A Ford Woody Circa 1950

Yesterday I spotted this car on my morning walk through the neighborhood where this neighbor's hobby is restoring old cars (think Detroit Boat Anchors). He paid $30K for this car that originally cost under $1500 and after his restoration he is asking $60K. Many woody wagons here in California were used by the surfers and usually ended up being hand painted motley colors.

The time 1951 signaled the introduction of Heathkit's 1st ham transmitter kit the AT-1 which was touted as low cost and easy to use. (Sounds like a date with Mary Jo).

With maybe 20 watts to the antenna, you were putting fire to the wire. You can find AT-1's for sale today but are more than $29.95. 

It was during the period 1948 to 1952 that car sales were booming and the US ham population nearly doubled from 60K to 110K. More cars spawned new businesses like Drive-in Movie theaters which also spawned a bit of a population growth. The morning after many OM's wished they were chasing DX instead of a trip to the Drive-In.

This period of time was exciting save for the Korean conflict that spanned 1951 to 1953 and just a short 6 years after WW II. 

There is a nostalgia with things of old but spending $60K for a 75-year-old car without GPS, Blue Tooth, rough riding, no supercharger, poor gas mileage and lack of spare parts you have to be nuts!

 Them that know, now don't care if you know.

73's

Pete N6QW