A TIMBER TREASURE: THE 1928 FORD WOODY
Rear view of the 1928 Ford Woody, highlighting its unique timber panels and special interest registration plate. Photo: Jessica Hockridge
The glossy timber interior roof of the 1928 Ford Woody, reminiscent of vintage Bondwood speed boats. Photo: Bayden
MAIN PIC: A side view of the 1928 Ford Woody, blending retro charm with hot rod spirit at the Caloundra car show. Photo: Jessica Hockridge
At the recent Beachfest car show held in Caloundra, a 1928 Ford Woody turned heads with its gleaming timber body, a testament to craftsmanship and nostalgia. Owned by a passionate car enthusiast, Bayden, this classic vehicle was built in 2004 by Steve Stockton of Ipswich and showcases the artistry of American mountain ash timber, blending retro charm with hot rod spirit.
The Woody’s body, handcrafted from American mountain ash, is a highlight, its wooden panels evoking the iconic surf wagons of the 1950s and 60s. Stockton, the founder of Oz Rods in Logan, Queensland, is renowned for his timber-integrated car builds, including the Morris Z Ute with its striking timber tray. “Ash is ash,” Bayden said, noting that Australian mountain ash is similar. The timber, last sealed in 2004 with a two-pack automotive clear coat, needs refreshing, but modern polyurethane paints promise a durable finish. Bayden plans to follow the lead of another Woody at the show, a 1940 Ford with Victorian plates, which sported a vibrant, late-model clear coat.
Only the cowl (the windscreen’s front section) and radiator shell remain original 1928 Ford steel; the rest is Stockton’s handiwork. The interior roof, finished in high-gloss timber strips reminiscent of vintage Bondwood speed boats, is a standout feature. “It’s one of the best parts of the car,” Bayden said. A timber roof rack and longboard surfboard would complete the beachside vibe, he mused.
The Woody, acquired three years ago via a Gray’s online auction in Dandenong, reflects a lifelong love for classic cars. Bayden, a mechanic since 1973, and his equally car-mad wife, live in a retro world, with a shed housing a 1937 Ford Club Coupe, a 1966 Ford Galaxy Hardtop, a 1963 Volkswagen Beetle rat rod, a 105E Anglia race car, and a 1970 Olympic Riviera fibreglass caravan.
The Woody, on special interest registration, is driven to sanctioned events like Beachfest, organised by the Australian Street Rod Federation. Recent upgrades, including new wheels and suspension, have tamed its once-twitchy handling, making it a joy to cruise.
The car’s purchase was spurred by personal loss, prompting Bayden to dip into superannuation, determined to enjoy life. “You don’t know how long you’re here for,” he reflects. At nearly 100 years old, the Woody, with its modern chassis and running gear, is built to last another century. Bayden expressed a deep commitment to sustainability as the car community has a culture of passing vehicles on to future custodians in the car community who are passionate about the care and maintenance of these historic vehicles. “We’re not owners, we’re custodians,” he says, placing the car’s value at the “smiles per gallon”.
Beachfest, a highlight on the Sunshine Coast, was a two day event and featured a cruise from the Sunshine Coast Air Museum to the Banana Bender pub, turning the pub’s car park into a mini car show. The event’s improved organisation this year, with clear communication and planned runs, made it a standout. The next Beachfest event is already being planned and will take place in May 2026.
Seeing timber used so creatively in the Woody is a joy, merging natural beauty with automotive art. The American mountain ash, shaped into sleek panels and glossy interior strips, proves timber’s versatility, preserving a slice of history while inspiring future craftsmen to keep this vibrant tradition alive.
