, but their labor-intensive construction made them increasingly expensive to produce. As steel bodies took over, thousands of woodies disappeared from everyday roads. Today, even familiar names can be surprisingly difficult to encounter in person. These 5 woodies stand out for their distinctive designs, rarity, and lasting collector appeal.

Chrysler Town & Country

The Chrysler Town & Country became one of the most prestigious wood-bodied American cars of its era. Its combination of luxury, powerful engines, and real wood construction made it considerably more upscale than an ordinary family wagon. Production was limited, and surviving examples are highly sought after. Seeing an original or properly restored Town & Country in person is a rare treat.

Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser

The Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser carried the classic woodie idea into a much later era, using simulated woodgrain rather than traditional structural wood. Its large body, rear-wheel-drive layout, and V8 power made it a genuine old-school American wagon. While not a traditional woodie, its styling captured the spirit of the genre. Clean examples are becoming increasingly interesting as large wagons gain collector attention.

Ford Country Squire

The Ford Country Squire became one of America’s longest-running luxury wagon nameplates, famous for its woodgrain exterior and spacious cabin. Later versions used simulated wood rather than extensive real wood construction, but they retained the classic visual identity. Many were used as family haulers for years. Well-preserved examples are increasingly appreciated as symbols of the traditional American station wagon.

Jeep Wagoneer

The Jeep Wagoneer helped establish the luxury SUV concept long before modern crossovers became dominant. Its woodgrain exterior became one of its most recognizable features, while four-wheel drive gave it capabilities beyond those of ordinary station wagons. Although its wood was mostly decorative on later examples, the styling remains iconic. Clean early Wagoneers are now surprisingly difficult to encounter.

Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon

The Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon brought simulated woodgrain back to a large American wagon during the 1990s. Its rear-wheel-drive platform, V8 engine, and enormous cargo area made it a practical throwback to classic American wagons. Many were used as family vehicles and eventually retired. Today, clean examples have developed a following among enthusiasts who appreciate their unusual combination of size, comfort, and old-school character.

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*Research for this article included AI assistance, with all final content reviewed by human editors