U.S. driver and builder of racing motorboats (motorboat), also credited with devising the small, swift PT (patrol torpedo) boats of the U.S. Navy in World War II.

Educated at Armour Institute of Technology, Chicago, Wood was employed as a marine engine mechanic and eventually derived great wealth from his various inventions, especially a hydraulic hoist. He served as chairman of Gar Wood Industries, Inc., Detroit, and provided financial backing for the Chris-Craft Corporation, Pompano Beach, Fla., a builder of pleasure motorboats.

Wood became interested in speedboat racing about 1911. At Algonac, Mich., he constructed the “Miss America” series of hydroplanes that won nine consecutive races (1920–21, 1926, 1928–33) for the Harmsworth Trophy (Harmsworth Cup), the principal international prize for motorboat racing. In eight of these triumphs Wood himself drove the winning boat; in 1931, when Wood was disqualified, his brother George drove a “Miss America” to victory. Gar Wood also won four races (1917, 1919–21) for the Gold Cup, the chief U.S. award for hydroplane racing. In the 1920 race he set a speed mark (70.0 mph) that was not exceeded until 1946. He retired from racing after winning the 1933 Harmsworth competition.