Ash is what was used. Ash is getting harder to purchase in the US due to the ash borer beetle. Some cities are cutting down ALL of the ash trees whether diseased or not in an effort to stop the spread of the beetle. I purchase it from a local production furniture maker. An alternative to ash would be white oak. I use maple for convertible top headers and such pieces where a tighter grain is needed. It is harder than the ash and in this area, very expensive. I think it would do well for pieces but a challenge to do a full rebody.
The rot is usually a function of design (drainage) and surface coating of the wood. Keep in mind that the coachbuilders were no different than automakers today. They were trying to make money using readily available materials and technology while never intending that their product should last 100 years. In many respects, they held up better than a lot of steel structured vehicles that are a mere 20 years old.
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Rick
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