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Thursday 10am - 4pm Friday 10am - 4pm Saturday 10am - 4pm Sunday 10am - 4pm

Woodland Auto Display, Paso Robles, California

Name: Woodland Auto Display, Paso Robles, California
Address: 4251 Dry Creek Road, Paso Robles, CA, 93446, US
Telephone: +18052389317
Price range: $

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Woodland Auto Display, Paso Robles, California

Most of the cars have been restored to the original condition as they were when first built. Group Tours can be arranged Mon-Thurs by email or phone!

An extensive collection of automotive and racing history, featuring ever changing displays of rare midget, sprint, modified, super modified and rare vintage classic cars. Some of the cars came off the track and required little to no restoration. This is a unique collection in that you can see, up close and personal, cars which were well known on the various racing circuits.

09/04/2026

Salute to Our Heroes at the Estrella Warbirds Museum and Woodland Auto Display!
For the third year, Paso Robles IPMS will be there showcasing models honoring our Veterans and First Responders.
Come see us on Saturday, November 7, 2026.
For more details about the model display, please contact us via messenger or email at [email protected].

09/03/2026

The 1930 Packard 733 was the larger Standard Eight in Packard's Seventh Series, featuring a 134.5-inch wheelbase and a straight-eight engine. Packard production began in 1899 and ended in 1956. This Packard even has a “Chicago Typewriter” in the back. Engine and PerformanceEngine: 319-cubic-inch straight-8 engine.Power: 90 horsepower.Transmission: 4-speed manual floor shift.Wheelbase: 134.5 inches.

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09/02/2026

2005 Ford GT 550 Overview
The History and Heritage of the Ford GT
The Ford GT originated as a concept car, created to commemorate Ford's centennial year and to highlight the company’s commitment to its iconic "heritage" names. The inspiration for the GT dates back to the introduction of the original Ford GT, the GT-40, in 1964. This legendary vehicle was developed for international endurance racing and earned its nickname "GT-40" due to its remarkably low height of only 40 inches.
Design and Distinction
Although the modern Ford GT closely resembles the classic GT40 in its outward appearance, it features several key differences. The new GT is larger, wider, and most notably, stands four inches (100 mm) taller than its predecessor, bringing its height up to 44 inches. As a special tribute to the company’s 100th anniversary, the left headlight cluster was designed to display the number "100."
Engine and Performance
Under the hood, the 2005 Ford GT 550 is powered by an all-aluminum Ford 5.4-liter, DOHC, supercharged V-8 engine. It utilizes a dry-sump oil system and is rated at an impressive 550 horsepower.
For more information on this GT 550
https://www.woodlandautodisplay.com/2005gt.shtml

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09/01/2026

1924 Dodge Brothers Special Touring Car
Vehicle Specifications
• Built by: Dodge Brothers
• Suspension: Solid axles and semi-elliptic springs front and rear, with friction shock absorbers
• Engine: 4-cylinder, 212.5-cubic-inch Dodge vertical L-head, estimated at 35 horsepower
Historical Overview
The Dodge Brothers, John and Horace, were early stockholders in and engine builders for Ford Motor Company before introducing their own automobile in 1914. By 1922, Dodge had become second only to Ford in U.S. automobile production.
This touring car seated five passengers, reached speeds of up to 50 mph, and sold for $895. It also featured an innovative combination starter-generator, known as the “Starterator,” which helped make Dodge the first mass-produced self-starting automobile. In addition, it came standard with a 12-volt electrical system—well ahead of many competitors, including General Motors, which did not adopt 12-volt systems until the mid-1950s.
Note on the Transmission Shift Pattern
An interesting side note concerns the standard 3-speed floor-shift pattern, in which reverse is engaged by pushing the lever forward and first gear by pulling it back toward the driver. According to this account, Dodge used a more intuitive pattern in which backward movement selected reverse and forward movement selected first gear.
However, because Ford vehicles were already far more common on the road, Henry Ford reportedly lobbied Congress to support the Ford pattern as the standard. As a result, future vehicles were required to follow Ford’s shift layout.

08/30/2026

The History of the 1955 Shannon Crosley Special
Design and Construction
The Shannon Crosley Special was designed and built by Floyd Shannon in 1955. The car's frame was constructed using small diameter tubing, a technique inspired by the European race cars of that era. For its mechanical components, the engine, rear axle, and several drive parts were sourced from the Crosley passenger car. The Crosley engine became a popular choice for the H Modified classification due to its robust design, featuring five main bearings and an overhead camshaft. When properly tuned, this engine could reach up to 9,000 RPM. While the small displacement limited horsepower, this drawback was compensated by a low differential ratio of 5.18:1 and a lightweight design—the car weighed only 840 pounds. As a result, the Shannon Crosley Special was capable of surprisingly quick acceleration.
Racing Success and Ownership Changes
Floyd Shannon raced the car successfully at various venues throughout California, including the Riverside Raceway when it opened in 1957. Eventually, Floyd sold the car to Ms. Pat Copland, who enhanced its performance by installing a four-speed Topolino transmission. Ms. Copland also enjoyed competitive success with the car until a racing accident at Riverside caused significant damage, forcing the car out of competition for many years.
Restoration and Modern Achievements
After approximately forty years in disrepair, Lee Osborn acquired what was left of the original Shannon Crosley Special. He undertook a comprehensive restoration, rebuilding the chassis and creating a new body using the surviving molds. Lee obtained the car in 1997 when it was in poor condition, and he dedicated over six years to restoring it to its current state.
Recent Recognition and Continued Legacy
In 2024, Lee Osborn received the H-Modified Puckett Cup in recognition of his efforts and achievements. Since 2003, Lee has actively raced the 1955 Shannon Crosley Special, and The Monterey Historics in 2024 marked his 53rd race with the car. In addition to being the dedicated owner and driver of this remarkable vehicle, Lee also serves as one of the esteemed docents here at the Woodland Auto Display.
See more at: https://www.woodlandautodisplay.com/1955shannoncrosley.shtml

08/29/2026

The Legacy of Kurtis Kraft: American Racing Innovation
Origins and Impact of Kurtis Kraft
Kurtis Kraft was a legendary American race car designer and manufacturer founded by Frank Kurtis in Glendale, California. From the late 1930s through the 1960s, the company dominated American open-wheel racing, particularly the Indianapolis 500, where its chassis won five times. Kurtis Kraft is best known for pioneering the "roadster" design, which featured a low-slung, offset drivetrain that allowed drivers to sit lower and beside the driveshaft rather than on top of it.
The Post-War Era and Midget Racing
During the immediate post-WWII era, Midget automobile racing became extremely popular. While several companies were producing competitive cars, Frank Kurtis set the standard. His company built well over 500 complete cars, in addition to another 650 kit cars that could be assembled by private individuals. Kurtis Kraft's designs were highly regarded, and spare parts were readily available, further cementing their reputation and influence in the racing community.
Technical Innovation: Lightweight Construction and Engine Performance
This particular car was exceptionally lightweight for its time, constructed using lightweight tubing similar to that used in WWII aircraft. Many chose to install the Drake engine, known for its light weight. The combination of this innovative construction and engine choice proved to be extremely successful on numerous small tracks across the country, especially on the West Coast. The cars offered superior corner speed, and many top drivers believed that the unique firing pattern of the Drake engine’s cylinders resulted in better traction. Many others chose the Ford Flathead V-8 60 as both engines were somewhat affordable while those who could afford it chose the Offenhauser 110 cu in engine.

Kurtis Kraft in Model Car Kits
Model car kits of Kurtis Kraft, produced by Revell as well as kits of other famous race cars, are available at the Estrella Warbirds Gift Shop. These kits allow enthusiasts and collectors to appreciate the legacy of Kurtis Kraft in miniature form.
See more at : https://www.woodlandautodisplay.com/1946midget.shtml

08/28/2026

The 1948 Lincoln Continental: A Classic American Automobile
Overview
The 1939–1948 Lincoln Continental holds a prestigious place in automotive history, recognized as a "Full Classic" by the Classic Car Club of America. Notably, it is one of the last vehicles built to earn this distinction. As of 2015, the 1948 Lincoln Continental, along with the 1948 Lincoln, marked the end of an era as the last cars produced and sold by a major U.S. automaker featuring a V12 engine. The base retail price for the coupe was listed at $2,727, which is approximately $59,700 in 2025 dollars, while the cabriolet was priced at $2,778, equivalent to about $60,800 in 2025.
Origins and Production
Design Features
An interesting aspect of the Lincoln Continental’s design was the relocation of the passenger compartment towards the rear of the vehicle, which made it impossible to store a spare tire in the trunk. This challenge was addressed by positioning the covered spare tire further to the rear of the car. This innovation led to the term "Continental Kit," a feature adopted by many automobile manufacturers, especially between the 1950s and 1980s.
Transmission and Engine Specifications
The vehicle was equipped with 3 speed synchromesh, operated by a manual lever located on the steering column, and included an overdrive feature. Under the hood, it featured a 292 cubic inch V-12 flathead engine, producing 125 horsepower and achieving a top speed of 83 miles per hour.
Collectibles
For enthusiasts and collectors, Lindberg models offer a 1/25 scale model kit of the 1948 Lincoln Continental convertible, allowing a tangible connection to this classic automobile.
See more at : https://www.woodlandautodisplay.com/1948lincoln.shtml

08/27/2026

The History and Legacy of a Notable NASCAR Race Car
Origins and Early Success
This car was originally constructed as a Chevrolet for the Morgan/McClure NASCAR team, specifically for driver Sterling Marlin. Together, this team and driver combination achieved several victories in the NASCAR Winston Cup series during the mid to late 1990s.
Acquisition and Triumph in NASCAR Winston West
In 1998, the vehicle was acquired by Richard Woodland's Cold Duck Racing team. That same year, Rich Woodland Jr. piloted the car to a win over Kevin Harvick at Phoenix International Speedway in the NASCAR Winston West race. This achievement earned Rich Woodland Jr. and his team an invitation to compete in the inaugural race at Motegi, Japan. Notably, this event marked the first time both Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Dale Earnhardt Jr. raced together. The car featured a Toyota TRD engine with aluminum heads, a steel block, a single 4-barrel carburetor, ran on gasoline, and produced approximately 800 horsepower.
Additional Drivers and Modifications
Several drivers have taken the wheel of this car, including Chris Bingham and Brian Tyler, a two-time national United States Auto Club (USAC) sprint car champion. In 2007, the car underwent a conversion from Chevrolet to Toyota.

See more at https://www.woodlandautodisplay.com/1995winston.shtml

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08/25/2026

1978 Grant King Sprint Car / Roadster: A Record-Setting Pavement Weapon
Built for Speed
• Suspension: Cross torsion bars front and rear with a four-bar setup designed to keep the car planted at speed.
• Engine: Can-Am Chevrolet ZL-1 V-8, 427 cu. in. displacement, aluminum big block.
• Rare components: Magnesium valve covers and pan; only seven sets like this were made.
• Fuel system: Fuel injected and methanol powered for fierce, pavement-shaking performance.
Born to Break Records
This rare and beautiful roadster sprint car came from the hands of legendary builder Grant King; a name long associated with serious race-winning machinery. Purpose-built for pavement tracks, it began life with a small-block Chevrolet engine and wasted no time proving itself in United States Auto Club (USAC) competition.
Between 1978 and 1981, this car was a force wherever it unloaded. It set track records, captured main-event victories across the country, and became so dominant that its roadster-style chassis was ultimately outlawed.
A New Big-Block Era
When Duane and Brenda Woodward purchased the car, it entered a new and even more intimidating chapter. Converted to big-block Chevrolet power, the roadster found the perfect driver in Duane, a standout West Coast super modified racer who could turn it into a winning threat almost anywhere he lined up.
The roadster later passed to Rod and Betty Atchison, who acquired it for their good friend, Indy car driver George “Ziggy” Snider, to attack open competition events. Today, the No. 11 roadster is shown with the 427-cu. in. aluminum Can-Am engine, honoring the ferocious configuration Snider raced.
Restored by Racing Legends
Bringing the No. 11 back to life took the hands of people who understood its history and its horsepower. Fresno-area racing legends Don Raiskup and Arnold Cavalli restored the chassis and running gear, while renowned engine builders Tom Reitz and Bob Andrews supplied the power that gives this machine its unmistakable presence.
Collection
Woodland Family Collection

08/24/2026

The Soap Box Derby Racer: Built for Speed, Powered by Gravity
Fast Facts
• Year built: Mid to late 1950s, during the golden age of Soap Box Derby racing
• Builder: Unknown
• Suspension: Solid suspension, with both front and rear axles mounted directly to the wood frame
• Power source: No engine, no motor—just gravity, craftsmanship, and nerve
Racing Into History
The Soap Box Derby captured the imagination of young racers across America. The first official All-American Soap Box Derby race took place in Dayton, Ohio, in 1933. Just two years later, the event found its permanent home in Akron, Ohio, where generations of young builders would chase speed, precision, and victory.
Chevrolet helped turn the Derby into a national sensation, sponsoring the All-American Soap Box Derby from 1936 to 1972. By the 1950s, the sport was booming. Chevrolet poured millions of dollars into promotion, and racers from nearly every state competed for the coveted trip to Akron. Finals crowds topped 60,000 fans, creating an atmosphere closer to a championship speedway than a neighborhood race.
These cars were more than toys. In that era, Derby racers were designed and built by the young competitors themselves, ages 10 to 17. Every curve, axle, and steering part had to meet strict rules and weight limits, using official wheels, axles, and steering gear purchased through Chevrolet dealers nationwide.
This racer echoes that thrilling period of competition. It is similar to the car Dick Woodland built and raced all the way to the California finals in Los Angeles in 1954—a reminder of a time when a wooden frame, steady hands, and a steep hill could carry a young racer toward glory.
Preserved by
Woodland Family Collection

Address

4251 Dry Creek Road
Paso Robles, CA
93446

Opening Hours

Thursday	10am - 4pm
Friday	10am - 4pm
Saturday	10am - 4pm
Sunday	10am - 4pm

Telephone

+18052389317

Website

http://ewarbirds.org/automotive/woodland.html

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