Woodies!

Woodies arriving at the Museum for the installation of the new exhibit

Charlie and Marie Montano, of Gloversville, New York, own a superb collection of head-turning wood-bodied cars, including one example from every year that Chrysler marketed its marvelous, and now Classic Town and Country models. As well, they have a range of General Motors woodies, including a "barn find" unrestored 1942 Oldsmobile, a massive, unrestored and well-preserved 1946 Buick Roadmaster and a very rare 1947 Nash Suburban that's currently undergoing restoration. The Olds and the Nash will be on display to show the challenges, complexity and intricate nature of a full restoration on a wood-bodied car.

The Montanos have generously offered fifteen but due to spacing issues you will find fourteen woodies from their collection for display at the Saratoga Automobile Museum. "The woodie is an American institution," says Montano. "They were hand-crafted cars. I find the color and the warmth of the wood to be especially appealing." Montano maintains a well-equipped auto shop and he enjoys working on his cars. "I leave wood refinishing to the experts," he admits, "but I take the cars apart; I do most of the mechanical restoration, and I reassemble each one."

"Marie and I enjoy sharing our cars with people who appreciate them," Montano adds. The Saratoga Automobile Museum appreciates the Montanos' generosity. Visitors will enjoy seeing these lovely wood-bodied cars from an era we'll never know again.