At the recent Early Times Picnic I met up with Larry Wood, a long-time Early Times member. Larry usually welcomes everyone at the gate. Always a cheerful guy, he makes a great host. While enjoying the day I went over and spent some time with Larry at the gate. We talked about all the great cars rolling in and he invited me to his Open House the very next weekend on Father’s Day.
How can you turn down an invitation like that?
I hit the Cruisin’ Brea Car Show first thing in the morning then headed over to Larry’s Garage. I have been here before, many years ago and was amazed at all the cool old stuff Larry has collected over the years. The front garage is his working garage with lifts, showroom and long workbench, although covered with collectibles, prototype Hot Wheels cars and a ton of other Hot Wheels memorabilia. The rear garage was an old warehouse that he uses as a storage facility for his travel trailer.
If you didn’t know, Larry Wood was a Hot Wheels designer at Mattel for several decades, 15 years as the sole designer. He is known as “Mr. Hot Wheels”. The first car he designed was the “Tri-Baby” a mid-engine custom wedge shaped car with rear opening hatch. A popular story is the “Larry’s Garage Tow Truck” Hot Wheels that when produced the design team inadvertently put Larry’s phone number on the side of the vehicle. Of course he got many calls from fans with who have the truck.
Back to his Garage
A few years back there was an electrical fire and his rear garage burnt to the ground with all the items in it. After several years of plan check, inspections and even a couple of electrical changes, the new garage was finished and cause for this celebration. The garage now hosts a full-size Hot Wheels NASCAR car and more Hot Wheels memorabilia, vintage signs and nice clean area to store his vehicles. Vehicles like the ’32 Nash and his daughters ’34 Vicky parked out front for the event.
About 2 dozen or more friends were there to help celebrate. I had a great time sitting with a couple of guys talking about cars while enjoying tacos. A great way to celebrate Father’s Day.
