Surf, sand, wood and chrome come together at the 17th annual Doheny Wood car show. Photo by Andrea Papagianis
By Andrea Papagianis
The Southern California Woodie Club’s 17th annual Doheny Wood car show drew large crowds to Doheny State Beach Saturday, April 12 to celebrate surf culture and classic cars donning wood panels, candy-colored paint jobs and chrome: The Woodie.
Known as the nation’s largest beachside car show, dozens of iconic wood-paneled, chrome-trimmed Chevrolets, Chryslers, Dodges, Fords, Packards and more lined the sands as crowds snapped pictures and heard treasured stories of kids raised, trips taken and past Doheny Wood shows.
For Jim and Patsy Bochniarz of San Clemente it was a chance to share the story of their courtship.
A framed cover from Hot Rod Magazine sat before their 1947 Ford station wagon, showing a blonde Patsy in November 1951. The Bochniarzs met at the magazine’s photo shoot that day 63 years ago and cars have remained a part of their lives ever since—even their dog bears the name Transmission.
They’ve owned the woodie for about five years and have shown it at Doheny Wood each year since. Jim even claims he saw the car being made, or at least one just like the wagon they own today.
On a trip to Iron Mountain, Mich. in 1947, the young Bochniarz witnessed Ford woodies coming off the line. While it may not have been his ’47 woodie being built, Bochniarz holds onto the nostalgia all these years later and passes the story, and a few jokes, to Doheny Wood visitors.
The Southern California branch of the National Woodie Club has been around since 1996, and put on their first Doheny Wood show in 1997. Since, the regional club has grown to include more than 300 members who showcase their classic rides at various events throughout the year.
Ted Owen (left) and Gary young enjoy the sights and sounds Saturday as they join other car aficionados in showing classic woodies at Doheny State Beach. Photo by Madison May
A chrome fish hood ornament greets guests of the annual woodie car show at Doheny State Beach. Photo by Andrea Papagianis
Dozens of wood-paneled, classic cars line Doheny State Beach Saturday at the annual Doheny Wood car show. Photo by Madison May
Classic woodies take on their owners’ personality with small touches on hoods, dashes and antennae. Photo by Andrea Papagianis
Classic California surf culture is highlighted Saturday at Doheny State Beach as the annual woodie car show hit the sands. Photo by Madison May
Ashlyn Pitts, 10, of Tustin, stops for a photo with Dan Mudra and his vintage woodie. Photo by Andrea Papagianis
Chrome grills line Doheny State Beach Saturday during the 17th annual Doheny Wood car show. Photo by Andrea Papagianis
Crowds peruse classic, wood-paneled cars at Doheny Wood Saturday. Photo by Andrea Papagianis
Dozens of classic Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge, Packard and other make woodies line Doheny State Beach Saturday. Photo by Madison May
Jim and Patsy Bochniarz, of San Clemente, enjoy showing off their 1947 Ford station wagon Saturday with their dog, Transmission. Photo by Andrea Papagianis
Jim and Patsy Bochniarz, of San Clemente, met 63 years ago on the set of a Hot Rod Magazine photo shoot. Photo by Andrea Papagianis
Dozens of wood-paneled, classic cars line Doheny State Beach Saturday at the annual Doheny Wood car show. Photo by Madison May
A tribute to our nation’s fallen at the Doheny Wood car show. Photo by Andrea Papagianis
Classic California surf culture is highlighted Saturday at Doheny State Beach as the annual woodie car show hit the sands. Photo by Madison May
Chrome hood ornaments done the front of wood-paneled cars are the Doheny Wood car show Saturday. Photo by Andrea Papagianis
Peggy and Jim Riley, of Fresno, raised their family in their 1940 Ford woodie. Now, they share their love of classic cars with their grand children and Doheny Wood attendees. Photo by Andrea Papagianis
A wood-paneled convertible reflects off the red paint of a Mercury at the 17th annual Doheny Wood car show. Photo by Andrea Papagianis
Classic woodies take on their owners’ personality with small touches on hoods, dashes, windows and antennae. Photo by Andrea Papagianis
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