The Untold Story Of Tom Hanks's 'Woody Car': Inside The Auction Of His Classic Station Wagon

The name "Woody" holds a unique dual significance for global icon Tom Hanks, representing both his beloved *Toy Story* character and a classic piece of American automotive history: the 'Woody' station wagon. As of December 13, 2025, the latest public information surrounding Hanks’s personal collection confirms his status as a serious vintage car enthusiast, a reputation cemented by the sale of several of his unique vehicles in recent years.

For decades, the classic 'Woody' station wagon—a term for any car featuring prominent wooden body panels—has been a symbol of Americana and the California surf culture. Hanks, a collector known for his eclectic and deeply personal choices, owned a remarkable example of this vintage aesthetic, which has become one of the most talked-about pieces of his automotive collection.

Tom Hanks: A Brief Biography and His Automotive Entities

Thomas Jeffrey Hanks, born July 9, 1956, in Concord, California, is one of the most recognizable and acclaimed actors in modern cinema. Known for his versatility and ability to embody the "everyman," his career spans decades, earning him two Academy Awards for Best Actor for *Philadelphia* (1993) and *Forrest Gump* (1994). His filmography is a tapestry of American culture, from the dramatic tension of *Saving Private Ryan* to the heartwarming animation of the *Toy Story* franchise, where he voices the character Sheriff Woody Pride.

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• Full Name: Thomas Jeffrey Hanks
• Born: July 9, 1956 (Age 69 as of 2025)
• Birthplace: Concord, California, U.S.
• Wife: Rita Wilson (m. 1988)
• Notable Films: *Forrest Gump*, *Cast Away*, *Apollo 13*, *Saving Private Ryan*, *The Green Mile*, *Big*
• Iconic Voice Role: Sheriff Woody Pride (*Toy Story* franchise)
• Known Car Collection Entities: 1951 Woodie Station Wagon, 1980 Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser, 2010 Tesla Roadster, 2011 Ford F-450 Super Duty Pickup, 1992 Airstream Model 34 Trailer.

The Classic 'Woody' Car: A Deep Dive into Hanks's Vintage Station Wagon

The car at the heart of the curiosity is Tom Hanks’s classic, wooden-bodied station wagon. While the exact make has often been speculated—likely a Ford or Mercury—it is universally recognized as a 1951 Woodie Station Wagon. This era of automobile represents the final year of true factory-built wood-bodied cars, making them highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts of vintage vehicles.

Hanks's ownership of such a car is particularly fitting given his persona as a chronicler of American nostalgia. The Woodie is synonymous with post-war optimism, family road trips, and the burgeoning California surf scene, a culture Hanks grew up around. The car is more than just a vehicle; it's a piece of rolling sculpture, requiring meticulous maintenance to preserve the intricate and delicate wood paneling.

Owning a Woodie is a commitment. The wood, typically ash or mahogany, must be varnished and cared for to prevent warping and rot, a dedication that speaks to Hanks’s passion for preserving history, whether through film or classic machinery. This car stood out in his collection, which otherwise included a modern electric car (the Tesla Roadster) and rugged off-road vehicles (the Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser).

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The Auction Block: When and Where Hanks Sold His Collection

The most recent and definitive public information regarding Tom Hanks's car collection centers on a major sale that took place at the Bonhams Quail Lodge Auction in August 2021, during the prestigious Monterey Car Week. While the auction focused on four of his personal vehicles, the sale provided a clear indication of the value and provenance associated with his ownership.

The four vehicles sold at the Bonhams Quail Lodge event included a 1980 Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser, a 2010 Tesla Roadster, a 2011 Ford F-450 Super Duty Pickup, and his famous 1992 Airstream Model 34 ‘Silver Bullet’ travel trailer, which he used as a mobile dressing room on movie sets like *Forrest Gump* and *Apollo 13*. These sales collectively generated hundreds of thousands of dollars, with the Airstream alone fetching a remarkable $235,200.

The Elusive Status of the 1951 Woodie Station Wagon

While the four vehicles listed above were the focus of the 2021 Bonhams sale, the specific 1951 Woodie Station Wagon was not publicly highlighted in the same lot. This has led to some confusion among fans and collectors. It is highly likely that the Woodie was either sold in a separate, less-publicized transaction prior to the 2021 event, or it remains a cherished part of the Hanks/Wilson family’s private collection, kept off the public auction block.

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However, the value of a 1951 Woodie Station Wagon with Hanks's provenance would be significant. Classic Woodies from that era, depending on their condition and manufacturer (such as a Ford Custom Deluxe or Mercury Monterey), often command prices well into the six figures, even without celebrity ownership. The addition of a name like Tom Hanks—a collector who drives and genuinely enjoys his cars—would add a substantial premium for any serious buyer.

Topical Authority: The Enduring Legacy of the 'Woody' Name

The enduring public interest in the "Tom Hanks Woody Car" is a perfect storm of pop culture and automotive history. The character Woody is a global icon of loyalty and friendship, a role Hanks has voiced in five feature films and numerous shorts, including the latest confirmed project, *Toy Story 5*.

The classic car, the Woodie, carries its own legacy as a symbol of mid-century American design and craftsmanship. When these two entities—the voice of the character and the owner of the car—intersect, the resulting curiosity is immense. The Woodie Station Wagon, in many ways, mirrors the wholesome, nostalgic image that Tom Hanks has cultivated throughout his career, making its place in his personal garage a fascinating detail for fans worldwide.

Ultimately, whether the 1951 Woodie is currently in a private collection or was sold quietly, its association with Tom Hanks ensures its place in the pantheon of celebrity-owned classic cars. It represents a tangible link between the actor's personal passion for vintage Americana and the iconic, friendly cowboy doll he brings to life on screen.