Woody Wagon

The new stamp features an acrylic painting based on a photograph of a restored wood-paneled wagon by Kevin Newman of Santa Monica, Calif., who also designed the Atlas Statue coil. The stamp is inscribed "Presorted First-Class Card", now vaiued at 15c, and will be used primarily by companies that send substantial volumes of standard (formerly bulk-rate) mailcard. The Standard Mail is inaugurated on April 11, 1996, as a part of a USPS initiative to give "lower rates to mailers who prepare automation-compatible mail or mail that bypasses postal operations, regardless of mailing size."

Various wood-paneled vehicles have been around since the early 20th century and grown their popularity in the United States in the 1930s, as country clubs, inns and lodges began using fashionable woody station wagons to transport their guests. Wealthy landowners, needing a respite from the demands of running their estates, would cruise the countryside in a woody sedan. In Europe, wood paneling and trim satisfied the aristocratic desire for stylish automotive transportation. Many woodies ended up on used car lots by the late 1950s. Today, woodies are popular among car restoration buffs, and the cars often draw interested crowds at automobile shows across the country. And perhaps the Woody Wagon coil will be a popular draw for collectors and those outside the hobby. It is an eye-catching stamp that typifies American pop culture.