Pair of Rare Woodies to Capture Country Club Aura at the 2007 Barrett-Jackson Auction in Palm Beach

PALM BEACH, Fla.--Once the vehicle of choice for country club drives and surfers across the United States, two rare, wood-bodied station wagons will be auctioned at No Reserve during the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event from March 28-April 1, 2007, in Palm Beach, Fla. A 1948 Packard Series 2201 and a 1938 Buick Series 60 Century Estate will cross the auction block in the expansive South Florida Expo Center just months after a spectacular group of woodies captured high dollars during the Company’s renowned Scottsdale auction. The fifth annual Palm Beach event will feature over 600 of the world’s most exclusive collector automobiles, approximately 100 lifestyle vendors and 17 hours of TV coverage on SPEED.

“The Woody is a true American icon that was the sport utility vehicle of the early to mid 1900s,” said Craig Jackson, CEO of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company. “The classic wagons that will cross the block in Palm Beach are two of the rarest, best preserved woodies ever sold at Barrett-Jackson. Due to the vulnerability and maintenance requirements of the wood panels, very few make it to the block in such perfect condition. This makes these classics an even hotter ticket.”

The 1948 Packard woody is powered by a 288ci, L-Head straight 8-cylinder engine that produces 135 horsepower and is equipped with a 3-speed manual transmission. While most mid century wagons were built for eight or nine passengers, the 1948 Packard has room for only six. This professionally restored woody has leather interior, factory radio, heater, defroster and a ventilation system.

Driven by an overhead valve 320ci straight 8-cylinder engine, the exclusive 1938 Buick woody cranks out 141 horsepower and features a sliding gear, 3-speed manual transmission. The flawlessly restored gem boasts dual side mounts, leather interior, radio, white sidewall tires and classic fender-mounted parking lights.

After decades as coveted luxury vehicles and status symbols, pre-owned woodies could be spotted along California’s coast during the 1960s and 1970s. American surfers adopted the spacious wagons and used them to transport their boards from beach to beach. Their newfound hauling method was short-lived, as the saltwater often destroyed the wood paneling, adding to the rarity of the woody today.

“Classic woodies were some of the most sought after cars in America both pre and post war,” added Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “As affinity for these beautiful wagons grows across the country, they are garnering the bids they deserve. At the 2007 Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, we offered a stellar collection of woodies. Quite a few sold for over $100,000.”

Barrett-Jackson continually reaffirms its leadership position in the collector car market by elevating consignment standards, challenging annual records and serving as the barometer for market trends. Last year, more than 300,000 attendees and millions of television viewers from around the world witnessed over 1,600 cars being auctioned off for approximately $135 million at the two 2006 Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Events held in Scottsdale, Ariz., and Palm Beach, Fla.

About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company

Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Barrett-Jackson specializes in providing products and services to classic and collector car owners, astute collectors and automotive enthusiasts around the world. The company produces the “World’s Greatest Collector Car Events™” in Scottsdale and Palm Beach, Fla. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694.