Hi Gang… We think about Bill Devin offering the greatest amount of bodies for any fiberglass sports car manufacturer of its era. They offered 27 different body sizes for various chassis, engine, and drivetrain combinations. That’s quite a bit – isn’t … Continue reading
————– Note: This is the third in a series of articles here at Forgotten Fiberglass that showcase a story called “The Glassmakers 1960” published in Sportscar Graphic in May-June 1960. In this 1960 article, Almquist, Devin, Kellison, LaDawri, and Victress were showcased. We have … Continue reading
Sculpturing A Special 1957 LaDawri Conquest Road & Track: July, 1957 … Continue reading
Hi Gang… We’re still working on gathering the story of this Victress S5 VW Special to share with everyone here at Undiscovered Classics, but I thought we would start out with a bit of history on the car and the … Continue reading
Hi Gang… One of our good friends in Europe, Hans van Ingen Schenau, has decided to sell his LaDawri Daytona race car and I thought I would share the history of this beautifully restored car with you. This may be … Continue reading
Hi Gang… It’s great to see restoration plans being put in place for another LaDawri Conquest – this one owned by Mike and Bobbie Machado of Gardnerville, Nevada. Recently, Mike bought the LaDawri from good friend James Long of California, … Continue reading
1958 – 1959 LaDawri Conquest: Supplementary Information John Gulow Archives … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Undiscovered Classics is not an individual effort. It’s a collaborative, team effort that started before we got involved as folks like Fred Roth, Jean Poirier, Frank Cornell, Bill Hoover, John Gulow, Jon Greuel and others gathered information and … Continue reading
1961 LaDawri – Victress Assembly Manual John Gulow Archives Click Here To Learn More About The History of This Assembly Manual Scroll down this page to view / download this assembly manual Click Here To Read The 1961 LaDawri – … Continue reading
1957 – 1959 LaDawri Coachcraft Conquest Assembly Sheets John Gulow Archives … Continue reading
Instruction and Assembly Manuals Click on the Links Below To Explore Each Assembly Manual 1961 LaDawri – Victress Assembly Manual John Gulow Archives 1958 – 1959 LaDawri Conquest: Supplementary Information John Gulow Archives 1957 – 1959 LaDawri Coachcraft – Conquest … Continue reading
My History of LaDawri Coachcraft in Retrospect “A Message In A Bottle”: April, 2020 The last time I took a look at my LaDawri history has been quite a few years ago now…in fact nearly 20 years ago and a … Continue reading
A Short History of LaDawri Coachcraft Update: May, 1996 It has been almost 14 years since I last edited this Short History. During these years, there has remained a low-key interest in LaDawri as evidenced by the occasional evening phone … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Most people don’t know that LaDawri Coachcraft sold a body who’s design was inspired by the Lotus 11 sports/race car. Les Dawes called it the “Firestar Mark II” – a very catchy name and evoked the space age … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Great news! The folks at Reincarnation Magazine did a superb job and featured some great photos and an excellent article on Steve Miller’s 1960 LaDawri Sebring. The story and photos are by Joe Greeves and the finished product … Continue reading
LaDawri Models Offered Models Offered Conquest: Year launched, wheelbase, track QT Quest Daytona Sebring Del Mar LaDawri Acquired Victress Manufacturing in 1961 And Added The Following Models Castilian Coupe (Victress C3 Coupe) Sicilian Coupe (Victress C2 Coupe) Cavalier (Victress S4) … Continue reading
Modern LaDawri Articles: 2006 – Present In Print Palo Alto Concours d’Elegance Program Article June 22nd, 2008 Amelia Island Fawns Over Fancy Fiberglass Kit Car Magazine: September, 2007 LaDawri Conquest A Fiberglass Sports Car Returns to Maker’s Family San Francisco … Continue reading
Vintage LaDawri Articles: 1956 – 2005 In Print A Short History of LaDawri Coachcraft John Gulow: 1986 One Man’s Pursuit of the LaDawri Vancouver Sun: August 12, 1980 More Coming Soon… … Continue reading
LaDawri Poster 1963 … Continue reading
LaDawri Advertisements More Coming Soon… Click Here To Return to LaDawri Home Page … Continue reading
LaDawri Brochures Brochure 1 1957 Brochure 2 1957 Brochure 3 1961 Brochure 4 1963 LaDawri Poster 1963 Click Here To Return to LaDawri Home Page … Continue reading
LaDawri Coachcraft 1956-1965 Home Page LaDawri Coachcraft History The LaDawri Conquest was designed and built by Les A. Dawes of British Columbia, Canada and is recognized as Canada’s first fiberglass sports car. The Conquest was first shown at the Pacific … Continue reading
A Short History of LaDawri Coachcraft May, 1986 The history provided here is a summary of the work completed in the 1980’s and 1990’s by John Gulow, LaDawri Historian Emeritus. We have continued to build on John’s work and have … Continue reading
One Man’s Pursuit of the LaDawri Vancouver Sun: August 12, 1980 “One Man’s Pursuit of the La Dawri” “The Vancouver Sun”, Tuesday, August 12, 1980 “Motoring” column of the “Outdoors” section Written by: Phil Hanson A couple of years ago … Continue reading
LaDawri.com (Jon Greuel and John Gulow) Vintage Kit Cars Need A Home on the Internet Too Hemmings Motor News: May, 2007 … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Le’ts go Ladawri! Conquest, that is… Here’s a great article about a car I’d love to find. But Rick and I are finding too many out there gang. Who wants to find this one? – it’s a beauty! … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Today’s story is brought to us by good friend Chris Wolfe of Denver, Colorado. Chris forwarded several magazine articles I’ve not seen before and it’s from his generosity that we owe our first story of his today. Thank … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Today is the latest installment of our series of stories on our quest to put all the ‘glass catalogs of the 50s and 60s online for everyone to enjoy. Les and Joan Dawes started their company in Canada … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Well…I’ve been looking for this car for 10 years and the trailer keeps getting colder and colder. Back in 1954, Merrill Powell of Victess Manufacturing penned a beautiful design for a 94 inch wheelbase coupe and called it … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Behind every unrestored fiberglass car lurks stories and possibilities – as creative and powerful as the mind can conceive. You just have to have the courage to see what was and what can be again – and what … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Recently, we had the honor of presenting our 1957 LaDawri Conquest at the 2012 Amelia Island Concours d’ Elegance. Click here to review the recent story about our experience with our car at the event. But Amelia is … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Recently, we had the honor of presenting our 1957 LaDawri Conquest at the 2012 Amelia Island Concours d’ Elegance. Click here to review the recent story about our experience with our car at the Concours. It participated as … Continue reading
Hi Gang… As I mentioned recently gang….we’ve not been idle here at Forgotten Fiberglass, of late. In fact, today marks the next release of logos for each of the car marques within our vintage ‘glass entourage. And today I’m pleased … Continue reading
Hi Gang… It’s 1957 and you’ve just turned 24 years old. What do you want to do? Why not start a car company! That’s exactly what Les Dawes of Canada did, along with the support and participation with his new … Continue reading
Hi Gang… How many times do you get to talk to the original builder of one of our early specials? Not very often, but with Jon Greuel’s help, I was able to locate Curtis Hillman and learn more about the … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Wow! Full pages ads for fiberglass sports cars? Simply amazing. By 1960, the second generation of fiberglass sports cars you could build yourself was beginning to take force in the industry. Glasspar, Woodill, Allied, Venus, Grantham Stardust….these were … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Building a fiberglass sports car early in one’s life usually has long-term implications. That’s what happened to Keith Kaucher when he first came across a LaDawri Castillian in shop class in the late 1970’s, and ultimately resulted in … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Happy New Year! Let’s talk LaDawri ! And why not? After all, finding the Dawes family in 2006 was what set Rick D’Louhy and me on the path of researching the early history of fiberglass cars. And… we hope … Continue reading
Hi Gang… How many automobile designs do you know are patented / copyrighted? Well….if you know at least “one” then you can add a few more to your list – some of our wonderful fiberglass cars of the 1950’s. Research … Continue reading
Fiberglass Facts – Home LaDawri – Home History Brochures and Advertising Models Available Articles Registry Members Showcase Miscellaneous Contact Information … Continue reading
Showcase Production Fiberglass Sports Cars Coming Soon 1954 Debonnaire America’s Boulevard Sports Car Designed by Phillip Egan – From The 1948 Tucker Design Team Owners: Paul Sable, Ph.D., Jim Thorpe Pennsylvania Click Here 1957 LaDawri Conquest Canada’s First Fiberglass Sports … Continue reading
Hi Gang… With each passing year we’re getting better organized and more focused here at Undiscovered Classics. As restorations wind down we always have given thought to what cars should come up next. But it’s been a wild ride these … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Dan Strohl of Hemmings Motor News posted an article this weekend on one of our favorite people – Dan Palatnik (you can scroll down in this story and follow the link to read the story in Hemmings about … Continue reading
Undiscovered Classic Cars at Major Concours 2007 to Present 2020 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance 1952 Voodoo Gardner Showing With Owners Brian And Sue Ford 2019 Gasparilla Concours d’Elegance Two Cars: 1937 Custom Cord Phaeton 1954 Frazer Custom Cigar City Concours … Continue reading
Undiscovered Classic Classes at Major Concours 2007 to Present Concours Attended 2020 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance Amelia Island, Florida Class: 1949-1952 Sports Cars 1952 Voodoo Gardner March 8, 2020 2019 Cigar City Concours d’Elegance Tampa, Florida Class: Special Display Two … 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
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
Undiscovered Classics: Personality Profiles These are Personality Profiles of some of the Undiscovered Classics Team – participants, contributors and more. This list continues to grow so check back for additions. We’re happy to have a large and expanding “tent” that … Continue reading
Undiscovered Classics & Forgotten Fiberglass Review The History Of Our Site And Organization The Beginning “Undiscovered Classics” began as “Forgotten Fiberglass” with the acquisition of my 1961 Covington Tiburon Coupe. In the spring of 2006, my friend John Bowen called … Continue reading
Concours d’Elegance Classes Created Overview While we’ve participated in many concours events, (click here to view the highlights of some of these events) we’ve also had the honor of working with concours founders, creators, administrators and staff to create some … 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
Hi Gang… The day before the Amelia Concours is my favorite – mostly. Rick D’Louhy and I we tend to run to the last minute, which makes it an exciting day, but one that I feel I need to “prep” … 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
It is interesting to note that there probably aren’t two identical Wildfires in existence today, simply because each builder customized his car the way he wanted to. Therefore, you’ll find Buick Wildfires, Chevrolet Wildfires, Ford Wildfires, and a host of … Continue reading
Hi Gang… When Rick D’Louhy and I started down the path of researching and celebrating the rich and detailed history of vintage fiberglass sports cars in America our first and most enthusiastic supporter was Bill Warner of the Amelia Island … 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… What a year 2013 is turning out to be: * First, in March, 2013 we debuted our 1962 Shark Roadster at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. Click here to review the story on the road to Amelia. * … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Come one, Come all….The Forgotten Fiberglass Gang is heading north in May, 2013 to participate in the Carlisle Import & Kit Nationals. Good friend Marvin McFalls, President of the Renault Owner’s Club of North America, put us in … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Blame the title of this story on good friend Jon Greuel – founder of LaDawri.com and LaDawri Coachcraft celebrateur. He’s returning from nearly a year overseas in the military and wrote in: “Geoff….any ‘glass on the grass’ that … Continue reading
Hi Gang… This is our eleventh and final 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 … Continue reading
————– Note: This is the fifth and final article in a series of articles here at Forgotten Fiberglass that showcase a story called “The Glassmakers 1960” published in Sportscar Graphic in May-June 1960. In this 1960 article, Almquist, Devin, Kellison, LaDawri, and Victress were … Continue reading
————– Note: This is the fourth in a series of articles here at Forgotten Fiberglass that showcase a story called “The Glassmakers 1960” published in Sportscar Graphic in May-June 1960. In this 1960 article, Almquist, Devin, Kellison, LaDawri, and Victress were showcased. We have … Continue reading
————– Note: This is the second in a series of articles here at Forgotten Fiberglass that showcase a story called “The Glassmakers 1960” published in Sportscar Graphic in May-June 1960. In this 1960 article, Almquist, Devin, Kellison, LaDawri, and Victress were showcased. We have … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I love the “overview” articles sprinkled throughout the automobile enthusiast magazines in the ‘50s. They give us a good view of the industry at a point in time – as seen thru the authors of the era. For … Continue reading
Hi Gang… When publishing companies like Motor Trend, Fawcett, and others had too much good information to share that wouldn’t fit in their magazine, they often produced specialized books that focused on a singular topic, and in 1956 Motor Trend … Continue reading
————– Note: This is the first in a series of articles here at Forgotten Fiberglass that showcase a story called “The Glassmakers 1960” published in Sportscar Graphic in May-June 1960. In this article, Almquist, Devin, Kellison, LaDawri, and Victress were … Continue reading
Hi Gang… What a long article this is – but worth the read in every way 🙂 I’ve been putting off sharing this article with you not because it wasn’t important – it is. The article was printed just after a … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Back in late 2008, I heard from car aficionado Kit Foster concerning a car that had just turned up in a Toledo auto show. It had a Fiat 600 drive train and the word “Zar” on the trunk. … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Recently I was honored to get a call from Todd Ruel who runs a great website called “Gone Autos.” In the course of several conversations, Todd explained that he has been building a website dedicated to some of … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Let no one say that vintage fiberglass is long gone and forgotten. Actually….I can’t think of a more exciting category of cars that is rising in fame, interest, respect, and celebration as quickly as our glass beauties. “Let no … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Rick D’Louhy and I are trying to paint a picture – a fiberglass picture – of the 1950’s. To do so we’re assembling all known articles big and small. And…. laying on top of the articles is the … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Ok…the thumbnail picture of Hemmings Motor News Magazine with a 1954 Venus on it hasn’t happened yet. But we’re getting closer 🙂 Rick D’Louhy and I have taken our message of fiberglass sports cars to all parts of … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I love turning over the reins of more and more stories to talented researchers, builders, historians, and now…up and coming enthusiasts – like Kerry Griffin. I first met Kerry on my trip back from California with belly tank … Continue reading
Hi Gang… As I’ve mentioned to you before, I’m tracking down the programs for all major car shows of the early 1950’s. Why, you might ask? I’m glad to answer. I’m in search of all the relevant articles and photos of … Continue reading
Hi Gang… The golden age of building your own fiberglass bodied sports car was 1951-1956. This is what Rick D’Louhy and I call the “First Generation” of fiberglass sports cars because designing and building your own car from scratch was being … Continue reading
Hi Gang… This is our second 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… 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… When do you celebrate a birthday? How ‘bout now! I’m actually about 2 months late…..our website “Forgotten Fiberglass” was a year old as of November 16th, 2010. And this anniversary is just an arbitrary point in time. Jon … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Where O where is Jim Webb of Berkeley? I’ve been searching for him and his family for many years now, and I’ve found everything but Jim. Thanks to Hugh Nutting who was a friend of his, we have … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Rick D’Louhy and I continue our search thru all automotive magazines of the 1950’s to identify not only relevant articles on fiberglass cars, but every scrap of related material including advertisements and classified ads. “We’ll leave no fiberglass … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Harold Pace, noted author and fiberglass sports car historian (click here for Harold’s biography) and I were talking up a storm a few nights ago about the usual subject – fiberglass sports and kit cars of the 1950’s … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Each one of us steps up to the plate, from time to time, and helps cement both the history and relevance of vintage fiberglass sports cars to the automotive community. That’s exactly what Mark Brinker did several years … 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… Let’s review some of the greatest (recent) mysteries of vintage fiberglass sports cars: Who wrote the article showing a Glasspar G2 body being pushed off a cliff and…. Where/when did it appear in print? Who designed and built … Continue reading
Welcome To Undiscovered Classics Click Here To View All “Before / After” Photos on One Page Scroll Down To See Link To Cars For Sale And Other Information “We Find, Research, Restore, Show and Sell America’s Lost … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Alan and Jen Mortlock have one cool Glasspar G2 Special – and it’s almost out of restoration and ready to debut. Alan recently sent me some pictures of it so what better way to celebrate his work than … Continue reading
FIBERGLASS AND ALUMINUM PARTS As more people embrace forgotten fiberglass cars of the 1950’s, demand has increased for quality replacement parts that meet standards for restoration and concours level events. We are pleased to offer the following reproduction parts for the … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I’m back – and with more energy than ever…. What an amazing first three months of 2010 for vintage fiberglass cars. Just keeping up with the fiberglass events across the nation was hard enough for me. The “Fantasies in … Continue reading
Fiberglass Facts – Home LaDawri – Home History Brochures and Advertising Models Available Articles Registry Members Showcase Miscellaneous Contact Information LaDawri Historian Emeritus: John Edw. Gulow Click here for more information … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Getting the website up and running is exciting….but a challenge. I’ve had great help from Shannon Smith, the programmer and web designer extraordinaire, but it’s a new program to me and will take time to learn. But…I think … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Welcome to the new “Forgotten Fiberglass” Website. I’m very excited to move to this new format for several reasons…. It is a place where we can feature stories of vintage fiberglass cars and discuss them too – with … Continue reading
Valuation: American Specials Auction Results Here at Undiscovered Classics we keep a keen eye on auctions as they relate to postwar handcrafted specials, and the news in the past few years has been increasingly positive. What’s impressive is the consistently … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Here at Undiscovered Classics we keep a keen eye on auctions as they relate to postwar handcrafted specials, and the news in the past few years has been increasingly positive. Sometimes we see one car pass through an auction … Continue reading
Hi Gang… We are honored to participate this year in the “Import & Kit Nationals” hosted by Carlisle Events – less than one month away from today. First, let’s review what they have to say on their website announcing the … Continue reading
Hi Gang… We’ve established in previous stories what happened to Victress and Byers in the ‘60s: Victress sold their company…lock, stock, and barrel….to Les and Joan Dawes of La Dawri Coachcraft in 1961 Byers bodies first appeared in Kellison sales … Continue reading
Jack Farr Collection Cars in Restoration 1957 Galileo Special 1957 LaDawri Conquest 1953 Victress S1A 1953 Glasspar G2 1980 “Total Recall” Movie Car … Continue reading
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
Be Unique Why Buy An Undiscovered Classics Car? It’s All About The Dream 5 components: Who built it and how Who designed it These cars epitomized later American sports car design Achievements in design/styling at Motoramas across America … 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
2023 Click on the Following Links To Review Each Article Concours d’Elegance Appearances Gasparilla Concours d’Elegance Class of Cars: Handcrafted Cars Featured Undiscovered Classics Cars: To be chosen in early 2023 Tampa, Florida December, 2023 Hilton Head Concours d’Elegance Featured … Continue reading
Note: This is a multi-part story. Click here to view all parts of this story Hi Gang… When we acquired the 1955 Californian Sports Car (now confirmed as the “LeGene”) we were at the very beginning of our research and … Continue reading
Cars For Sale Click Here To View All “Before / After” Photos on One Page Scroll Down To See Link To Cars For Sale And Other Information “We Find, Research, Restore, Show and Sell America’s Lost Automotive Treasures“ … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Just 3 photos – that’s all we get. But what tantalizing clues there are to perhaps finding this car – and maybe it survives today. I know our friend Gordon Maltby of the Porsche 356 Registry would be … Continue reading
Hi Gang… In the last two years, several of our Undiscovered Classics aficionados have begun restoration of the Victress C3 coupes – and that’s great news. We have Rodney Packwood in California restoring his Packwood Special, John Steggles in Canada … 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
Hi Gang… There are a great many stories of lost cars and lost history out there – waiting for someone to begin the research where finding the family and/or car would be rewarding and worthwhile to all. Today’s story on … Continue reading
Raiders of the Lost Cars The Greatest American Car Story NEVER Told What People Are Saying… “In attempting to capture the significance and passion inherent in Undiscovered Classics, I can’t seem to shake the graphic allusion to Indiana Jones and … Continue reading
Hi Gang… One of our Undiscovered Classics aficionados alerted me to this article about “Sports Specials” that was published in the winter of 1983 – that’s 37 years ago folks. I had just turned 21 years old, and I already … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I’ve always considered the pinnacle of the car hobby to be designing and building your own car – for those with the talent and skills to do so. Think about the passion one must have to consider all … 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
Hi Gang… Did you know that here at Undiscovered Classics we also find, research, restore, show and sell one-off and limited production RV’s? Actually, we didn’t know that either until one day I took stock when I went to our workshop … Continue reading
The Survivor Steve Miller’s 1960 LaDawri Sebring Reincarnation Magazine: October, 2019 Click here to view magazine article and entire magazine online … Continue reading
Undiscovered Classics Modern Archives Undiscovered Classics featured in Hemmings, Old Cars Weekly, Autoweek and more. Also includes stories authored by or about Undiscovered Classics and Undiscovered Classic cars, and Undiscovered Classics at concours, in museums & exhibitions, on the web, … Continue reading
Coupes de Grace Victress and LaDawri Coupes Kit Car Magazine: March, 2008 … Continue reading
Victress in the Press and on the Field 2006 – Present Vintage Articles, On The Web, In Print, Podcasts, Videos and Events/Concours Attended On The Web First Victress S1A To Hit The Market In A Decade Bids To $150,000 in … Continue reading
LaDawri Appearances At Major Events Events Attended Milwaukee Masterpiece Concours d’Elegance 1960 LaDawri Daytona: Owners Jim and Margaret Walker August, 2013 Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance American Fiberglass Specials of the 50s 1960 LaDawri Daytona: Owners Jim and Margaret Walker … Continue reading
1956 Car Marques That Started in 1956 LaDawri Coachcraft One Off Cars … Continue reading
George Barris: Work With Undiscovered Classics Custom Car Builder and Designer We’ve worked or met with George and/or his family Brett and Joji on several occasions, projects and/or exhibits as outlined below. Latest information appears at the top of this … Continue reading
Jon Greuel Historian Emeritus For LaDawri Coachcraft LaDawri.com (Jon Greuel and John Gulow) Vintage Kit Cars Need a Home on the Internet Too Hemmings Motor News: May, 2007 Jon Greuel’s LaDawri Conquest In Restoration Once Complete, It Will Be One … Continue reading
Generation 2: 1956-1969 Generation 2 fiberglass sports cars were characterized by… Bocar Devin Sports Cars Kellison LaDawri Coachcraft The Cavalier Was Launched in Vancouver, Canada in 1956 The Name Changed to Conquest and it was Launched in the USA in … Continue reading
A Tribute To Rick D’Louhy Forgotten Fiberglass Raconteur, Car Show Creator, Historian, Best Friend And More In The Beginning Who doesn’t like a car adventure – and boy have I had one over the last 40 or so years. But … Continue reading
Business Cards – Collect ’em All We’ve always viewed cars as “art” and have taken this theme to our business cards from the start. These cards are also a subtle way of creating interest in rare “Undiscovered Classics” and “Forgotten … Continue reading
2019 Click on the Following Links To Review Each Article Concours d’Elegance Appearances Cigar City Concours d’Elegance Two Cars: 1952 Glasspar G2 1949 Panache Sport Custom November 9-10, 2019 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance 1953 Allied Swallow August 18, 2019 Concours … 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
2008 Click on the Following Links To Review Each Article Concours d’Elegance Appearances Barrington Concours d’Elegance 1956 Byers SR-100: Owner Guy Dirkin Arlington Heights, Illinois October 5, 2008 Meadowbrook Concours d’Elegance 1952 Maverick Sportster: Owner Fred Roth Rochester, Michigan August … Continue reading
2007 Click on the Following Links To Review Each Article Concours d’Elegance Appearances Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance 1957 LaDawri Conquest March 9-11, 2007 Museum, Event and Exhibition Appearances On The Web LaDawri Conquest A Fiberglass Sports Car Returns to … Continue reading
Dave Perry Old School Restorations Born in ’42, I got my first fiberglass ‘itch ‘in 1956 when I began building my second street rod, the 47 Chevy Fastback that I got after my dad bought a new Mercury Montclair. Early, … 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… It’s been an adventure trying to get all the stories of “building your own car in the ‘50s” nailed down so many years later. And this story about the Sierra Sportcar Frame has been one of the toughest … Continue reading
Hi Gang… A long time ago in a far, far away place I saved my first fiberglass vehicle – a 1962 Shark Roadster. It was a memorable experience and had a lifelong impact on my interest in cars. Click here … Continue reading
Hi Gang… As we continue to dig into the magazines of the 1950s and 1960s searching for cars, stories, and information about the era where anything seemed possible, we find photos and articles that show no end to the creativity and … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Anything was possible in the 1950s concerning car design. It was early in 1958 when 17 year old Jim Webb showed his completed design – a custom sports car that debuted at the Oakland Roadster show, and won a top … Continue reading
Opening Statement From Road & Track Magazine: Virgil Exner, Jr., has an understandable interest in automotive styling. But the fins-with-a-purpose that dominate his car could be misinterpreted as slavish duplication of those on his father’s ’57 Chryslers. This they are … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I was quite surprised to find this article. It was sent in by good friend Richard “Dick” Lewis who built and still owns his original Allied Swallow Coupe – more about that in a future article here at … Continue reading
Hi Gang… We need more cars restored and on the road to tell the tale of building your own sports car in the 1950’s – and thanks to the efforts of Bob O’Meara and his terrific crew we have another … Continue reading
Hi Gang… One of the challenges we have here at Forgotten Fiberglass has to do with the very reason that the cars we study are so special – their rarity. And because of this, the number of cars under restoration … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Back in early 1953, Woody Woodill sent a Wildfire to France for the Paris Auto Show. Interesting, one showed up recently at the Retromobile auto show this year in France – but it’s not the same car – … Continue reading
LISTEN TO: THE GREATEST AMERICAN CAR STORY NEVER TOLD Hi Gang… Recently I was honored to get a call from Todd Ruel who runs a great website called “Gone Autos.” In the course of several conversations, Todd explained that he … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I wish I could have been there – the last Petersen Motorama of the 1950s. The actual name was “The 6th Annual International Motor Review” but that was the name change forced on Petersen in 1954 by an … Continue reading
Hi Gang… In February, 1957 John Bond of Road & Track Magazine thought highly enough about Jim Byers design that he heralded it as “The World’s Most Beautiful Sports Car.” You can see from the photos of Geordie Prodis’ car … Continue reading
Hi Gang… For those of you who have been a part of LaDawri.com and Forgotten Fiberglass these past many years you have witnessed an evolution. We started our focus on just one marque with Jon Greuel’s website on LaDawri sports … Continue reading
Hi Gang… We’ve not been idle here at Forgotten Fiberglass, of late. In fact, today marks the next release of logos for each of the car marques within our vintage ‘glass entourage. And on this day, I’m pleased to release the … 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… Missing pieces of history….thought lost to time….uncovered by auto archeologists near and far. We live for this “stuff” here at Forgotten Fiberglass – and today’s story is the result of one such adventure – Joel Driskill’s Excellent Adventure 🙂 … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Let’s talk Victress Dragsters! Recently, we discussed the Victress Dragster which became a reality in ’55-’56. Bill Quirk and Bill Powell of Victress Manufacturing put forth innovation, hard-work, and determination to make this concept a reality for themselves … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Sports Cars Illustrated published annual “Directories” from 1958 thru 1961. In the summer of 1961, they changed their name to “Car and Driver” and ceased publication of annual directories from that point forward. But the “Directories” spanning 4 … Continue reading
Hi Gang… The guys at Victress were always thinking, and in this case they were changing their approach to marketing once again. Here in ’56 they released yet another new design for their company – a foldout brochure. For the … Continue reading
Hi Gang… From 1960 thru the year 2000, the story of Jim Byers and his sports cars – the SR-100 and CR-90 – was left virtually untold. Along the way Harold Pace and John Furlow came on the scene, and recognition … Continue reading
Hi Gang… We’ve seen electric powered cars in the ‘50s use some of the fiberglass bodies as the “finish” to their car. When I think “electric”, the LaSaetta comes to mind. The Banning Electric car used a Glasspar G2 body, … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Do any of you watch “History Detectives” out there? This is a PBS TV program which focuses on discovering the true history and provenance of items brought forth to their show each week. It’s like a cross between … 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… Back in May 2011 (was it that long ago?) Daniel Strohl of Hemmings Motor News featured a great story on Steve Steers Victress S1A special in “Hemmings Muscle Machines“. The story was called “The 58th Variety” and Dan has … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Allow me to introduce you to one of my favorite named cars – the ’59 Shamrock. This was part of the “second generation fiberglass sports cars” emerging with such other legendary fiberglass marques in the late ‘50s as … Continue reading
Hi Gang… We’ve not been idle here at Forgotten Fiberglass, of late. In fact, today marks the first release of logos for each of the car marques within our vintage ‘glass entourage. And on this day, I’m pleased to release … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Thanks to the courage of Geordie Prodis, Byers SR100 owner, and the confidence he bestowed upon me in completing firewall badges for vintage fiberglass cars of the 1950’s, we now have badges for many of the cars that … Continue reading
PRODUCTION NUMBERS For the aforementioned reasons concerning the time and effort it took to complete a sports car, more – or less – of these cars were built than one might have imagined. When looking at production numbers from the … Continue reading
THE FORGOTTEN FIBERGLASS FAMILY— OUR CONTRIBUTORS — “We’re Honored To Have So Many Passionate Contributors to the Cause – People We Consider to be Part of the Forgotten Fiberglass Family” The Forgotten Fiberglass Family: Forgotten Fiberglass is much larger than … Continue reading
Hi Gang… How many Victress S5’s have you seen? Ok….let’s back up….what is a Victress S5? It’s a petite version of the famous Victress S1, but rather than the 100 inch wheelbase that was unique to the S1, the Victress … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I first wrote about Jerry Sutton’s Victress C3 coupe back in January of this year. I had located a short article that appeared in the July 1960 edition of Hot Rod, and Jerry’s ride (Victress C3) looked to … 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
Hi Gang… Who was the first author to critically review and research American postwar automobile manufacturers down to the tiniest detail? That might seem like an unusual question, but that’s what Rick D’Louhy and I started to ask early on … 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
Note: 3/28/2011 I’ve just published another story on Jerry Sutton and his Victress C3. Click here to review the story on Jerry Sutton’s Victress C3 Coupe. —————————————- Hi Gang… I love magazines that featured our favorite fiberglass sports cars – … 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… “Treat yourself to the terrific pride, prestige and satisfaction of owning and driving a high-spirited, Custom El-Morocco sports car. You will experience a new concept of driving…a new way of life!” That’s the summary shown on the Almquist … 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… Paul Sable has been a strong supporter of vintage fiberglass sports cars over the years – and has become a great friend too. I first met Paul at the Amelia Island Concours d’ Elegance in 2007 when he was … 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
Hi Gang… Short story today – I don’t know much about the following car except what I’ve found below. Recently, Brian Jennings contacted me, and shared the picture I have of this car with me. These are from his uncle, … 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… Just how old are kit cars or sports cars that you can build? The Glasspar G2 is one of the oldest starting in 1951 – right? Not in any way, shape, or form. In fact, it’s off by … 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… Scott Perrot is the friend….. I almost never had. About 2 years ago, I started making trips across the country – both with my research compadre Rick D’Louhy and without him -when my adventures might turn into a … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I first met M.A. Adams in 2006 when Jon Greuel and I became friends and started to work together to expand what was then the LaDawri website (www.ladawri.com). M.A. Adams stepson, Sandy Grant, contacted Jon the year before as … Continue reading
John Gulow LaDawri Coachcraft Historian Emeritus Overview From the late 1970s through the 1990s, John Gulow worked tirelessly in researching and sharing the history of LaDawri Coachcraft. John tracked down his first LaDawri in 1978 and started compiling information in … Continue reading
Hi Gang… The red hood of the Victress glistened in stark contrast to the raw fiberglass…finally exposed from being hidden by years of paint, dirt, grime, and neglect. You could almost hear the distant roar of Guy Dirkin’s “Lost Motor Trend Victress Special” … Continue reading
