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1948 Pontiac Woodie to Be Auctioned

A 1948 Streamliner "Woodie" station wagon, will go under the hammer at the Fine Motor Cars and Automobilia event on September 11, 2010, Bonhams announced. The 'Woodie' station wagon has a half-timbered body, it is believed to be the only one of its kind in Europe, and is expected to fetch GBP 55,000 – 75,000.

The style originated in the 1930s and by the end of the 1950s the Woodie became the vehicle of choice among California surfers, who appreciated its ability to carry several passengers and their boards. Surfer pop bands The Beach Boys and Jan & Dean both referred to them in hit singles and it has also featured in countless movies.

Pontiacs of this period are often referred to by the 'Silver Streak' name, a reference to their multiple chromed hood strips - a styling device first introduced in the mid-1930s. Boasting a wheelbase of 122" (3,099mm), the Pontiac Streamliner Woodie was the largest on the market and could seat up to nine; alternatively, removing the rear seats created even more space.

The 1948 model is the last of what might be considered as the 'real' Woodies, when the entire rear body structure was made of timber. The body of this 1948 Woodie incorporates 523 parts made from either mahogany or Canadian maple.

“Out of the 23,000 Pontiacs made in 1948, only 1,000 left the factory with the eight-cylinder engine and three-speed manual transmission like this one. Surviving '48 Pontiac Woodies are rare; indeed, it is estimated that there are fewer than 50 on the road in North America, and this wonderfully evocative example of classic Americana is believed to be the only one in Europe,”
a statement from Bonhams reads.
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