Gar Wood Speedster

Gar Wood Pre-War 1932-1947 $150,000-$400,000

Why it matters

Gar Wood won more Gold Cup races than anyone. He held the water speed record for over a decade. And then he built boats for the rest of us. The Speedster carried his racing DNA into production boats. The styling was pure Art Deco — you can feel the speed even at rest. These are the boats that told the world speed could be beautiful.

Specifications

Hull Material Double-planked mahogany
Length 16-22 ft
Beam 5 ft 4 in
Draft 2 ft
Weight 1,600-2,000 lbs
Engine Scripps, Ford/Mercury conversion
Engine Type inboard
Horsepower 100-150 hp
Passengers 4
Production ~350 built

Notable Features

  • Triple-cockpit design
  • Racing heritage DNA
  • Art Deco styling
  • Gold-plated hardware

Patina notes

Gar Wood boats were built to racing standards, and that quality shows in survivors. The mahogany is tight-grained and dense. The hardware was often gold-plated, and the patina on original pieces is prized. Many Speedsters raced in amateur events and carry the dings and repairs of competitive use.

Preservation reality

Gar Wood boats are blue-chip collectibles. Fewer than 500 total production boats survive, and prices reflect that scarcity. A Speedster project starts at $100,000, with concours examples exceeding $400,000. The community is small but devoted. Original engines are extremely valuable.

Clubs

  • Gar Wood Society
  • Antique and Classic Boat Society

Events

  • Algonac Picnic (Gar Wood's hometown)
  • Lake Tahoe Concours d'Elegance

Sources