<< Back to Driving Force, June 2012
HEY, THAT'S MY CAR!
Termite Delight
Genuine “Woodie” With a Certified Surfing Pedigree
1940 Plymouth Deluxe Station Wagon
Owner: Larry Fator, San Dimas, California
After dreaming of owning a “woodie” as a youngster, Larry has enjoyed driving this issue’s cover model for over 25 years. At the height of the surfing craze in 1963, he first ran across an old station wagon that was modified for trips to the beach much like the ones he’d seen in magazines and heard about in songs. The long-lasting impression of that wagon, as well as countless others in the years that followed, inspired the purchase of this Plymouth in 1986. Larry bought the car, one of only a handful left in existence, from a local who had owned it for about two weeks. Prior to that, the vehicle had only been registered by one family since it was new. Originally purchased as one of three New York hotel transportation vehicles, this wagon was finally given to the son of the hotel’s owner in the early 1960s after being retired from duty. Soon thereafter, the son drove it to the West Coast where it was used for surfing trips and daily driving duties until being parked for many years.
Although this woodie was purchased in a good original state, including its unique wooden floorboards, Larry has made some small modifications over the years. A pinstriping and lettering artist by trade, he opted to paint over the Hampton Beige with another factory color, Spring Cream. A slightly larger 230 c.i. flathead 6-cylinder engine has replaced the factory-installed 215 c.i. version. For improved freeway driving, a Borg-Warner overdrive was added. Finally, performance and surfing-themed decals complete the 1960s throwback. This vintage vehicle is only one in a collection that includes a small-block Chevy-powered 1971 Datsun flatbed pickup and a 1946 Chevy sedan delivery finished 1960s “gasser” style.
Have your car or truck featured in a future issue of Driving Force. Email your high-resolution photos to Colby Martin.