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Nothing screams hot rod heaven quite like the classic California surf culture. Sure, things have changed a bit since the 40s and 50s, but the cars that ruled the coast back then still rule today in our book. Take, for example, this 1926 Hudson Woody–not your typical daily driver but all too telling of a car scene that never quite went away. Check out more of this fantastic car in this week’s episode of Big Muscle above!
You see Ford and Chevy “surf wagons” quite often, but this car is quite different. Not only is it built off of a 1926 Hudson body, it’s also truly handcrafted, and not in your typical Woody fashion. By this, we mean that business partners Ben McCloy and Scott Satteria of Jack Dick Customs in Matinez, California, did everything right in putting this Hudson Woody together.
A bit of imagination, a whole lot of talent and the idea of a less than stereotypical Woody is all it took to create this rolling work of art. Sure, there’s the blown 350ci small block up front pushing close to 400hp and the Ford 9-inch in the rear with 3.70 gears, but beyond the general mechanics of this car is a true masterpiece of what it means to create a hot rod.
Adding to the appeal of the car is its pure driveablility. It’s not about beating quarter-mile times or careening through a competitive road course; rather its about getting from zero to 60 in a timely fashion and getting from point A to point B in a relatively easy manner. It’s also about FUN!
An exceptional piece of artwork, the Hudson Woody fits in well with the unique California surf culture, no matter how you define it these days. Chances are, it’ll stay that way for as long as McCloy chooses to keep it around, which based on his reaction to people trying to buy the car from him, is going to be quite awhile!
