The 1950 Buick Estate Wagon “Woodie” from Sloan’s Historical Vehicle Collection

Wood-paneled vehicles from the 1940s and 1950s became affectionately known as “Woodies” by historic car enthusiasts. Curator of Collections Geoff Woodcox and Registrar and Exhibits Liaison Sarah Dickinson go into the backstories of a wood-paneled 1950 Buick Estate Wagon that’s part of Sloan’s historic vehicle collection. Donated in 1969 by Donald Mitchell, the President of Ionia Manufacturing Company, this “Woodie” is an example of General Motors’ outsourcing for niche vehicles. This podcast episode also gives listeners and viewers insights into the automotive design elements that emerged after WWII and how post-war popular culture influenced both the buyers and the manufacturers.

If you have a personal connection to one of our podcast historical topics, an artifact relating to Flint or Genesee County history, or have a burning question prompted by one of our past podcasts, please call [phone] and leave a voicemail (we may use your question on air), or email us at [e-mail]