Woodie Cars at Mystic Seaport Museum

Woodie Cars at Mystic Seaport Museum brings a collection of beautifully restored classic wood-bodied automobiles to the Village Green on Saturday, July 11. Sponsored by the Yankee Wood Chapter of the National Woodie Club, the annual gathering gives visitors an opportunity to see these distinctive vehicles up close while exploring one of New England’s premier maritime museums.

Popular from the 1930s through the early 1950s, woodies were originally station wagons built with real wooden body panels or structural wood framing before all-steel construction became the automotive standard. Their handcrafted appearance and connection to family travel, beach culture, and American craftsmanship have made them enduring favorites among collectors. Today, surviving woodies are prized for their rarity and the extensive woodworking skills required to preserve them. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the day, visitors can stroll among the classic vehicles, meet owners and enthusiasts from the Yankee Wood Chapter, and learn about the history of these iconic automobiles. The display is included with general admission to Mystic Seaport Museum, making it an ideal addition to a day spent exploring the museum’s historic ships, exhibits, and recreated 19th-century seafaring village. (Facebook)

Event Details

• Event: Woodie Cars at Mystic Seaport Museum
• Date: Saturday, July 11, 2026
• Time: 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
• Venue: Village Green
• Location: Mystic Seaport Museum
• Address: 75 Greenmanville Ave., Mystic, CT

What Are Woodies?

Woodies are classic automobiles known for their distinctive wooden bodywork or wood-framed construction. Originally built as practical station wagons, they became symbols of American craftsmanship and are now highly collectible classics admired for their unique construction and timeless design.

Event Highlights

Visitors can enjoy:

• Display of classic wood-bodied automobiles
• Meet owners and collectors
• Learn about the history of woodie wagons
• Photography opportunities
• Access to Mystic Seaport Museum’s exhibits and historic village

Admission

The Woodie Cars display is included with general admission to Mystic Seaport Museum.

General admission tickets can be purchased by clicking the Event Website link at the bottom of this page.

Vehicle Registration

Owners interested in registering a woodie for the event may contact:

• Bill Lyman
• Email: mysticwoodies@gmail.com

Contact

• Mystic Seaport Museum
• Phone: (860) 572-0711