Showcase 1953 Woodill Wildfire – 1 of 2 Johnny Dark Movie Cars Design By B.R. “Woodill” and Bill Tritt Owner: Jack Farr, Cresson, Texas — Johnny Dark Movie Car Starring Tony Curtis and Piper Laurie — History of This Car … Continue reading
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Johnny Dark Woodill Wildfire #1: Artistry by Dan Palatnik
Hi Gang… More and more we are using Dan Palatnik’s renderings to “light the way” for our restorations of handcrafted American sports cars. In addition, these renderings showcase each car in a beautiful presentation the way the cars were meant … Continue reading
Two Models of the Victress S1A Roadster Are Now Available For Purchase
Hi Gang… Great news…..you can now create your own Undiscovered Classics collection and save some garage space while doing so. Thanks to the efforts of Alex Kotyar of Esval Models and some keen rendering work of artist extraordinaire Dan Palatnik, scale models of a 1953 and 1954 … Continue reading
Johnny Dark Woodill Wildfire #2: Artistry by Dan Palatnik
Hi Gang… More and more we are using Dan Palatnik’s renderings to “light the way” for our restorations of handcrafted American sports cars. In addition, these renderings showcase each car in a beautiful presentation the way the cars were meant … Continue reading
Above: Scene in Johnny Dark Movie (1954) Showing Wildfire #2 At Speed
Hi Gang… The guys at JR’s Speed Shop in Venice, Florida are making good progress on several American Specials that they are working on including one of the Woodill Wildfire’s that starred in the 1954 movie “Johnny Dark.” We checked … Continue reading
Johnny Dark Movie American Specials of the 1950s at Their Best Universal International: 1954 Overview Review the stories below to learn more about this film Johnny Dark The Post World War II Sports Car Craze Played out on the Silver … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Sometimes it comes down to one piece of information….and sometimes it takes a convergence or several multiple pieces of information which together help confirm the history of the car. Research and validation of a car’s history is what … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Recently one of the steely-eyed researchers in our group – Bill Foss – noticed that the movie “Johnny Dark” had been digitized and released – but with a twist. It was a hi-def version on DVD but only … Continue reading
Hi Gang… In yesterday’s story on the history of the Johnny Dark Wildfire, we established that there were three Woodill Wildfire Series 2 sports cars used in the movie. This was confirmed through careful review of the film and through … Continue reading
Hi Gang… One of the most famous fiberglass sports cars of the 1950s is the lead car from the 1954 movie Johnny Dark. Much speculation has taken place over the last many years concerning whether the car survives and who … Continue reading
Hi Gang… If you’re here at Forgotten Fiberglass, then you HAVE to see this 1954 movie starring Tony Curtis, Piper Laurie and Don Taylor. It’s manna from heaven if you like the handcrafted sports cars of the 1950s and includes … Continue reading
Hi Gang… If you love the vintage fiberglass cars of the early ‘50s – the 1954 movie “Johnny Dark” is for you. It has everything a car guy would want in “car guy” movie: Sports car races – one actual … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Ah….the “smoking gun.” Isn’t that what we’re always looking for? For me, the “smoking gun” has always been getting Tony Curtis’ detailed thoughts on the movie Johnny Dark – at the time the movie was filmed. And that’s…..what I … Continue reading
Hi Gang… There’s nothing better in this world than making new friends – and that’s exactly what happened when good friend Glenn Brummer sent in a link to a fabulous website run by Derek Redmond that included great information about the … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Holy Toledo! What made this city “ground zero” for the debut of the fantastic film that starred forgotten fiberglass sports cars of the fifties? I think we may have finally figured this out, but it took meeting automotive … Continue reading
Hi Gang… As most of you know, the movie “Johnny Dark” is an important piece of history for fiberglass cars of the 1950’s. After all, Universal Studios featured several fiberglass sports cars in the movie which included: Woodill Wildfire Victress … Continue reading
Note: This is the final installment of a 3 part series of articles on the Johnny Dark Victress, Virgil Rice, Mack Hellings, Bob Stelling, the Hellings Company, and Stelling and Hellings. Here are links to the other parts of the story: … Continue reading
Note: This is the second installment of a 3 part series of articles on the Johnny Dark Victress, Virgil Rice, Mack Hellings, Bob Stelling, the Hellings Company, and Stelling and Hellings. Here are links to the other parts of the story: … Continue reading
Note: This is the first installment of a 3 part series of articles on the Johnny Dark Victress, Virgil Rice, Mack Hellings, Bob Stelling, the Hellings Company, and Stelling and Hellings. Here are links to the other parts of the story: Click … Continue reading
Hi Gang… In honor of the HBO Miniseries honoring those who fought in WWII – “The Pacific” – which just came to a close, I thought this might be a good time to discuss my good friend Chuck Tatum – … Continue reading
Hi Gang… The Johnny Dark film is a ball to watch. It has something in it for everyone. If you’re a racing enthusiast – the real thing – then catch the first race in the movie. It was recorded on Labor … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Think back to 1953… a time when if you wanted your own American sports car, you had to build it. Yes…the Corvette was coming out the same year and just a few hundred would be available to the public. So … Continue reading
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There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
The Designers Who They Were and What They Accomplished Design Veterans Ralph Roberts and the 1951 Skorpion: Roberts worked for Chrysler in the 1930s and 1940s and created cars and show cars such as the 1941 Chrysler Newport Dual-Cowl Phaeton … Continue reading
“Before” and “After” 40 Cars Are Shown Below The Photos Show The Starting Point and the Finished Look Restorations Completed By Undiscovered Classics Teams Restorations Completed By Others … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Looks like we’re going to finish up 2021 with a bang. We’ll be attending 3 different concours in the next 3 months which is a new record for us, and we’d enjoy seeing you at any or all … Continue reading
Hi Gang… When it’s quiet on our website, we’re usually busy somewhere else. This year, as you’ll see in the near future, has been a year for restorations and brand-new creations. But that story is for the future. Today’s story … Continue reading
Hi Gang… As you’ll see, we’ve been busy during the quarantine – all our teams have been quite busy. And everything came together nicely on May 23, 2021 at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. I think this may have been … Continue reading
Twelve Grantham Stardust Sports Cars Were Built – Just Four Remain
Hi Gang… Exciting news for one of my favorite handcrafted cars of the 1950s – the Grantham Stardust. While we have an unrestored example in our collection, Undiscovered Classics has partnered with David Deluca to restore and show his Stardust … Continue reading
Shown Above Are 2 of the 9 Models That Esval Has Now Released of Undiscovered Classics Cars
Hi Gang… We’re excited to share great news – The “Undiscovered Classics Collection” of 1:43 scale models has now been released by Esval Models. To help promote these scale model cars, we put the talented artistry of Dan Palatnik to … Continue reading
Hi Gang… We continue to add video to our YouTube channel that we believe would interest many of you. Some of our video is historic, some of it is modern and some of it is just plain fun. Currently we … Continue reading
Victress Manufacturing Home Page 1952 – 1961 This section of our website is under construction as of 10/1/2019. We will continue adding details and features over the next few months so check back and see our progress. And….welcome to our … Continue reading
Great Shot of the Custom bodied Austin Healey When Completed in Italy
Hi Gang… Think of all the sports cars being designed and built in postwar Europe. It was a time of building and rebuilding. Coachbuilding companies that started before World War II like Spohn were doing their best to take orders … Continue reading
Classes and Exhibition Schedule Classes In Process Or Development / Possible Future Classes Currently Open Petersen Museum: Strother MacMinn – Sports Cars of the Future (June, 2023 – February 25th, 2024) Petersen Exhibit 2023-2024 – Click Here Worksheet – Click … Continue reading
Hi Gang… It’s significant to look back over time and consider changes we’ve seen in celebrating Undiscovered Classics cars. Recently we shared the increased appearances of handcrafted American sports cars at events across the country including the Amelia Island Concours … Continue reading
2021 Click on the Following Links To Review Each Article Concours d’Elegance Appearances Cigar City Concours d’Elegance 1962 Shark Roadster November 14, 2021 Chattanooga Concours d’Elegance Three Cars: 1962 Shark Roadster 1953 Maverick Sportster 1956 Woodill Wildfire (Woody’s Personal and … Continue reading
Johnny Dark (1954) Starring Tony Curtis, Piper Laurie & Don Taylor 100+ Movie Stills: 1751-1 to 1951-9 … Continue reading
Johnny Dark (1954) Starring Tony Curtis, Piper Laurie & Don Taylor 100+ Movie Stills The official movie stills from Johnny Dark are numbers on most of the photos – from 1751-1 to 1751-55. Within these numbers are letter designations which … Continue reading
Silodrome – Gasoline Culture Magazine Stories on Undiscovered Classics Automobiles On The Web Silodrome: Gasoline Culture Magazine Home Page Articles Project Car: A Rare Kellison J6 Panther V8 Silodrome: July 25th, 2022 American Designed and Built: The Byers SR-100 The … Continue reading
Customer Cars In Restoration With Undiscovered Classics We are currently managing and restoring cars for many of our customers. Here are some of these cars being restored. We’ll be adding additional detail about their restorations soon. 1952 Voodoo Gardner Designer: … Continue reading
Victress Advertisements 1953 This is the earliest ad known for Victress. It is to be co-sponsored by Hellings showing their close relationship at the time. The Victress shown in the rendering below was built by Virgil Rice and appeared in … Continue reading
Hi Gang… A Woodill Wildfire with Buick body modifications? Headlights, taillights and perhaps even more. And we’ve found several of these. How could they exist and what does it mean? Let’s dive into a bit of history with a recent … Continue reading
Note: This is a multi-part story. Click here to view all parts of this story Hi Gang… We’ve been researching this car since 2008, but it took our appearance on Ray Evernham’s Velocity TV show “AmeriCarna” in 2015 for us … Continue reading
2016 Click on the Following Links To Review Each Article Concours d’Elegance Appearances Concepts Beyond Detroit Class (Two Cars) Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance: Official Press Release Two Cars Attending: 1961 Covington Tiburon; 1950 Leo Lyons Custom Mercury March 10-13, 2016: … Continue reading
2012 Click on the Following Links To Review Each Article Concours d’Elegance Appearances Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance August, 2012 1947 Kurtis-Omohundro Comet Kirkland Concours d’Elegance September 9, 2012 1947 Kurtis-Omohundro Comet Salisbury Concours d’Elegance September 8-9, 2012 Salisbury House & … Continue reading
Cars Available For Partnership Some of our cars are chomping at the bit to get restored. If one of these cars interests you, contact us to discuss a possible partnership on ownership and restoration. We take our finished cars to … Continue reading
Recent Quote About Undiscovered Classics: Geoff Hacker and his crew are indeed scholars who embark on perilous adventures to obtain rare artifacts. Literally. I’ve seen them in action. They’re obsessive and not afraid to get dirty digging. And, by making … Continue reading
Undiscovered Classics Research Approach First: We’ve combed thru (and are still working on) reviewing all articles on fiberglass cars in American 1950’s enthusiast magazines such as Hot Rod, Motor Trend, Road and track and other well known titles. Second: We’ve identified thru … Continue reading
People Interviewed As Part of Research This shows (in process) a list of the people we interviewed to learn the details and history of these cars and their companies. This list also includes first-person histories or research written by individuals … Continue reading
Our Story – A Historical Perspective Introduction From concept cars to teardrop streamliners… From vintage race car transporters to lakesters… From race cars to sports cars… From legendary custom cars to even concept dune buggies… Geoff Hacker and his team have … Continue reading
Hi Gang… For the last several years we have done small “tours” of Fiberglass Farms as time allowed and interested folks surfaced. Time and time again we’ve been asked about the origins of this special place, and we’ve shared the … Continue reading
Owner: Jerry Wood – Vista, California Hand-built by Jerry Wood with words of encouragement from Rodney Packwood Highlights:Year: 1953Body Number: 172 (3 digit stamp on latch-plate of door)Doors: Passenger onlyEngine: 331 Chrysler HemiTransmission: GM Muncie 4-speedChassis: Shorty Post frame #PC102013 Special … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I love one-off cars. Big, small, streamlined, not so streamlined….they all represent the realization of a dream and passion whether it be from one dedicated person or a small intrepid team of designers. And when the car hails … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Investigating modern “finds” of Glasspar G2s and Woodill Wildfires means knowing the “lay of the land” for who built what, where, when and why. And magazines aren’t the only clue to some of the lost history of years … Continue reading
What People Are Saying About Undiscovered Classics Featured Quotes We’ve honored to be recognized by established leaders in the field, historians, journalists and more. Here are some of the quotes from across the world about who we are and what … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I’m honored to call Chuck Tatum and his wife Evelyn good friends. I was introduced to them by another good friend – Harold Pace. Too many great folks to get to know out there gang 🙂 Chuck is … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Happy New Year!!! Our first story for 2014….. The quest for more information on Grantham Stardust sports cars continues. This car has always been special to me. It was one of the first cars that Rick D’Louhy and … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Guy Dirkin is leading the effort on challenging us at “Forgotten Fiberglass” to answer the following question: “Why has Forgotten Fiberglass…..been Forgotten?” Most recently, he posted his first salvo in the “comments” area at the bottom of the … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I’m sure that Doc Boyce-Smith, founder of the Boyce-Smith Company which produced the Victress S1 sports car body in ’52 and ’53, felt like Paul Revere when a car using the Victress body set the record for “Fastest … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Ask lots of questions – and come up with more whenever possible. When I was growing up, I must have driven my parents crazy. Learning as much as possible is my passion, and I’ve continued doing this in … Continue reading
Hi Gang… This is our eighth in a series of “spotlights” on sections of a Buyer’s Guide for fiberglass sports cars published by Car Craft in March, 1956. Click on the link below to review all fiberglass cars discussed in … Continue reading
Hi Gang… How did our favorite ‘glass companies get new business? Was it thru articles in magazines? Was it thru brochures? How ‘bout racing events at Bonneville and road courses? And course thru word of mouth – right? So how … Continue reading
————— Note: This is a multi-part story on the advertising, flyers, and brochures put out by Hellings in support of Victress sales. These primarily occurred when Hellings was the exclusive distributor for Victress in ’53 and early to mid ’54. … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Today’s article is a result of a recent magazine find from Ray Wise – owner of Rollie Langston’s ‘50s built Byers SR-100 and avid vintage ‘glass sports car fan. Ray recently came across a stash of cool old … Continue reading
Forgotten Fiberglass Timeline: Table Form Ok guys….this is a “work in progress” but will help establish specific beginning dates and significant events in the postwar history of American Fiberglass Sports Cars. Date Event Reference 1945, Fall End of World War … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I wish I could have had a chance to meet Eric Irwin. I’ve been a fortunate researcher in many ways. I got to know and became friends with Bill Tritt of Glasspar and his family. I visited with … Continue reading
——————————- Note: This is the second of a three-part story on the Dick Foster Victress Special. Click here to review all parts of the story. ——————————- Hi Gang… How did I find the Dick Foster Victress Special and get it home? … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Victress Manufacturing started as a dream by Doc Boyce-Smith and his good friend Hugh Jorgensen who was an Art Center student of Los Angeles, at the time. While Doc was the owner of the company, Jorgensen was the initial … Continue reading
Hi Gang… As we’ve discussed in earlier stories, the Victress S1 body became available to the public in late 1952, and by the summer of 1953, Hellings was the sole distributor for the company, and had completed one of the … Continue reading
Hi Gang… The Grantham Stardust is one of my all-time favorite American Boulevard Cruisers. After the Covington Tiburon, the Stardust was the second fiberglass car I ever acquired – and that was with the help of my new fiberglass friend … Continue reading
Hi Gang… We’re getting “two-for-one” with this article today. At first, I thought it was just a great article about the building of Mike Ricker’s Nash “grilled” Glasspar G2. But then….I read started reading it. Instead, what I found was an … Continue reading
Hi Gang…. As Mark Twain said so many years ago….”Reports of my early demise are greatly exaggerated.” We’ve been busy at Forgotten Fiberglass headquarters down here in Tampa Florida – coming back from a trip where we saved the “Voodoo … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Forgotten Fiberglass is evolving. We’re expanding our authorship to include more articles from folks who have interesting stories to tell – and fascinating background as well. Today I have the pleasure of introducing you to a new friend … Continue reading
Hi Gang… This is quite a story gang – it started nearly 60 years ago with Elwood Cauffman’s dream, it was re-engaged when Elwood contacted fiberglass historian Harold Pace in 1996 and 1997, it extended a bit more when I … Continue reading
Editor’s Note: Rollie Langston….this story’s for you! (maybe Guy Dirkin too and interestingly both are/were Byers SR-100 owners…) ————— Hi Gang… I’ve been holding back on you – but that’s now about to change. I want you to believe in time … Continue reading
Note: This is the second installment of a 2 part series of articles on: Woody’s Woodill Wildfire – By Glenn Brummer Click here to read other parts of the story ——————————– Hi Gang… I’ve wanted to meet Glenn Brummer for … Continue reading
———————– Note: This is a multi-part story on the 1952 Tobin BMW 328 Special. Click here to review all articles in this series. ———————– Hi Gang… A fiberglass bodied sports car – on a BMW 328 prewar chassis? Who could … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Here’s one of my favorite cars of all time – the Grantham Stardust – built and sold by William “Bill” Grantham, and designed by Frank Evans in late 1952 / early 1953. Over the past few years, I’ve … Continue reading
Note: This is the second installment of a 2 part series of articles on John Gunnell and his recent article on “Sport Custom Cars of the Postwar Era.” Here is the link to part 1 of the story: Click Here to … Continue reading
Hi Gang… So little time…..so much to do. Back in 2009, Rick and I were sending out e-mails as a companion to Jon Greuel’s website: http://www.ladawri.com/ These e-mails were a record of stories concerning vintage fiberglass cars as well as … Continue reading
Hi Gang… As you know by now, our big event for this year will be a “Fabulous Fiberglass” Category at the Milwaukee Masterpiece Concours d’Elegance held in August 2011. “Forgotten Fiberglass” cars that are tentatively scheduled to appear include: Geoff … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Rick D’Louhy and I have a special affinity for the history around Eric Irwin and his Lancer Sports Cars. Partly it’s because a Lancer is one of two cars we found that rekindled our friendship in 2006 and … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I know the automotive world is not all fiberglass. However, there are times when some of you…. or some of me…. will want to share something – not related to the fiberglass genre in any way. In this spirit, … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Rumors, Rumors, Rumors… That’s what I’ve heard for years about a turbine jet powered Woodill Wildfire. But if it existed, where was the car? Wouldn’t someone know of such an out of the ordinary build? After all, I’ve already … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I have exciting news to share! Just on the heels of 2010 where cars of the “Forgotten Fiberglass” class debuted at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance and “Fantasies in Fiberglass” was a 6 month display at the Petersen … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Recently, Fiberglass Friend Tom Householder sent me a link to a website known as “IMCDB.org”. Haven’t heard of it??? Well… it stands for “Internet Movie Car Database” and it’s a great website to identify every car in every movie ever … Continue reading
Hi Gang… A fair number of Sports Specials have been surfacing in the past few years in need of restoration or completion. We’ve had great fortune that these cars survived in any way, shape, or form, so we welcome each and every one – … Continue reading
Hi Gang.. Sorting out history. Sometimes it looks like the game of 52 card pick-up. You gather everything from everywhere and see what you’ve got. Which stories are true? Which ones are false? Which ones are interesting? Which ones make … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Rick and I have scoured the country looking for vintage fiberglass history and stories. During this journey, we’ve met and befriended many people, but I knew I met my match when I met Steve Cowdin of Colorado. What … Continue reading
Hi Gang… So the interior is restored, the body is painted, the engine is rebuilt, and what little chrome might be on your vintage fiberglass special is replated, repainted, or renewed. Wha ‘cha gonna to do about your wheels? Isn’t … Continue reading
Hi Gang… You’ll see in books and you’ll read on our website, time and time again….something like this: “The first 4 fiberglass production cars were introduced to the American public during the Petersen Motorama at the Pan Pacific Auditorium in November, … Continue reading
Cars – Home Glasspar – Home History Brochures & Advertising Models Available Bibliography Showcase Discussion Group Miscellaneous Contact / Registry Other Glasspar Production The Woodill Wildfire – As the Glasspar G2 took off, Robert “Woody” Woodill, a very … Continue reading
Cars – Home Glasspar – Home History Brochures & Advertising Models Available Bibliography Showcase Discussion Group Miscellaneous Contact / Registry The first person to attempt to compile Glasspar G2 articles, brochures, advertising, and other information was Jean Poirier in … Continue reading
Glasspar – Home Newsletters Newsletter 1 Newsletter 2 Newsletter 3 Newsletter 4 Newsletter 5 Newsletter 6 Newsletter 7 Newsletter No. 6 May 25, 2005 Dear Glasspar G-2 Club Members I sent out quite a list of potential Glasspar … Continue reading
The Jack Farr Collection Undiscovered Classics Cars on Display Located at DriveXotic: Cresson, Texas Handcrafted American Specials Restored (4 Cars) Click Here In Restoration (5 Cars) Click Here Being Built From Scratch (3 Cars) Click Here Hot Rods and Customs … Continue reading
Main Menu Forgotten Fiberglass Click Here Sport Customs Click Here Streamlined Dreams Click Here Links To Explore Welcome To Undiscovered Classics Click Here View Our Undiscovered Classics Portfolio Click Here Learn More About Undiscovered Classics Classic Motorsports: January, 2022 Click … Continue reading
Jack Farr Collection Restored Handcrafted Cars 1953 Woodill Wildfire (1 of 2) Featured in the 1954 Film “Johnny Dark” Starring Tony Curtis Click Here 1955 Siebler Special (1 of 2) First of Two Cars Built By Dick Siebler Click Here … Continue reading
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Undiscovered Classics Historical Archives In-depth archives on Dan Post, Strother MacMinn, Bob Gurr, Sports Car Design (Road & Track), historic books and other materials related to Undiscovered Classics. Also includes an extensive library of vintage articles focused on Undiscovered Classic … Continue reading
Stude Sportster: Pretty Enough To Be A Movie Star Virgil Rice’s Johnny Dark Victress Special Car Craft: February, 1954 … Continue reading
Victress In The Press And On The Field 1953 – 2005 Vintage Articles, On The Web, In Print, Podcasts, Videos and Events/Concours Attended In Print: Oldest Articles at Bottom of Page 2000 Keith Kaucher’s Kit Concepts (Victress C3 Coupe) Kit … Continue reading
Showcase Production Fiberglass Sports Cars Restored 1958 LeMans Coupe The Most Exciting Sports Car Design of its Era Designed by Strother MacMinn Owners: Dennis and Karen Kazmerowski, Califon, New Jersey Click Here 1952 Victress S1A The Lost Motor Trend Victress … Continue reading
Geoffrey Hacker, Ph.D. Founder of Undiscovered Classics / Forgotten Fiberglass Background Geoff Hacker has pursued rare and unusual cars since his teen years when he discovered an exotic, fiberglass-bodied, two-seater concept car in Clearwater, Florida – a car that he … Continue reading
2020 Click on the Following Links To Review Each Article Concours d’Elegance Appearances Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance 1952 Voodoo Gardner March 8, 2020 Museum, Event and Exhibition Appearances On The Web Johnny Dark Woodill Wildfire To Debut at 2021 … Continue reading
Books By Undiscovered Classics We’ve created books of some of our more special cars that we can share with you. You can view the online version of each book at no cost. Printed copies of books are available for cost … Continue reading
2017 Click on the Following Links To Review Each Article Concours d’Elegance Appearances Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance 1956 Bangert Manta Ray March 9-11, 2017: Amelia Island, Florida Museum, Event and Exhibition Appearances DuPont Registry Show June, 2017 Exhibited: 1956 Bangert … Continue reading