Hi Gang… Checkout the article below that appeared in the Chicago Sun-Times talking about the 1954 Chicago Auto Show already in progress at the time in 1954. Here’s some of the highlights of this article Excerpt From Article Below Twelve … 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… You know the cars still out there gang….beautiful sports cars, crazy wild customs and everything in between. We’ve found so many that were thought extinct or gone for decades that I always begin my research with the 100% … Continue reading
Hi Gang… We rounded the corner into 2021 and came out fighting. That is, Rob Hernandez our restorer for the 1966 Cannara came out fighting and has been making great progress since. And that’s good news for all of us … 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
Hi Gang… Today’s story is the first in a series on the 1955 Siebler Special. This car is nearing its finish in restoration and we will be debuting the restored car at the 2022 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. There’s lots … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Recently I’ve been peering deeper into the mysterious and never-ending Petersen Digital Archive. Last time I found a very interesting unknown car from 1956. Click Here To View the Last Mystery Car I Found and the Story About … 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… And we’re off…..so far, 2021 is an interesting year for Undiscovered Classics. We’ve had our biggest year ever at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance with three cars on the field. And…..we have three more concours events to attend … Continue reading
Hi Gang… We last updated you on the restoration of Guy Dirkin’s 1966 Cannara back in July, 2020. In the last 12 months our restoration team led by Rob Hernandez, has made great progress. And that’s a lot to say … Continue reading
Hi Gang… With only about 125 Victress S1A bodies produced back in the day, we don’t often see a new one – a car we haven’t see before – pop up on our radar. This one showed up on Facebook … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Each car we find has a story. Sometimes we’re lucky and have some basic information down when we acquire the car. Other times we’re not so lucky and research begins in earnest. But with the Wellman Special which … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Dennis Kazmerowski loved the lines of the XKC Special when he first saw them around 2017. The car reminded him of a Jaguar XKE and there was a reason why. Dennis ended up buying the Special and luckily … 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
Founding Fathers: Bill Devin, Bruce Meyers and Tony Baumgartner Hi-Performance Cars: Jan-Feb, 1987 … Continue reading
Maverick: 1952 Edition Special Interest Autos: February, 1990 … Continue reading
Glasspar: Fiberglass Revolutionary American Car Collector: May-June, 2019 … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I love seeing progress and today’s story is no different. Charles Le Menestrel of Belgium is a fan of handbuilt American Specials. Today he’s beginning the “build” of his Allied Swallow shown in today’s story with sights on … Continue reading
Showcase 1953 Maverick Sportster – (to be completed) Owners: Tom Chandler and Undiscovered Classics (insert slide deck here) History of This Car “The Maverick Sportster is a Land-Bound Pegasus with airborne power and cloud-like riding quality” (Maverick Sportster brochure, 1953) … Continue reading
Hooray For Hollywood Movie Cars Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance Program: 2017 … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Many years ago when I was out west on one of our car adventures I stopped by and visited with Erich Schultz. At the time, we were testing out a sectioned piece of glass from a 1955 Ford … Continue reading
Hi Gang… One of my favorite concept / show cars from the 50s was the Lincoln Futura. Designed in America and built in Italy, it represents to me an enthusiast leap toward the future with extravagant style – design that … Continue reading
Hi Gang… What’s better than having just one Glasspar G2 to restore? Well if you ask Tony St. Clair it’s having TWO Glasspar G2 sports cars to restore. And in the last few months, Tony has kept us busy here … Continue reading
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
Hi Gang… Back in 1952, Sterling Gladwin set out to build a beautiful boulevard sports car that would make a statement no matter where it appeared – and he met that objective in every way. The Maverick was always fitted … Continue reading
Maverick Grabber Special Interest Autos: July-August, 1971 … Continue reading
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
Big Bangert Theory Kit Car Magazine: July, 1997 … Continue reading
Showcase 1952 Manta Ray Designed and Built By Glenn Hire and Vernon Antoine Owners: Donald and Lori Lacer, Junction City, Kansas — One of America’s First Postwar Show Cars — Best Viewed In Landscape Mode Use On-Screen Arrows To Move … Continue reading
Showcase 1956 Bangert Manta Ray Design by Noel (Marshall) Bangert Owner: Jack Farr, Cresson, Texas — Based on The Styling of the Buick Wildcat II Concept Car — History of This Car Noel Bangert launched his first car to … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Another beautiful Devin sports car is being offered for sale and this one by one of our Undiscovered Classics friends – Brian Miller. Brian has been a Devin enthusiast and a vocal advocate of handcrafted sports cars since … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I’ve been tracking Mike Akens Victress since he bought it in a remote location of Colorado back in 2014. Right from the start, Mike jumped on its restoration and hasn’t looked back. You can check out his first … Continue reading
Steve Steers Victress S1A Hemmings Motor News: February, 2012 … Continue reading
Steve Steers Victress S1A Hill Country Car Culture: Nov – Dec, 2016 … Continue reading
Frank Cornell Archives Woodill Wildfire Historian Emeritus From The Desk of Frank Cornell: December 25, 2019 I’d always been a “car guy”, and mostly into sports cars. I didn’t get interested in fiberglass until the early 70s when I purchased … Continue reading
1953 Mameco-Ardun Glasspar G2 A Fiberglass Flyer Returns Old Cars Weekly: September 1, 2016 … Continue reading
Hi Gang… And we’re off! Today, Dan Palatnik and I are releasing another poster of these cool, handbuilt sports cars that appeared across America in the early postwar years. This is the third in a series of posters that we … Continue reading
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
Hi Gang… I first heard from Joseph Aufenanger back in April of this year – and I was immediately jealous. He had found and purchased a Fiberfab Centurion body. These are one of my favorite bodies of the 1960s and … Continue reading
Hi Gang… The next phase of the Cannara restoration has begun. Rob Hernandez has put his pedal to the fiberglass (so to say) and has had a chance to assess the project and begin the work. This phase of the … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I’ve admired the work that has come from Simpson Design several years before I got the chance to talk with and meet Jim Simpson. Since that day, Jim and I have been fast friends and on several occasions … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I’ve known Jim Scudder since 2013 when he acquired his first Byers SR-100 out in California. But Jim reminded me recently we actually met in 2012 at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance when I was showing my 1947 … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I was honored to call Ed Almquist a friend – and what an amazing life he led. The people he met, the business he built and the automotive times he lived through were some of the most exciting … Continue reading
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
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
Hi Gang… Recently I heard from the owner of a car we sold that was shipped to Asuncion, Paraguay. That’s a new location for me! I wish I could travel the world like some of the cars we shipped over … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Time and time again, Stan Fowler has restored cars, built cars, created cars, raced cars and more. There’s no limit to his talent and I’m honored to call Stan and his wife Ann friends. I first met Stan … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Tom Kubinec and I have known each other for nearly ten years. Our friendship started when he bought his Almquist Sabre out of Morehead, Kentucky via eBay around the end of 2011. He got it home to Syracuse, … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Today I’m honored to share an article by our friend and intrepid “historian-adventurer” Bob Cunningham. Bob has always had an affinity for small cars, lost marques and their history. Today’s article is about a car that both Bob … 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… 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… I love Singer Specials. Strong engine with overhead cam. Custom bodies – usually lightweight fiberglass, and all usually built in the 1952-1955 era. And besides…..Singers are fun and Singers are rare. These cars tick all the boxes for … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Rollie Langston has continued to be an advocate of handcrafted sports cars since he started building his first one at age 14 – and he finished it 3 years later. Now in his 70s, he’s building his second … Continue reading
Hi Gang… In the 1950s most of the designs we study were unique – original designs formed in fiberglass and offered for sale in body or completed car form in low numbers. In the 1960s, as Harold Pace taught me, … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Back on August 8th, 2016, we invited Ray and Esther Cannara to the home of Undiscovered Classics to see Ray’s car – the Cannara I. The last time he had seen it was in 1979 and he had … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I love Renault based American Specials – and most of you know why. My first fiberglass sports car was the 1962 Shark Roadster – a Renault based American sports car that I’ve had nearly 40 years. That car … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Ah…the good ole days when Kyle was an intern with us here at Undiscovered Classics. He started with us back in 2014 and I don’t know which of us have gotten more benefit – or which of us … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Our thoughts and the use of imagery for our Undiscovered Classic cars has evolved over the years, and during this time we’ve walked step by step with our friend Dan Palatnik. Dan and I first started out with … Continue reading
Hi Gang… There’s a beautiful Glasspar G2 sports car for sale right now in Germany – and it’s one that I’ve been tracking for 10+ years. I first learned about this G2 from the Hoover family. Bill Hoover was an … Continue reading
Hi Gang… So many stories….so much opportunity to share with you what’s going on with the rebirth, resurgence and restorations of American Specials across the land. I’ve been tracking this particular Byers for years and the story originally started with … Continue reading
Hi Gang… When I finally share the final story on the Sieber Special, it will end with a statement something like “so we finally found all three Siebler Specials – maybe more.” But the story couldn’t have started out farther … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Recently we introduced you to Guy Dirkin’s latest restoration – his 1966 Cannara sports car. Click Here To Review Stories on the Cannara Restoration started earlier this year with one of our tried and true restorers – Ralph … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Dave Peterson’s telling of the story of his two cars – both built by Leo Snedecker – really underlines the fact of just how “handcrafted” these special-built sports cars were across America. And as you’ll read, Leo didn’t … 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
Hi Gang… Back around 2012 I heard from Kip Fjeld who had found an Almquist body. He was very excited about his “find” and quickly shared plans that he and his friend Dave Lambert would be making a mold from … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I’ll be showing progress soon on the restoration of Paul Sable’s 1955 Debonnaire, so I think it makes sense to share the history of this car and the marque as I did so in September, 2018 for Reincarnation … Continue reading
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
Kjell Qvale BMC Singer Articles About Kjell Qvale and BMC Singer Click Here To Learn More Audio Interview Recordings With Kjell Qvale 14 Minute Interview: January 7, 2010 Audio Interview Recordings With Dan Nichols Memories on the BMC Singer Sports … Continue reading
Sebring Racing Program Sebring, Florida: March, 1954 … Continue reading
Plastic Bodied Singer Autocar (UK) October 23, 1953 … Continue reading
The Glass Menagerie The Vibrin Roadster Revealed NASOC: Issue 4, 2002 … Continue reading
Vaughn-Singer Glasspar Dream Cars: Trend Book #107, 1953 … Continue reading
Plastic Sports Car Glasspar Vaughn-Singer and More Auto Sport Review: July, 1952 … Continue reading
Indianapolis Custom Auto Show Vaughn-Singer Appearance: 1952 … Continue reading
Plastic: Its Promise and Problems Glasspar, Vaughn-Singer and More Motorsport: August, 1952 … Continue reading
Vaughan Wildcat Part II June 7, 2014 … Continue reading
Vaughan Wildcat Part I June 6, 2014 … Continue reading
Fiberglass VSS Wildcat – Follow – Up July 21, 2013 … Continue reading
Fiberglass VSS Wildcat Singer February 22, 2012 … Continue reading
Another Glasspar Connection February 21, 2011 … Continue reading
Perry Fuller and the Pre-Production SMX February 16, 2011 … Continue reading
More on Perry Fuller February 13, 2011 … Continue reading
Lost and Found February 10, 2011 … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Thanks to the help of Dan Palatnik, we’ve been releasing more artwork of Undiscovered Classic cars of late. You can see some of his work that we recently released via the link below: Click on this Link to … Continue reading
Lost and Found Hemmings Classic Car: January, 2010 … Continue reading
Another Fiberglass Singer October 16, 2009 … Continue reading
Plastic Fantastic – 1953 Glasspar G2 Gasoline Magazine (German): March, 20018 … Continue reading
Hi Gang… We’re proud to release a newly created section of Undiscovered Classics that focuses on the history of the Byers Sports cars. Our research into this marque started in 2007, and took the help of many to complete. This … Continue reading
History Byers Sports Cars (1955 – 1968) Design By Jim Byers — The World’s Most Beautiful Sports Car — Road & Track, February, 1957 Byers Sports Cars Road and Track featured a Byers SR-100 on the cover of their magazine in … Continue reading
Sportscar Specials Trend Book #196: 1960 Multiple Cars … Continue reading
Sportscar Specials Trend Book #178: 1958 Multiple Cars … Continue reading
Showcase 1956 Byers SR-100 Design by Jim Byers Owner: Jack Farr, Cresson, Texas — The World’s Most Beautiful Sports Car — Road & Track, February, 1957 History of This Car This car was originally built by two enthusiasts in the … Continue reading
Fashion Statement: LeSabre Show Car “Look-alikes” Collectible Automobile: June, 2007 … Continue reading
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 the 1952 Manta Ray … Continue reading
Dan Palatnik Renderings 1952 Manta Ray … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Lost cars of fantastic design – how much better can a story be? And you might be the one to find this missing car. In the past many years, we’ve been fortunate to find cars hidden away for … 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… Our good friend Guy Dirkin wanted to share a preview of his latest project and did so today via Facebook. I asked Guy if we could share it here on Undiscovered Classics and he agreed. So here’s what … Continue reading
American Rides: Glasspar Richard Vining and Edge Motor Museum MUS Today: Spring, 2020 … 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
American Treasure Smithsonian Induction of Glasspar G2 Kit Car Magazine: January, 2001 … Continue reading
Jean Poirier Archives Glasspar G2 Historian Emeritus In Process Newsletters Bill Tritt Video Smithsonian Induction American Treasure – Smithsonian Induction of Glasspar G2 Kit Car Magazine: January, 2001 1994 Letter … Continue reading
Hi Gang… The story on Warren Eding’s Wildfire continues – and it’s a great way to pay tribute to a car and the man who built it. Like so many of these handcrafted cars, it’s a story of what you … Continue reading
Hi Gang… The 2020 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance was quite an event. Three different American Specials in three different classes which included a 1958 Victress S1A sports car, the one-off “1952 Voodoo Gardner Special” and today’s story – a 1959 … Continue reading
Note: Click here to read part 1 of this story Hi Gang… “I’ll bring the car to you – it’s not that long of a drive.” That’s what Ron Pierce told me after I bought his Allied Swallow Singer Special … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I finally found one! A Singer Special. That’s what I said back in 2015 we we acquired a very nice example of a Singer Special built using a Allied Swallow body. We always call these cars “Allied Cisitalia” … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Today I’m honored to share an article by our friend and intrepid “historian-adventurer” Bob Cunningham. Bob has always had an affinity for small cars, lost marques and their history. Today’s article about the Floridian / Seagrave has never … Continue reading
Hi Gang… American handcrafted cars are being shipped across the world. We’ve sent our cars to Paraguay and Chile in South America. We’ve shipped our cars to the UK, Germany, France, Holland, Italy, Greece and more in Europe. Now we … Continue reading
Hi Gang… This is a mult-part story. Click here to read the other parts of this story. So we got the car to Tampa, and followed up on the documentation that the previous owner gave to us. And what a … Continue reading
Hi Gang… This is a remarkable car with a remarkable story which begins… “Boy builds car. Car helps find girl. Boy and girl get married. Then children, grandchildren, awards and more.” How much better of a story can you get? … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I like to put names, faces, locations – all of it together. Just like the first Glasspar location we’re discussing today. I was fortunate enough to get to know Bill Tritt and discuss his memories of Glasspar as … Continue reading
California’s Little Detroit Nation’s Business: July, 1953 … Continue reading
Plastic Bodies For Autos Life Magazine: February 25, 1952 … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I’ve been tracking and researching this car since good friend Paul Ingram owned and raced it in the early 2000’s. When he first found the car, he wrote in to Special Interest Autos for help on identifying its … Continue reading
Alkenly Beautiful Volks World: November, 2018 … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I’ve been waiting to tell this story for 10+ years. And this week the saga begins – for Tony St. Clair, myself and all of you who are part of Undiscovered Classics. Glasspar Found: Detroit Back in 2008, … 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
Hi Gang… Undiscovered Classic cars are finding themselves across the world. Today’s story herald’s from the UK, but it started out in the 50s on a lost American road. And perhaps “you” may find the pieces to solve this puzzle. … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Those of you who are fans of business author Stephen Covey and his advice of “start with the end in mind” will understand how today’s story fits this advice perfectly. So here it goes… “We Found The Car … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Even though its estimated that over 100 Skorpion cars and bodies were produced over the years, we rarely see any on the street or at shows. Well that’s going to change with the LeMay Automotive Museum’s recent acquisition … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Go Alken! We may have found just four (or perhaps five) Alken D2 sports cars so far but lucky for us – vintage information is still being shared and revealed from long lost archives across the USA. Recently, … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Today’s story is by one of our Undiscovered Classics aficionados – Kyle Feller. Kyle has been working with us for over 5 years and has participated in some of our best adventures which include our Leo Lyons Custom … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Recently, more information surfaced on the Sportstar sports car company of San Diego, California. We’ve written about the Sportstar Company before – a company founded in 1952 and whose first car, the Crosley-based “Torrey Pines”, debuted in a … 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
Hi Gang… I bet this car is still out there. I’ve said this many times about many cars, and more often than not – we find the car or the car turns up. Back in 2010 in the book “Corvette … Continue reading
Hi Gang… There are a lot of cars out there that are beautiful, rare and deserve more attention than they typically have received. That’s the case with today’s story and a brochure on the Brazilian designed and built Ventura. Our … Continue reading
Hi Gang… There’s so much good information to be had in vintage magazines – but the articles are just the tip of the iceberg. Crucial information is often found in the editorials – like the editorial we found in the … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Today I’m honored to share an article by our friend and intrepid “historian-adventurer” Bob Cunningham. Bob has always had an affinity for small cars and their history and this story is about a different “BMW” than you’ve heard … Continue reading
Hi Gang… We haven’t had a chance to write about the Victress S4 very much in the past and that’s been for two reasons. First, the Victress S4 sports car is quite rare – even by my standards for our … Continue reading
Hi Gang… There’s a quote by Mark Twain that I enjoy and while I often paraphrase the quote, the gist of it is this: “It Takes A Long Time To Write A Short Letter” Today’s story is ten years in … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Back in 2014, we were honored to participate in the Boca Raton Concours d’Elegance with our 1955 Californian Sports Car (later identified as the LeGene Sports Car). The class was arranged by Paul Sable and it was called … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Fiberglass sports car specials shined back in the 1950s – they were often the “rock stars” of their day appearing on magazine and book covers. So far we’ve found more than 50 vintage and modern cover appearances and … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Today’s story is courtesy of one of our Undiscovered Classics fan in Europe – Luis Alarcos – of Spain. Luis collects and restores Renault specials including those that were built (or found) in America. Recently Luis has been … Continue reading
Hi Gang… The 2020 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance was quite an event. Three different American Specials in three different classes which included a 1959 Devin “D” sports car, the one-off “1952 Voodoo Gardner Special” and today’s story – a 1958 … Continue reading
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 the 1947 and 1948 … Continue reading
Hi Gang… One of the items that has been lacking for most of our cars are logos, firewall plates and other marque-specific items. These are needed to identify the car at car shows and other events as well as celebrate … Continue reading
Hi Gang… We have Richard Brown to thank for today’s story. Richard recently updated us on his sport custom find – the 1953 Porter Pegasus. Click here to review that story. Today’s story is about another rare car Richard researched … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Participating in the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance is always an honor, and none more than this year when we shared the responsibility in debuting an Undiscovered Classic, the 1952 Voodoo Gardner, with its new owners, Brian and Sue … Continue reading
Hi Gang… And we’re off! On the heels of releasing our first poster of America’s Handcrafted Cars last week. Today, Dan Palatnik and I are releasing our second poster of these cool, handbuilt cars that appeared across America in the … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Today I’m honored to share an article by our friend and intrepid “historian-adventurer” Bob Cunningham. Bob has always had an affinity for small cars and their history and this story includes a car that has been “lost” and … Continue reading
Hi Gang… More and more we’re seeing handcrafted American sports specials being “discovered” and written about across America. But something else interesting is happening too. They’re being restored – just like Mike Akens’ Victress S1A roadster in today’s story. Mike … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Our good friend Nick Whitlow recently completed a book on the history, design, development and production of the CRV / AMT Piranha – and he’s exactly the right person to have done so. We’ve known Nick for nearly … Continue reading
Hi Gang… We’ve been working up a new tool for current enthusiasts and newcomers to Undiscovered Classics – a tool where you can learn more about these handcrafted cars via a single page. And this new tool is ready as … Continue reading
Hi Gang… The Undiscovered Classics community is big – and it takes some big equipment and the right people to move our inventory. Time and time again we have called on Bob Sellers and the folks at Reliable Carriers to … 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
Hi Gang… There’s never a dull moment here at Undiscovered Classics. And although the 2020 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance ended mere hours ago, Dan Palatnik and I have been hard at work the last week to bring artwork on handcrafted … Continue reading
Hi Gang… We attended the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance last weekend and helped present the 1952 Voodoo Gardner on the field with its owners Brian and Sue Ford of Christchurch, New Zealand. And while that was exciting for myself 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 recently had a chance to chat with one of our Undiscovered Classics aficionados – Greg Kishline. Greg’s home is in Kenosha, Wisconsin and from there the handcrafted restorations of full-size and scale size cars comes forth. And … Continue reading
Hi Gang… While we may think that Glasspars, Wildfires and Victresses (the big 3 of handcrafted cars in the early to mid 50s) are plentiful given the number of stories we share here at Undiscovered Classics – nothing could be … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Early on, one of the individuals who coached me on the history of postwar American Specials was Fred Roth of Thousand Oaks, California. So much of the history of postwar handcrafted cars was undocumented and details were scarce … Continue reading
Hi Gang… It’s been awhile since we heard from our friend Nick Whitlow and his research into and restoration of an AMT Piranha. Last time we checked Nick was working on a Piranha that has since been sold to a … 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
Hi Gang… We often think of all fiberglass car activity having occurred in California during the 50s, but that’s far from the case. We estimate that about 80% of the companies were in the Los Angeles, California area but others … Continue reading
Hi Gang… The story on Warren Eding’s Wildfire continues – and it’s a great way to pay tribute to a car and the man who built it. Like so many of these handcrafted cars, it’s a story of what you … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Tom Cotter sure gets around the country in his ultra cool Woody Wagon and uncovers the most amazing finds. As an author, Tom has continued to pen books on his travels and we’ve been honored to be in … Continue reading
“The other day I had a thrilling ride in an amazing car. The car was the Lancer, built in Costa Mesa by Eric Irwin. We scooted around 90 degree corners at 50 miles per hour with negligible side-sway, over … Continue reading
Appraisal Sample For An American Special 1955 LeGene “Californian” Overview The example below is an appraisal completed for a customer who owned a restored 1955 LeGene Californian Roadster. This car was painted yellow and is shown in the appraisal below. … Continue reading
Valuation: American Specials Hagerty Value Guides For American Specials The Valuation Guides maintained by Hagerty continue to show excellent results for nicely restored American Specials that have been brought back to beautiful condition. Overview Currently Hagerty value estimates exceed $100,000 … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I first wrote about this Wildfire when it was spotted at the 2014 Retromobile Show in Paris, France. Click here to Read About The Woodill Wildfire Discovery in Paris France Since then we have become friends with the … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Meteor SR-1 sports cars are few and far between so when someone who owns one contact me I’m always interested to learn more. Especially when the ownership story goes back to the late 1950s. That means we can … 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… We track down history here at Undiscovered Classics with one added bonus – ours come with cars. Now that’s cool! And before you go any further into today’s “part 2” of the story, be sure you read part … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Here’s a beautifully restored Woodill Wildfire that has been seen by tens of thousands of folks over the last nearly 30 years. How is that possible? Well…Collectible Automobile Magazine has featured this Wildfire twice – in 1992 and … Continue reading
1954 Woodill Wildfire At The Tip of the Fiberglass Spear Author: Jim Donnelly Hemmings Motor News: February, 2013 … Continue reading
Fanning a Flame: Woody Woodill and the Wildfire By Michael Lamm Collectible Automobile: October, 2005 … Continue reading
1953 Woodill Wildfire Collectible Automobile: February, 1992 … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Alan and Jen Mortlock are getting ready to move back to the UK, and I’ll be sad to see them go. I met Alan and Jen over 10 years ago when they first acquired their Glasspar G2 sports … 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… Here’s a great story for your Kurtis fans out there. It’s a very interesting proposal from Road & Track, most likely written by John Bond who worked for a short while in the late 1940s for Frank Kurtis. … 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
Hi Gang… At Undiscovered Classics we’re proud to have created a community that both helps with research and invites those with information about these cars to contribute – an active research and collaboration website. And its just these unique ingredients … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Tracking back the history of the cars we have today is always exciting, and today’s story is no exception. Les Zoller contacted me recently and shared with me that he had owned and restored Allied Kurtis KK500 chassis … Continue reading
Hi Gang… We continue to expand our recently created “Strother MacMinn Online Archive” to include articles, videos, books and other MacMinn related materials to share with the world. Today we added his 1959 book to the archives titled “Sports Cars … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Ted Griffin and I have been looking for this car for nearly 40 years. Ok….maybe 40 years for Ted, and less time for me. Ted first saw this Woodill Wildfire in much better shape in the early 80s. … Continue reading
1955 Woodill Wildfire: A Rare Orphan Vehicle Ted Griffin’s Woodill Wildfire Houston Chronicle: September 24, 2009 … Continue reading
Hi Gang… This past weekend we participated in our final concours d’elegance event of the year – the Cigar City Concours d’Elegance of Tampa, Florida – and we were honored to attend. For this event we did something a bit … Continue reading
Showcase 1954 Debonnaire / Venture Design By Phillip Egan (from the Tucker Design Team) Owner: Paul Sable, Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania — America’s Boulevard Sports Car — History of This Car This was one of the Debonnaire’s built by the factory. … Continue reading
Showcase 1966 Cannara I Designed and Built By Ray Cannara Owner: Guy Dirkin, Ph.D., Clermont, Florida — Designed at the Beginning of the Wedge Car Movement — History of This Car Ray Cannara, a native Floridian was a successful designer … Continue reading
Hi Gang… The challenge was on – two cars to show, two cars to tow and two trailers to go – 16 wheels on the ground in total – 30 tires to check and more before we left for the … Continue reading
History LeMans Coupe (1958) Design By Strother MacMinn 1958 LeMans Coupe by Strother MacMinn — The Most Exciting Sports Car Design Constructed In The USA In Years — Robert Cumberford: SCG Magazine, March 1960 No other “Special” of the 1950s … Continue reading
Sarasota Classic Car Museum Undiscovered Classics Cars on Display Sarasota, Florida 2008 to Present Martin Godbey Owner and Curator: Sarasota Classic Car Museum Proprietor: Vintage Motors of Sarasota Cars In Museum (Scroll Down To See Photos of Cars) 1937 Long-Wheelbase … Continue reading
Dick Lane’s Kurtis-Sorrell SR-100 Roadster Rod & Custom: July, 2009 … Continue reading
Hi Gang…. One of our long-term Undiscovered Classics brethren, Guy Dirkin, has just completed the restoration of his super-rare TVR Tuscan with his friend and co-owner of the car – Paul Guinn. This is definitely not your ordinary TVR, and … Continue reading
1953 Victress S1 – Guy Mabee Special Links to magazine articles Film? Review Denny Larson’s story here (go thru recordings) … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Here’s an interesting time capsule that was sent in to us from Bill Quirk – foreman for Victress Manufacturing in the 1950s and early 1960s. While the article is about the culture of hot rodding in the San … Continue reading
Introducing The Victress S1 Sports Car Motor World Magazine: August 28, 1953 … Continue reading
Plastic Bodies For Home Production Hop Up Magazine: April, 1953 First known photo of a Victress S1A sports car. Person next to car is Jim Byers. Most likely the First Victress S1. … Continue reading
The 58th Variety: Steve Steers Victress S1A Hemmings Muscle Machines: May, 2011 … Continue reading
Hi Gang… For me researching cars began a long time ago – about 40 years ago to be exact. I bought my first “classic car” when I was 14 years old – a 1955 Cadillac Fleetwood (with my mom’s approval … Continue reading
Showcase 1954 Victress S1A Design By Doc Boyce-Smith and Hugh Jorgensen Owner: Guy Dirkin, Clermont, Florida — The Lost Motor Trend Victress — Built By Fred Bodley – Motor Trend Technical Editor History of This Car The 1954 “Motor Trend” … Continue reading
Hi Gang…. One of our long-term Undiscovered Classics brethren, Guy Dirkin, has just completed the restoration of his super-rare TVR Tuscan with his friend and co-owner of the car – Paul Guinn. This is definitely not your ordinary TVR, and … Continue reading
Thousand Oaks Car Classic Theme: A Salute To The American Sports Car Featuring: Bosley, Glasspar, Kurtis, Muntz, Kaiser Darrin and Skorpion Thousand Oaks, California: June, 1995 … Continue reading
Thousand Oaks Car Classic Featuring: Woodill Wildfire Thousand Oaks, California: June, 1994 … Continue reading
Woodill Wildfire Author: Michael Lamm Expert: Fred Roth (Remember this is 1974….wow!) Special Interest Autos: March-April, 1974 … Continue reading
LaSaetta Sports Car Car “Save” As Part of Pebble Beach Concours 2012 Trip Classic & Sports Car (UK): March, 2013 … Continue reading
Victress Brochures Catalog Featuring a Victress S1 and S4 1954 Hellings Flyer For Victress And More Various Years Catalog Featuring a Victress S1, S4, S5 and Dragster 1955 Sample Letters From Victress … Continue reading
Corvette In The Barn The Lost Motor Trend Victress Special Story Author: Guy Dirkin Tom Cotter: Published 2010 … Continue reading
1955 Glass Wonder Show Car (Later Identified as the John Dragich Special, 3 Made) American Car Collector: July, 2014 … Continue reading
Hi Gang… America is replete with stories on building your own car or car company in the early postwar years. While 90% of these stories came out of California, the rest of America was also busy – including Charles “Chuck” … Continue reading
Hi Gang… The 1950’s were filled with imaginative moments in transportation. Jet travel, high speed trains, rockets heading into outer space and cars that could fly. This was a time of ground-swelling American innovation. The Corvette and T-Bird hit the streets changing … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I love to see strong prices for the cars we appreciate and restore – the handcrafted American specials from the postwar years. Recently we saw a Glasspar G2 sell at the Sotheby’s Amelia Island Auction (2019) for $109,200 … Continue reading
Hi Gang… John Pascucci of JR’s Speedshop in Venice, Florida and I took a ride to Clermont, Florida yesterday to visit Guy Dirkin and see his 1956 Byers SR-100 and Victress S1A. We took some pix to share with you … 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
Hi Gang… Back in 1952 when Bill Burke took a mold from Robert Petersen’s Cisitalia 202 coupe, who would have guessed that the entire process would be repeating itself nearly 70 years later. But it’s a good thing to still … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Another one of our “Undiscovered Classics” cars has made its debut this past weekend on the lawn of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. This special car was an Allied Swallow that appeared in the Preservation Class and is … Continue reading
Ship Shape: A 1953 Glasspar G2 is Restored and Ready to Make Waves Around Missouri Hemmings Motor News: April, 2012 … Continue reading
Hi Gang… One of our favorite show cars of the 50s is heading to auction later this week – the Manta Ray. We were honored to help debut this car at the 2016 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance where it was … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Great news gang. The Cigar City Concours d’Elegance has officially accepted the 1952 Glasspar G2 for presentation on their field later this year in November, 2019. We at Undiscovered Classics are excited to be showing the car on behalf … Continue reading
Showcase 1952 Glasspar G2 Design By Bill Tritt Owners: Brian and Sue Ford, Christchurch, New Zealand Best Viewed In Landscape Mode Use On-Screen Arrows To Move Thru Photos History of This Car The Glasspar G2 is considered by many to … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Great news gang. The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance has officially accepted the 1952 Voodoo Gardner for presentation on the field at their event in March, 2020. We at Undiscovered Classics are excited to be jointly showing the car … Continue reading
Showcase 1952 Voodoo Gardner Designed and Built By Jerry Gardner Owners: Brian and Sue Ford, Christchurch, New Zealand — The Mightiest Postwar Special Ever Built — Click on the Links Below For More Information Story: EXTRA EXTRA….The 1952 Voodoo Gardner … Continue reading
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, two versions of the 1952 Maverick Sportster … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Acquisitions of special cars often take years to make happen – and this happens more than you think. We try and track down all the leads – lock, stock and barrel and today’s story about the Carl Luckenbach … 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
LeGene “Californian” Roadster Home Page Overview (Story below is in draft form as of 1/1/2019) Working on this story as of 2/24/19 Click Here To Review All LeGene “Californian” Roadster Stories on our Website Click Here To Review LeGene Sports … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Interesting letters come in all the time to Undiscovered Classics. Most times we can help and provide information quickly but some questions require research – and those can be the most fun types of letters. Here’s an interesting … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Today we’re honored here at Undiscovered Classics to share the story of Paul E. Gibbs and his Almquist roadster. Born in 1931, 88-year-old Paul Gibbs contact me via e-mail recently and over several phone conversations I learned about … Continue reading
Woodill Wildfire Collectible Automobile: October, 2005 … Continue reading
Glass Act: Woodill Wildfire Motor Trend Classic: Summer, 2014 … Continue reading
Fifty Shades of Rust (Book) By Tom Cotter Foreword by Wayne Carini Introduction by Tom Cotter and Geoffrey Hacker Ten Stories of Handcrafted Cars Published 2014 … Continue reading
DEVIN HISTORY History (Story below is in draft form as of 1/1/2019) Devin Panhard Designer: Devin Sports Car (27 different sizes) Designer: Devin SS Devin GT Coupe Vintage Brochures Vintage Ads Vintage & … Continue reading
LOST CAR The 1955 Jules “J” Heumann Singer Special Help Us Find This Car! We’ve found plenty of interesting, cool, and lost famous cars over the past decade or so at Undiscovered Classics. It’s now your turn. As we’ve often said….. … Continue reading
Hi Gang… We were pleased earlier this year to make the announcement via Hemmings Daily that Byers SR100 bodies would soon be back in production. Click Here To Read This Announcement As of this week, you can now order a … Continue reading
—————————- Click here to all parts of this story —————————- Hi Gang… Nik Gudmunds and Jerry Ball completed the Thor in 1958. Little did they know that they were making history by using a VW chassis and drivetrain. The VW Beetle first … Continue reading
—————————- Click here to all parts of this story —————————- Hi Gang… It all boils down to the name…. Tracking down people who built cars decades before has its challenges – but it always starts with a “name.” And when the … Continue reading
—————————- Click here to all parts of this story —————————- Hi Gang… I love mysteries….especially when they eventually get solved. Back in May, 2010 (wow – 7 years ago!) a car called a “Thor” surfaced for sale on the Samba which … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Timing is everything in life and the timing of today’s story sets the perfect stage for those wanting to learn more about Victress. Why might you ask? Because in less than a week a beautifully restored and built … Continue reading
Hi Gang… The Leo Lyons Custom Mercury Saga is now behind us and the car is tucked safely away and on display at the Sarasota Classic Car Museum in Sarasota Florida. I’ll write a bit about our experience with this … Continue reading
Hi Gang… During the time folks were in Tampa preparing for their visit to the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, we had a chance to visit not only “Fiberglass Farms” but also our workshop – “The Glass Menagerie.” The photos below … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Building your own sports car was often much more than a solitary event – it was something to celebrate….an adventure to remember and a story that became part of a family history – just as it did with … Continue reading
Hi Gang… In the last few years, we’re seeing fewer mystery cars from the 40s and 50s. We have expertise now that spans the world and are fortunate to have so many of you that bring your knowledge and research … Continue reading
Hi Gang… We track cars. We collect stories. We hunt down the tiniest of details to see if we can flush out any vintage fiber sports car build stories, period photos and cars from across the nation. And sometimes we find … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Another restored Glasspar G2 sports car is nearing completion. Hooray!!! Last week Jeff McKay shared an update of the restoration of his and his wife Anne’s G2 and it’s looking great! Let’s check out the known history of this … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I love the history of Howard “Dutch” Darrin and his postwar sports cars – most of them built in fiberglass. Although we mostly know him for the Kaiser Darrin sports car with sliding doors, he actually designed and … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Rodney Packwood, Glasspar Historian and wrangler of our Glasspar G2 Registry, and I have been tracking down the Glasspar G2 sports cars whereabouts for nearly a decade. And this process was started by others before us such as … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Not many people know that several of the fiberglass sports car companies of the 1950s sold smaller versions of their cars – typically for the younger set of the owners of these same cars. Smaller versions of the … Continue reading
Hi Gang… The cars are out there (ala the X-Files tv show…) that’s what I always tell folks. And with handcrafted specials from the 50s, they seem to be popping up all the time 🙂 As usual, this story involved many … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Over the last several years, those of you who have been restoring Victress S1, S5, S4, C2, and C3 cars have asked about the types of hinges that Victress used on their cars. Ask and you shall receive … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Jim and Lea Ann Robinson sure keep things interesting Ever since I first met them in 2006 and then learned about the car they were finishing at the time – the famous 1953 Guy Mabee Victress Special – … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Good friend and Jaguar historian Terry McGrath from Australia sent in this article last year – something that was completely new to me and should be exciting to see for you Glasspar G2 fans out there. And what … Continue reading
Hi Gang… We’re honored this year to again participate in the 2015 Boca Raton Concours d’Elegance in Boca Raton, Florida – and we want you to join us this weekend too! Last year we showed our vintage 1955 Californian Sport … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Today’s article is courtesy of Bill Munro – an automotive historian with an appreciation of the unusual and less traveled path of cars – and in this case commercial vehicles. Today’s story focuses on a 1960s variant of … Continue reading
Hi Gang… More and more restored vintage fiberglass sports cars from the 50s – what we call “Forgotten Fiberglass” – are showing up at Concours, on TV, in articles, and now…at auction. Let’s check out an upcoming auction which features … Continue reading
Hi Gang… You may remember last fall when we shared a 3-part story on the building of a Woodill Wildfire in 1955 by the father-son team of Ed and Phil Cox: Click Here To Review this 3 Part Story on … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Back last fall we surprised all of you by sharing the debut of Robert O’Meara’s Allied “Cisitalia” Roadster at the 2014 Watkins Glen Vintage Festival courtesy of photos provided by good fiber friend Jeff Brown. Click here to … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Let’s give a great big Forgotten Fiberglass welcome to our newest members – 16 year old Nick Bujnowski, his father Pete, and their brand new rarin’ to be restored Woodill Wildfire. Pete (father) has been into fiberglass sports cars for … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Forgotten Fiberglass is getting less “Forgotten” all the time. Case in point…a Kellison owned purchased by Lord March of Great Britain. I had first heard of this car from fiber-friend Guy Dirkin, and when the subject came up … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Last year was an exciting year of “finds” for Forgotten Fiberglass, and one of the neatest ones received national attention in the October 30th, 2014 edition of Old Cars Weekly. We had heard from new owner Bernie Kranz … Continue reading
Hi Gang… We are blessed here at Forgotten Fiberglass to have such a varied and skilled group of fiber raconteurs that make the cars interesting and the people in our group even more so. Today’s story is about a Kellison … Continue reading
Hi Gang… In the mid 1950s, the name Bugatti still evoked the greatness of its prewar years, and many a car enthusiast wanted to see this marque return to the forefront of design. A well-known French artist – James-Jacques Brown … 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… Last fall I shared with you a great article on the 1953 Manta Ray Concept Car built by Glenn Hire and Vernon Antoine of Whittier, California. Click here to review this earlier story about the Manta Ray written … 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… 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… Paul Strassberger was quite a man. When he began building sports cars for an enthusiastic public in late 1952, he choose the Glasspar body and built not one but at least two Yankee Clipper sports cars. Click Here To … Continue reading
Hi Gang… More and more we see the handcrafted cars of the 40s, 50s, 60s being written about in major magazines and accepted at world-class concours. The cars and their history have a compelling story to share with the public … 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… I’ve been researching this car for quite some time, and recently came across a beautiful hi-res photo of the car from back in 1953. It was an experimental car – a prototype – designed by La Carrozzeria Touring … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Several weeks ago I brought you up to speed on the story of our Maverick Sportster – a car we’ve teamed up with Tom Chandler and Company of Elkader, Iowa to restore and show. Click here to review the … Continue reading
Hi Gang… We last checked in with Dave Peterson and his Byers SR100 in late 2011. Click here to review this story from 2011. Recently, Dave contacted me with an update to his story and car – an update that … Continue reading
Hi Gang… There are some beautiful recreations of classic cars being built from steel, aluminum, and fiberglass too. Recently, I was struck by the beauty of one of these cars on display at Vintage Motors of Sarasota – a car … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Each year, a show in France draws an international audience that captivates enthusiasts and professionals alike. It’s called “Retromobile” and showcases vintage, classic, sports, and all kinds of vehicles galore (click here to learn more). I haven’t been … Continue reading
Hi Gang… One of fiber-friends from Australia is Ted Godfrey and he recently sent in some information about a Australian sports car that was new to me – a Renault based sports car designed and built by Len Moir. With … Continue reading
Hi Gang… The “hunt” is on! Well….it’s been “on” here at Forgotten Fiberglass for about a decade, and with your help we’ve solved many a mystery – but many remain to be solved. Like today’s story about Bob Duell’s sports/race … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Working with good friend Darren Swanson, we’ve gone from a mysterion (mystery car), to a one-off Kaiser concept sports car, to a limited production sports car with up to ten bodies and sports cars being completed. Not a … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Today’s story comes from the depths of the “Frank Cornell Archives” – materials Frank amassed while studying Woodill Wildfire and related cars for more than 30 years. Frank had these materials for a good reason – he’s our … Continue reading
Hi Gang… We search long and wide for detailed information about the vintage handcrafted car builds of yesterday, and recently we hit paydirt – video (actually film) from the 1951 Petersen Motorama. Wow! It’s hard to believe that it survived … Continue reading
Designed to last a lifetime, these cars will be hand-built at a 500 a year rate – chassis in the U.S.. body in Italy. Seven models include two sedans, two sports cars, coupe, convertible, and limousine. Hi Gang… We’ve gathered … Continue reading
Hi Gang… As I continue to get magazines and articles from across the world – including many from you too – I inquisitively leaf through each and every page looking for the next “adventure in research.” And voila! Our next … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Forgotten Fiberglass research takes us to all ends of the earth – and to little known magazines too. Several years ago good fiber-friend Glenn Brummer alerted me to a magazine I’d not heard of before – “CLUES.” It … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Recently we wrote about the Tornado cars here at Forgotten Fiberglass – click here to review that story – and comments came in from all ‘round in the Forgotten Fiberglass world. It’s great that the story attracted so … Continue reading
This is the most promising to date of the several electric cars being engineered in various cities. George Lippincott, the founder and president of Nic-L-Silver, hopes to have ten cars a day rolling off the assembly line now being tooled. … 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… So when did each of the cars we study become available for sale to the public? That’s a question we ask often here at Forgotten Fiberglass, and today’s story shows you how sometimes it’s fairly simple to determine. … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I started out this morning wanting to write a short story that was just part of what you’ll read today – the adventure of getting a 1953 Cadillac body off its chassis for our Maverick restoration. But…so many … 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
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… I often equate researching the history of lost American sports cars of the 50s as akin to trying to get a drink of water by running around the room with an empty glass and gathering as much water … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Fifteen to twenty years ago, Glasspar Historian Emeritus (also a legendary car finder) Jean Poirier and his brother Emile went on a trek to see a long lost Devin racecar. It was being sold by a private owner in … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Recently shared the exciting news in a story last week revealing two significant “finds:” The Jim Potter collection of Woodill Wildfire photos– unseen for nearly 60 years and stewarded by his son Jim North The story of Ed and … 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… Have camera….will travel. In this case to Amelia Island in 2010 and later the following week to Fiberglass Farms. Back in 2010 we had a class of Forgotten Fiberglass cars at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. Click here to review the cars … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Someday I hope to see this car in person. It must be the most traveled and owned and shown and celebrated Woodill Wildfire in the last 50 years. But we have to find it first – and the … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Back in 1952, Sig Monson – already a custom car builder, hands-on automotive man, and automotive dealership owner – was one of the individuals who read about the new fiberglass bodied sports car trend. But…being that he lived … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Research takes you in a variety of different directions for a variety of different cars. About 2 years ago, I found an obscure reference that an article about the Alken could be found in an early issue of … 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… Recently shared the exciting news in a story last week revealing two significant “finds:” The Jim Potter collection of Woodill Wildfire photos – unseen for nearly 60 years and stewarded by his son Jim North The story of … Continue reading
Hi Gang… As we continue to uncover the history of handcrafted cars in the 40s and 50s, we collate, organize, and share what we learn continuing to build a comprehensive database showing the nationwide – and worldwide – movement in … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Great friend and stellar automotive literature collector, Alden Jewell, and I have been searching for information about the Banjo GT Sports Car for quite some time. It’s a quiet story that surfaces here and there as a car for … Continue reading
Hi Gang… More and more we are covering Forgotten Fiberglass stories from lands far, far away. Today I have the honor of introducing you to our newest friend from New Zealand – Brian Ford. Welcome aboard Brian! In the last … Continue reading
“You can become the most famous automobile dealer in your part of the country almost overnight! And fame means profits!” That’s how Woody Woodill opened up his “dealer brochure” inviting select individuals to consider selling the Woodill Wildfire from a … Continue reading
Hi Gang… More and more, we are seeing Foreign Forgotten Fiberglass show up in the USA as a long lost tucked-away car, or something brought here often to race. In fact, our stories of foreign fiberglass have kept growing at … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Fiberglass friend Jim Fox touches base with us from time to time – and a great friend to Forgotten Fiberglass Jim has been these many years! We’re honored to have him as part of our team 🙂 I … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I first shared the exciting news in a story last week revealing two significant “finds:” * The Jim Potter collection of Woodill Wildfire photos – unseen for nearly 60 years and stewarded by his son Jim North * … Continue reading
Hi Gang… We have some great people, great stories, and great cars out there – and the purpose of Forgotten Fiberglass is to create a community and celebrate stories such as the one we are sharing today encouraging folks like … Continue reading
Hi Gang… We’re part of a movement gang – a “barnfinders” movement. More and more the cars we seek – the handcrafted cars of the 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond – are coming out of the woodwork. That is, they … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Last we checked in with Marshall Foxworthy and his U.S. Mark II Sports Car, he had just received his sports car body and was up to his neck in research on the car. Click here to review that … Continue reading
Hi Gang… A new trend is happening at Forgotten Fiberglass – and it’s an exciting one at that! More and more, our readership is expanding overseas. You can see this on our Home Page in two ways. 1: If you … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Fred Roth had all the fun. Starting in 1974 (and earlier), he helped provide research for Michael Lamm’s article on the history of Woodill Wildfire which appeared in the March/April 1974 issue of Special Interest Autos. By that … Continue reading
Hi Gang… It’s a challenge. Here at Forgotten Fiberglass we have information coming in from sources across the world – and then we pile our own research onto this stream of information too. Have no fear though fiber-gang….it’s challenging but … Continue reading
Hi Gang… There are so many interesting cars out there to find – and much to the continued surprise of both Rick D’Louhy and myself – these cars keep popping up. Take today’s story about the SWM Gordini built by … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Vintage literature is the key to finding the history of our cars. But it’s not just vintage automotive magazines – that’s easy. You have to “belly up to the bar” and seek out all the ancillary print materials … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Renault Specials have a special place for me given that my first fiberglass sports car was Renault based – the 1962 Shark Roadster – a car I still have today. So when I recently came across an article … Continue reading
Hi Gang… One of my favorite stories and cars of the 50s was a Glasspar G2 built by Don Cook. Erich Schultz first introduced me to this story and the detail that appeared in Hot Rod in April, 1953. You … 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… Several years back, one of the fiber-gang out there sent in a reference to the earliest fiberglass car I’ve seen built outside of the USA. I sat on the information waiting and hoping that more information would surface. … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Back in April, 2013 I heard for the first time from Mike Akens of Grand Junction, Colorado. Mike contacted me because he had just located a vintage Victress S1 roadster and was beginning restoration. What great news! As … 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
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… About three years ago, I got a wonderful e-mail from Howie Wold – who I’m pleased to say is now a good friend. In one of his first e-mails to me, he shared the following: Geoff…. Late in … Continue reading
Hi Gang… You thought I may have finished with our stories of Carlisle this year? But wait – there’s more! Quite a bit more and several more stories. And off we go… One of the stars of the Carlisle, … Continue reading
Hi Gang… We’re working hard here at Forgotten Fiberglass to compile and archive a copy of every postwar automotive magazine from 1947 to 1960. These are essential to documenting the era and the stories that abound on building your own … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Any successful business needs a successful promoter – and Woody Woodill was just that – par excellence – for American sports cars in the early to mid 1950s. When Woody’s plan in 1952 of making his car the … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Concept cars were not all built by and for the Big Three in Detroit. Small shops and creative and talented individuals built concept cars as far back as the 20s and they are still building them today. But … Continue reading
Hi Gang… The golden age of postwar racing in America started in the late 1940s and folks like Bill Tritt of Glasspar watched ringside in California with great interest. And I’m sure the thoughts of racing were on his mind when he … 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… More and more, Rick D’Louhy and I are trying to get to different parts of the country to meet and greet all the fiberglass folks, see their restored cars and projects in process, and hear fantastic fiber-stories too. … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Motor Trend Classic is back in print – and online too. Yea!!! And their latest issue is a two-time winner for handcrafted cars in every way. How lucky can a car guy get? First things first. Motor Trend … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Rick and I chase down the neatest automotive history stories and many times – the cars that go with them. This time, we actually caught the car first and we’re in search of its build story – second. … Continue reading
Hi Gang…. “So how was Carlisle?” you might ask….” In one of our last stories back in early May, Rick D’Louhy and I were prepping for our trip to participate in the Import and Kit Nationals held yearly in Carlisle, … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I love surprises…. Back in April, 2012 when I heard from Bob Walters and the history of his Meteor SR-1 he called “La Bomba” I was thrilled. Hooking up with first-person history is essential to establishing the heritage … Continue reading
Hi Gang… As you’ve recently heard, we’re taking the Forgotten Fiberglass show on the road next week and are very much honored in participating at the 2014 Import & Kit Nationals held in Carlisle, Pennsylvania – click here for more … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Well this was an interesting bit of research. Back in May of last year, I found a photo on eBay (can’t remember if someone sent me the reference or if I found it – if someone sent it … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Fiberglass sports cars of the ‘50s are becoming the focus of shows, events, concours – and now even auctions – with greater frequency each year. And this is a great sign that our cars are becoming accepted and … Continue reading
Hi Gang… We have Frank Cornell’s eagle eyes to thank for this fiber-gem that we can share today. Those of you who are Clive Cussler fans may know that many years ago he bought a Meteor SR-1 – a beautiful … Continue reading
Hi Gang… One of the most comprehensive articles that summarizes the history of the Guy Mabee Drilling Company Special was written by Bruce Gross back in 1995. Today we are honored to share it with you here at Forgotten Fiberglass. Great … Continue reading
Hi Gang… As part of our first “Victress Weekend” of stories, let’s have a look at one of the first magazines to cover the record-breaking 200+ mile an hour run of the Guy Mabee Special. This was covered in January, … Continue reading
Hi Gang… The “Import & Kit Nationals” show at Carlisle, Pennsylvania which is being held later this month keeps getting better and better. I covered the seminar that we’ll be hosting in a story here last week. Click here to … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again. The folks that are part of our group – the fiberglass raconteurs – are expert researchers and historians in their own right. And we are honored that we have created … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I shared the first part of this story back a few months ago, and now let’s review the rest of the story. Click here if you would like to review part 1 of this story. As I mentioned … Continue reading
Hi Gang… About a year ago, I heard from an enthusiast in Manitoba, Canada – Ed A. – who wrote the following: Geoff, I just found your web site tonight which is quite fascinating. I have a friend here in … Continue reading
Hi Gang… How can you resist stories about the Fisher Body Craftsman’s Guild? This was the contest process put in place by General Motors where talented young men through about the age of 18 were challenged to design a new … 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
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… This is one early article on Glasspar G2 sports cars! Bill Tritt didn’t really start rolling out the bodies from his Costa Mesa, California plant in any numbers until late in 1952 when Shorty Post had his frames … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I love vintage press release photos – and there have been some great treasure troves of information “found” out there on ebay as newspapers divest themselves of their silver nitrate based photo collections of many decades. Recently, I … Continue reading
Hi Gang… The research we do here at Forgotten Fiberglass is certainly a collaborative effort. Recently, I saw a comment posted on our website that accompanied the following story on the CRV sports car (click here to review the story) … Continue reading
Hi Gang… What a great looking sports car! And I love the write up. As Rick D’Louhy and I continue to locate rare magazines, newspapers, race programs, show programs, and the like….we continue to uncover fiber-treasure inside – cars we’ve … Continue reading
Hi Gang… When good friend and automotive historian Bob Cunningham shared a photo he saw on the internet that featured the 1946 Darrin fiberglass car and Santa Claus – I was hooked and had to have it. The photo, that … Continue reading
Hi Gang… It’s taken me about 5 years of research on this one but now I can say…this is a two-part article., and today is part 1 of this series. For years all I had was this article and at … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Few stories from the 50s document in such detail the trials and tribulations of designing and building your own fiberglass sports car. This story captures the work completed by Bob Winberg and Pete Anderson of Floral Park, New … Continue reading
Hi Gang… As a source of inspiration, one of the first books I read when we began our quest to find lost and forgotten cars of yore was Tom Cotter’s “Cobra in the Barn.” This is a book chocked full … 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… 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… I love ads and brochures of these cool vintage fiber companies – and finding a full page ad in a magazine is quite rare. No doubt it was expensive to do, but that’s exactly what Sports Car Engineering … 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… I was recently inspired by the finding of one of Noel Bangert’s original Manta Rays in the Pacific Northwest. The Manta Ray was Noel’s second design/model but his first was the body/car shown in this story – known … Continue reading
Hi Gang… It’s been a busy year. Lots of reorganization, renewal, and even a “reset” or two, so let’s see if we can end this year with a few new “Forgotten Fiberglass” stories. In the past many months, I’ve been … Continue reading
Hi Gang… For you Atlas / Allied Swallow owners out there… here’s a short one-page article from Motor Magazine in February, 1949. It’s nice to see how they presented the car with specs on the basics. It makes a nice … Continue reading
Hi Gang… We’re always looking for the initial press release photos and captions for each of our favorite fiberglass sports cars. Here’s an early photo and accompanying caption that was printed in the spring of 1956. Let’s see what they … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Late last year, I found the following comment posted on a story about the McCormack Sports /Custom Car: “I was so excited to find this website. My dad is celebrating his 80th birthday this weekend. He is the … Continue reading
Note: This is the third in a series of articles that appeared in Car Craft Magazine about the process of designing and building your own fiberglass bodied sports car. Car Craft published one of the most detailed series of articles ever to appear on … 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… Last month we published part 1 of this series – an article by Robert Cumberford that appeared in Car and Driver Magazine in September, 1962. Click here to review part 1 of this series. In that article, Cumberford … Continue reading
Hi Gang… That darn ‘ole Erich Schultz. Every time I tell him about a car that needs “saving”, he’s off faster than a speeding bullet…..down the road….with Michelle and his son Kenny and on his way to his next “adventure” … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Alden Jewell has done it again. What an amazing number of car shows he must have visited in the 50s – some of the finest custom car, sports car, new car, and just plain great ‘ole car shows … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Great news….we found another Victress employee – and a very special one at that. Barry Tousley joined Victress in late 1953 – the same time as Merrill Powell – at the ripe ole’ age of 9 (Merrill was … Continue reading
Note: This is the third in a series of stories about the fiberglass sports cars that appeared in the 1954 Custom Cars book by Motor Trend. Click here to review each of these stories on Forgotten Fiberglass. ————————– Hi Gang… In the … Continue reading
Hi Gang… We’re building a community….a “fiberglass community” that is. Several years ago I had the honor of meeting a gaggle of ‘glass guys from the Northeast Jack Woolridge, Bill Jackson, and Roger Adam – spearheaded by Clark Mitchell. Most … Continue reading
Note: This is the second in a series of articles that appeared in Car Craft Magazine about the process of designing and building your own fiberglass bodied sports car. Car Craft published one of the most detailed series of articles ever to appear on … 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… This car has fascinated me since being turned on to it many years ago by Guy Dirken. It’s a small sports car with a wheelbase of less than 90 inches, but the styling of it is superb and … Continue reading
Hi Gang… As I’ve mentioned before, I feel like one of the luckiest “car guys” around. I’ve always been fascinated with corners of the world that are “less traveled.” This has taken me on some of the most amazing journeys … Continue reading
Note: This is the first in a series of articles that appeared in Car Craft Magazine about the process of designing and building your own fiberglass bodied sports car. Car Craft published one of the most detailed series of articles ever … Continue reading
Hi Gang… This is a beautiful brochure from Sterling Gladwin, the designer, creator, and builder of the Maverick Sportster. Although the Maverick was first offered in late 1952, this brochure is dated as “received” on June 8th, 1955. We’re still … Continue reading
Note: This is the second in a series of stories about the fiberglass sports cars that appeared in the 1954 Custom Cars book by Motor Trend. Click here to review each of these stories on Forgotten Fiberglass. ————————– Hi Gang… In … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Alden Jewell found this on the inside page of the Small Car Parade Magazine from March, 1960. Shown is the new Enzmann as well as the older 1954 Renault based Rogue by Plasticar of Pennsylvannia. Interestingly, while the … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I’m lucky to have an absolutely wonderful car museum close to me and this is the Sarasota Classic Car Museum in Sarasota, Florida owned by good friend Martin Godbey. Last year during one of my visits, I had … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Back in 2011, I posted a mystery car that was owned by Tom Pawlak who lives in Southern California. It was called the “Hirsch Sports Car” but that’s all that Tom and I could find out about the car. … Continue reading
Note: This is the first in a series of stories about the fiberglass sports cars that appeared in the 1954 Custom Cars book by Motor Trend. Click here to review each of these stories on Forgotten Fiberglass. ————————– Hi Gang… This is … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Another press release photo uncovered most likely circa 1965 – we’ll let Nick Whitlow, our resident CRV historian and expert, chip in and share his thoughts on the date in the comments area below. Based on the wording … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I have a real problem with cars. I don’t see them as they are. I see them as how they once were and maybe – just maybe – how they could look again. Junkyards to me are not … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Alden Jewell’s collection continues to astound us here at Forgotten Fiberglass. Recently he shared this flyer not from Maverick Motors but from Industrial Plastics Services. This was the organization that built the Vale bodies (we hope more than … Continue reading
Hi Gang… We are blessed with so many people participating in the research here at Forgotten Fiberglass. One of those folks that we salute today is Alden Jewell. Today’s article comes from the dimensional “know-no-limits” archives that he has been … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I didn’t know there would be a “part 2” to this story. Now I hope that I can write a “part 3” which would feature the “find” of this car 🙂 Back in 2011, Glenn Brummer forwarded me … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Here’s one of the press release photos and captions we recently found concerning the Aurora concept car. And….we’re happy to share it with you here today at Forgotten Fiberglass: Safest Car and Priest Designer Brandford, Connecticutt: February 28, … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Back in 2008, I traveled to California to spend some time with Gene Winfield – customizing legend from the 50s forward and all around great car guy. I had made the trip to confirm that he was the … Continue reading
Hi Gang… The Chicagoan is here! The Chicagoan is here! That’s what the crowd cheered when the locally designed and built “Chicagoan Sports Car” (also known as the Triplex and Ketcham Sports Car) debuted back in 1954 at the Chicago … Continue reading
Hi Gang… We always think of the first production fiberglass car in America as being the 1953 Corvette – and for all intents and purposes that assertion is right. As Raffi Minasian has discussed with me many times, production infers … Continue reading
Hi Gang… How could I resist? This photo was being offered with other press release photos I found in the Florida area and it called to me from afar. Is it fiberglass? Is it a steel custom? I’m going to … 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… At least we found “two” of the press release photos 🙂 I’m sure the other ones that were released with the set showed the front and side profile of the car. Hopefully….we’ll find those over time too (and … Continue reading
Hi Gang… “Plastics.” That was the work we heard in the 1967 film “The Graduate.” But that word was being used for fiberglass or “plastic” bodied cars for nearly three decades before. Case in point. In today’s story we focus … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Here’s another short article in the pursuit of placing all articles on fiberglass cars that were published in the 1950s online for your review and enjoyment – here at Forgotten Fiberglass. This article is a press release photo … Continue reading
Hi Gang… So far we’ve found two magazines that heralded the announcement that a newly designed “Dutch Darrin” DKW car that would ultimately be sold by Flintridge Motors of Los Angeles, California. Each occurred early in ’57 and the plans … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Last Fall, Rik Hoving, Bob Cunningham, & David Greenles all sent in a link via e-mail to a small photo on ebay that looked like a plastic sports car from the 50s. “One more fibercar from the 50s … Continue reading
Hi Gang… At Forgotten Fiberglass, we collect every bit of fiber-scrap of information. The latest piece of today’s puzzle was sent in by resident fiber-expert Phil Fleming and was a seemingly innocuous ad from Sports Car Engineering – or so … Continue reading
Hi Gang… This car has always fascinated me for the history on why it was built, who designed it, and the fact it was actually finished and is now restored. It’s an amazing story of two people – Reverend Alfred … Continue reading
Hi Gang… It’s rare we get to see a car in color “back in the day” but it does happen – most recently with the 1951 Lancer by Eric Irwin. Pretty cool stuff gang, and when I see something in … Continue reading
Hi Gang… One of the most famous Meteor SR1 sports cars ever completed was built in Oregon by Larry Eave, Chuck Rich, and Orville Withey in the mid 1950s. This Meteor was built for speed and raced too. In fact, … Continue reading
Hi Gang… When we discuss Jim Byers cars we normally think of the car that John Bond, owner of Road & Track Magazine, called “the most beautiful sports car in the world.” That is, the Byers SR-100 that graced the cover … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Here’s how Frank Kurtis opened up in the sales flyer in today’s story and introduced his company to potential customers: “The Frank Kurtis Company, world’s largest builder of professional racing cars for over 25 years, maintains leadership through … 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… I love mystery cars! These stories often show what was possible when hard working, talented, and creative individuals put the rubber to the road and brought forth their own creation for their own satisfaction and drive. What more … 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… If you remember from our previous story here on Forgotten Fiberglass about the Seagrave car (click here to review), the Seagrave company threw down the gauntlet and announced a fiberglass bodied compact car would shortly be in production. … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Recently, I heard from a former Victress S1 owner, Jere Duke, and his story on his Victress S1 purchased in the early 1970s. While he didn’t know the story of who originally built the car many years before, … 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… As more of our limited production fiberglass sports cars get restored, they are showing up at established car shows and making big waves. At any show across the country, if an American sports car shows up that people … Continue reading
Hi Gang… In the past few months, I’ve been pounding on eBay looking for more information on our coveted ‘glass specials….wringing this digital media “dry” of as much history, stories, and photos I can find. And much of what I … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Ok….I’m getting jealous of Alden Jewell’s collection so let me feature something from my own fiber files. Today’s feature is the long-lost, coveted almost as good as what Alden has item – the 1958 Sports Car Engineering catalog … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Alden Jewell’s collection reveals yet another treasure – an original blueprint from Maverick Motors showing the parts used to complete the Maverick – or perhaps build your own. I’ve seen a blueprint like this before in the 1954 … Continue reading
Hi Gang… First I thought this was a Byers SR-100. Then….a modified Meteor SR-1. But…in consulting with Erich Schultz and Guy Dirkin, we now think it’s a one-off body either pulled and modified from another sports car or cast uniquely … 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… For the past several years, the fiberglass bodied Seagrave Compact Coupe has been surfacing and retreating – looking for a new owner and deserving of one too. Having survived for 50+ years in unrestored and unshown condition…it’s time … Continue reading
Hi Gang… When I first saw hints of the Hurricane Sports Car by Sports Car Engineering, I called good friend Harold Pace and said “tell me it isn’t so Harold!” What a great design – a bit “off” but distinctive … Continue reading
Hi Gang… The best part of being part of the “Forgotten Fiberglass Faction of Friends” is the wide variety of neat, interesting, and great people you get to meet – and often become friends with. Such is the case with … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Alden Jewell’s dedication for collecting automotive history and literature isn’t a recent endeavor – he’s been doing it all his life. And I couldn’t have been more excited to meet him when good friend Bob Cunningham made the … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Well here’s an interesting sports car I haven’t seen in person yet. I’ve seen the brochure that I’m sharing with you today over the years, and recently I came across additional information and photos that I’ll share in … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Nick Whitlow is the “king” of all things CRV. He’s been collecting information about these cool 1960s sports cars for years before I started researching vintage fiberglass cars with Rick D’Louhy, so having a resident expert on hand … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Well….we did it. We made it with the Shark to Amelia with a gaggle of glass guys in tow. And it was nothing short of a miraculous effort by friends, family, supporting businesses, and probably mysterious unknown fiberglass … Continue reading
Hi Gang… As I write this, we have 168 hours until our 1962 Shark Roadster is presented at the 2013 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. Wow! Has time gone fast! This will be the first major appearance of the Shark in … Continue reading
Hi Gang… We keep looking and looking and looking but so far in the “Geoff vs Vale Sports Car” quest for a car we have yet to find a single “Vale” out there. Which is surprising because it’s so beautiful … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Bill Berry and your Falcon…..where are you??? Read on to learn more…. What a great find this is that we’re sharing today. I first saw this car in the 1955 Petersen Motorama program (known in 1955 as the … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Photos without captions are like finding Indian arrowheads at the flea market. Little is known of what, when, why, and where concerning the history. Surely more would be known and confirmed if we could examine where the arrowhead … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Many of you know my passion for vintage cars started with my grandfather, Morrie Hacker, my mother Ruth, and mentorship in my early teenage years from Paul Terhorst of Chicago, Illinois. I was well-schooled in great old cars, … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Here’s another interesting publicity photo I found recently – and I had to look at it “thrice” to make sure it really was – what I thought it “was.” Shown on the wall of the exhibition was a … Continue reading
Hi Gang… The quest for information continues on all fronts. Most recently, “press release photos” locked away in newspaper archives have become available and collections are being rapidly dispersed – precious photos scattered to the wind. Each day I canvas … Continue reading
Hi Gang… This past year I was honored to present our 1947 Kurtis-Omohundro Comet at the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The efforts to create a class of Sport Custom cars – the predecessors to our beloved forgotten fiberglass handcrafted … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I like to go the extra mile – confirm beyond a reasonable doubt what we’ve heard time after time and have long accepted as fact. Too long, sometimes. The story of postwar sports cars always starts with American … Continue reading
Hi Gang… In the past few years, more and more publicity shots that were distributed to newspapers and magazines are showing up in collections for sale. Canvassing those collections for fiberglass gems has become another passion of mine in researching … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Merrill Powell, parner and co-owner of Victress Manufacturing with Doc Boyce-Smith from 1953-1961, turns 82 years old today. Happy Birthday Merrill! Our “fearless leader of fiberglass” has joined us at nearly every significant fiber-event in the past 6 … Continue reading
Hi Gang… We try and keep a full head of fiber-steam going here at Forgotten Fiberglass. One of our goals is to share all the literature each of these companies produced and printed in the ‘50s and ‘60s. And I … Continue reading
Hi Gang… This is one special article! First, it was written by the man himself – John Wills – who owned and brought to life two of the first four fiberglass sports cars the American public got a chance to … 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… I keep searching and searching and searching….but I’ve only ever found one ad for Sorrell Engineering – until today. Good friend and automotive historian Alden Jewell sent me a second ad – a nice one that included a … Continue reading
Hi Gang… We’ve come to a point at Forgotten Fiberglass where we need to step back and answer some larger more analytical questions. Recent contributions to the website by Joel Driskill and Rick Feibusch have provided excellent food for thought, … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Not to be confused with the Campbell Fiberglass Company which produced fiberglass boats and cars (known as “Hollywood Plastics”) in California….this “Campbell Sports Car Company” is from Canada and combines some of the best produced bodies, chassis, and … Continue reading
—————- Note: This is the second in a series of articles on Jerry Gardner’s Voodoo Dream. Click here to review all articles in this series. —————- Hi Gang… In the first part of this story, I introduced you to Jerry Gardner, … 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… There’s not many of these Devin Jr’s around, and what fun it would be to have a miniature of your favorite fiberglass car – in this case a Devin – zooming around your home, garage, and family. Zoom … 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… 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… What a great story and fantastic fiber car of yesteryear – and it survives today as a beautifully restored sports car. Gordon White wrote of this car in his 2001 book, Kurtis-Kraft: Masterworks of Speed and Style, and … Continue reading
——– Note: This is the second in a series of articles on the Robert Jackson sports car. Click here to review all articles in this series ——– Hi Gang… The more you dig into the magazines of the ‘50s, the more … 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… 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… It’s neat to see that Road & Track Magazine – and others too – were road testing some of our favorite fiberglass sports cars of the ‘50s and ‘60s. Interestingly, these official “Road Tests” do not start to … Continue reading
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
Hi Gang… Buy it, build it, or something in between. That’s what John Mays and John Burmaster of Bloomington Illinois offered when interest in their custom designed sports car – “The Fibersport” – heated up and others wanted to drive … Continue reading
Hi Gang… More great fiber news! Thanks to the efforts of Bill Sigworth, retired Chemtura executive (legacy company from Naugatuck Chemical / U.S. Rubber days) and Ann Harmon, expert Chemtura Librarian, we now have excellent scans of the U.S. Rubber … 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… 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… There are many nicely designed fiberglass bodied sports cars that make it over the pond and to the USA. One of those that I see time and time again is the Peerless GT – which is surprising given … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I was first contacted by Lanny Word about a year ago when he found our Forgotten Fiberglass website and e-mailed me about his father’s car back in the late ‘50s – a Woodill Wildfire. Of course I was … Continue reading
Hi Gang… If you were going to build a chassis for your fiberglass bodied sports car back in the ‘50s – why not build one designed by Frank Kurtis? Frank made it easy for everyone interested. If you wanted to … Continue reading
—————- Note: This is the first in a series of articles on Jerry Gardner’s Voodoo Dream. Click here to review all articles in this series. —————- Hi Gang… I saw the ad on eBay last April, 2011. It was titled … 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… Haven’t we all been to “mecca” as children and driven sports cars before the age of nine? Opps…I mean haven’t we all been to “Disneyland” and driven “Autopia” cars during our childhood, young adulthood, or later? If this … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I love stories about fiberglass cars built “back when” that were carefully crafted and have an interesting history in terms of ownership and build. And this one fits the bill in every way. It was built by Dick … 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… When I first started researching the McCormack sports / custom car, I found a website maintained by Rich McCormack – Hank’s younger brother. Rich had put together a short history on his brother’s car with family photos. It … 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… I’m honored to have another article to share with you about a rare fiberglass sports car from the UK called a Singer SMX. This article is written by Singer historian Phillip Avis who is part of the North American … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Rodney Packwood, Glasspar G2 historian and fiberglass finder extraordinaire, found another Glasspar G2 to add to the ranks of survivors. The story of this car is great fun, and let’s have Rodney share it – as he saw … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Today’s story features a catalog from Allied – formerly known as “Astra” – which was a Kellison Sports Car Affiliate. And boy did they make nice catalogs! This is a short one – just 4 pages and includes … Continue reading
Hi Gang… The clamor to share more of the history of John Furlow’s “Salem GMC Kurtis Byers” has been heard. Today’s article is from the ’58 book by Motor Trend called “Sportscar Specials” – authored by Bob Rolofson. Let’s see … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Well here’s an interesting fiber car from the mid ‘50s. Rick D’Louhy and I looked at this article. I said “Meteor” and Rick said “Not.” Click here to review stories about Dick Jones’ Meteor SR-1. Maybe we’re both … Continue reading
———– Motor Trend Magazine was so impressed by the success of fiberglass sports cars and the excitement over them that by late ’53 they featured a 6 page article featuring 7 different fiberglass cars you could purchase or build yourself. They … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Some people go the extra mile in the restoration of their vintage fiberglass car. And then there’s Jim Lattin. Back 4 years ago, Dennis Gerdes and I set off on a Glasspar G2 hunt. We had just spent … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Here at Forgotten Fiberglass we are always looking for “the smoking gun” – the “Rosetta Stone” that will allow us to peer into the past with perfect accuracy and understand the history of a company like never before. … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Sports Car Illustrated started out with their first issue in July of ’55 and met with great success. One year later they released a special edition (one issue only) titled “International Auto Salon.” While I’m still researching if … Continue reading
Hi Gang… This is another in an series of ongoing articles and designs from the talented hands of Keith Kaucher – fan of fiberglass and consummate sports and custom car designer. For years Keith shared his designs with the audience … 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
Hi Gang… Today I’m honored to share the story of Roger Adam and his first sports car – a car that he built in ’58 called an Amquist Speedster. What makes this story even more special is that Roger grew … Continue reading
Hi Gang… The world of Forgotten Fiberglass is expanding like catalyzed resin…. Recently, Rick Feibusch sent in some pictures from a friend of his showing a car that I immediately recognized as Carl Schoonhoven’s LeMans Coupe. I’d heard about it … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Did you know that the first two fiberglass sports cars produced by Glasspar were based on a Willys chassis and engine? That’s significant and I wanted to learn more – but what I found out was far more … Continue reading
Hi Gang… We have some excellent researchers in our group, and the story today is relayed from Phil Fleming and research he did on a Byers body found many years ago. His story started in the early ‘90s when he … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Chicken or egg? The 94” wheelbase Cisitalia Roadster or the Allied Falcon Roadster? Let’s talk fiberglass! Bill Burke, Roy Kinch, and Mickey Thompson introduced the 94” Swallow Coupe to an excited world in November ’52. Their roadster version … Continue reading
Hi Gang… This is our tenth 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… What a great group of folks we have here at Forgotten Fiberglass. I’m lucky to hear from many of you via comments on the stories and replies via e-mail. Keep ‘em coming gang! Today’s story is a result … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I keep finding more information about Kellison Sports Cars, but in catalogs from companies named “Astra” and then “Allied.” I haven’t had a chance to dig into the history of the fiber cars from the ‘60s in great … 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
———– Motor Trend Magazine was so impressed by the success of fiberglass sports cars and the excitement over them that by late ’53 they featured a 6 page article featuring 7 different fiberglass cars you could purchase or build yourself. They … 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… Think about what it takes to produce a Mysterion…. First…someone has to have a dream of building a car. Then, that person and probably his friends and family jump on board and help him work toward that goal. … Continue reading
Hi Gang… What a great story this is today – and it represents another “Cover Story” where the fiberglass car of interest appears on the cover of the magazine. This time it’s in color too! Very cool. Let’s have a … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I’ve had too much coffee this morning – but the title is right on target. Most people think of a fiberglass sports car called a “Berkeley” as a stylish car from over the Pond in the UK. Well … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Today I have the honor of introducing you to another author, friend of fiberglass, automotive historian and all-around great car guy – Rick Feibusch. Time and time again, Rick sends the coolest cars and the neatest slices of … Continue reading
Hi Gang… This is our ninth 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
————————— Note: This is the second of three articles in a series of articles on the first brochure of Clearfield Plastics of Clearfield, Pennsylvania. Click here to review all articles in this series. ————————— Hi Gang… Back in the ‘50s, … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I can’t get enough of this cute little car. We’ve found quite a bit of documentation that time, effort, design, and process was all worked out, yet the effort didn’t yield many cars. Howard “Dutch” Darrin’s design for … Continue reading
Hi Gang… What fun it is to share the fiberglass designs of the Midwest. Recently, I wrote about the fiberglass cars of the Northeast in a story about the Rockefeller Yankee. Today’s story focuses on the Detroit born and bred … 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… My first fiberglass car was a Shark – a convertible Shark at that. Little did I know that the path I would embark on as a young man would be so adventurous in later life 🙂 Back about … Continue reading
———– Motor Trend Magazine was so impressed by the success of fiberglass sports cars and the excitement over them that by late ’53 they featured a 6 page article featuring 7 different fiberglass cars you could purchase or build yourself. They … 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
Hi Gang… This is one of my favorite titles for the larger and more powerful sports cars – most of which were fiberglass by ’56 – built in America. Jim Potter, the author of this article, had been covering the … Continue reading
Hi Gang… What a great name for a sports car – the Townsend Typhoon. Frank Townsend built his first “Typhoon” in ’54 on a ’49 Plymouth chassis – 111 inch wheelbase and all. What a grand car it was to … Continue reading
Hi Gang… This is our seventh 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… One of the first folks I met when I started researching topics in Forgotten Fiberglass was Phil Fleming. Harold Pace had written a story about Byers sports cars and Phil contributed to that story in significant ways. Recently, … Continue reading
———– Motor Trend Magazine was so impressed by the success of fiberglass sports cars and the excitement over them that by late ’53 they featured a 6 page article featuring 7 different fiberglass cars you could purchase or build yourself. They … Continue reading
Hi Gang… The Multiplex lineage of cars starts back at the turn of the 20th century – takes a near 50 year hiatus – and then starts again in ’53. Today we’ll explore more about the cars and the brochures … Continue reading
————– “When all is said and done, where else but in America can you find the talent and “can-do” spirit needed to produce a poor man’s Allard?” Motorsports Magazine: May-June 1953 Read on to learn more… ————– Hi Gang… … 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… I have been searching for the original copy of this ad for 5+ years. And one of our Forgotten Fiberglass Fanatics delivered it once again. I work with the greatest gang of car guys in the world 🙂 … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I’ve asked Bob Peterson, resident Kellison Aficionado and Kellison owner, to keep us up-to-date concerning the restoration progress of his Kellison J2. When we last heard from Bob, he reported in with the story of how and why … Continue reading
———– Motor Trend Magazine was so impressed by the success of fiberglass sports cars and the excitement over them that by late ’53 they featured a 6 page article featuring 7 different fiberglass cars you could purchase or build yourself. They … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I believe we’re going to witness the second birth of this Glasspar G2 – and I hope today’s story helps bring the latest chapter of the Ron Amos Glasspar G2 to fruition. Ron has owned this G2 since … Continue reading
Hi Gang… You just can’t stop an entrepreneur and his passion for success. Woody Woodill was on a mission. After several years of success as an innovator and business man in the sports car and sports car kit business, he … 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… What fun it is to learn about cars from knowledgeable folks within our group – in this case, Will Silk. Will has offered to put together fiberglass-related articles from time to time and today’s article is a fascinating … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I like stories like these… Back in September 2011, I received the following e-mail: Dear Geoff, I’m in the process of scanning 35mm slides taken by my father, Robert W. McJones, in the 1950s. I came across some … Continue reading
Hi Gang… This article was a very important article for John Bond – new owner of Road and Track Magazine as of November 1952 – just three months prior to this article’s publication. How could I know this article was … Continue reading
————————— Note: This is the first of three articles in a series of articles on the first brochure of Clearfield Plastics of Clearfield, Pennsylvania. Click here to review all articles in this series. ————————— Hi Gang… Back in the ‘50s, … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Doc Boyce-Smith was busy putting together the materials people needed so that they could build their fiberglass sports cars in ’55. He wanted his customers to be successful in every way. Recently I wrote about his first effort … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Bill Fester of Houston, Texas wanted an Allied Swallow Coupe. The Allied looked just like the car he saw – a Multiplex Sports Car – shown in John Gunnell’s book “Standard Catalog of American Cars: 1946-1975.” Bill had noticed … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Today’s article is from intrepid Singer Motor Car Historian, author, and writer Peter McKercher from Ontario, Canada. Peter was kind enough to put together a history of Vern Gardner’s BMC Singer sports car and extend what we know … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Here it was in ’55 and Victress Manufacturing was doing great. The new coupe models had been released (C2 and C3) and they were heading to the Petersen Motorama for their biggest appearance yet showing an example – … Continue reading
Hi Gang… The Commons Crusader, built by William G. Commons, appeared in several magazines in ’53, and had some really neat features that you’ll read about today and in future stories here at Forgotten Fiberglass. It was conceived, designed, and … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Imagine how excited the automotive world was with the introduction of fiberglass sports cars at the November ’51 Petersen Motorama. And by the Fall of ’52 – nearly one year later – enthusiasts and entrepreneurs across the country … 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… This is one of the earliest references to the debut of Clearfield Plastics we’ve found yet, and was sent in by good friend and automotive historian Paul Sable (Thanks Paul!). But what’s that you say? Clearfield Plastics is … 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
Hi Gang… The saga of a nearly 60 year old unfinished fiberglass body continues. You just can’t stop the potential in this car body! Here’s what has happened so far in our story: Produced in the mid ‘50s in the … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Actually, Doc and Ted were going to show you how to build any fiberglass body of your design – and the molds to make more than just one of them! Talk about giving away the house! (trade secrets, … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Until recently, I thought that a significant gap existed between Bill Devin’s debut of his Panhard bodied race car bodies and his later sports car bodies. And I was right – for a time. The more I researched … 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
————– 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
Hi Gang… I’ve taken U.S. Mark II research as far as I can go. With the help of good friends Alden Jewell, Scott Odell, and Pat Amedolia, we’ve shared what we can and now turn the reins over to U.S. … Continue reading
————————— Note: The next series of stories here on Forgotten Fiberglass are going to focus on the brochures and associated customer communication of the Atlas / Allied Fiber Glass Company. We’re lucky here at Forgotten Fiberglass to have become friends … Continue reading
—————– Editor’s Note: So often in researching our favorite fabulous fiberglass cars, there exists such little information. Case in point. Besides magazine articles from back in the day, the seven pieces of paper shown in today’s article, from the Alden … Continue reading
Hi Gang… By now most of you know how I spent my holiday last year… While you were with loved ones enjoying family and food and song and celebration….I hit the road – solo – to “walk the fiberglass talk” … Continue reading
Hi Gang… “I’d rather be lucky than good…” That’s what I’ve always said, and fortune has favored my meeting some folks over time who have become great friends too. That’s exactly describes how I feel about collaborating with Bob Peterson. … Continue reading
Hi Gang… So many people are part of the “Forgotten Fiberglass Phenomenon.” Allow me to introduce the “characters” of this story and thank them for their help, guidance, contributions, and collaborations in every way: Scott Odell, Merrill Powell, Marshall Foxworthy, … Continue reading
—— Note: This is the second of a two-part story on Byers, Kellison, and Fiberglass Trends. Click here to review both parts of the story. —– Hi Gang… Today’s contribution is possible through the generosity of good friend Ed Almquist … 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
Hi Gang… What a fun article this must have been to write back in the day. Building your own sports car that could compete as well as handle nicely on the road was something many young men dreamed of. By … 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
————————— Note: The next series of stories here on Forgotten Fiberglass are going to focus on the brochures and associated customer communication of the Atlas / Allied Fiber Glass Company. We’re lucky here at Forgotten Fiberglass to have become friends … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Another fiberglass sports car on the front cover of a major automotive magazine from the ‘50s. How impressive is that gang! Howard “Dutch” Darrin still had it, and the world would always focus when he had something to … Continue reading
————————— Note: This is the fourth in a series of articles on Bill Tritt, his legacy, and his impact on the boating and sports car world. For additional articles in this series on Bill Tritt, click on the link below. … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Recently we introduced Plasticar’s ’53 brochure which featured the Marquis that was in the process of being introduced to the world. In that same brochure was their other car – a car that was first built in aluminum … Continue reading
————————— Note: The next series of stories here on Forgotten Fiberglass are going to focus on the brochures and associated customer communication of the Atlas / Allied Fiber Glass Company. We’re lucky here at Forgotten Fiberglass to have become friends … Continue reading
Hi Gang… We have the greatest folks that I’ve met thru their mutual interest in Forgotten Fiberglass and I’m honored to build those friendships each and every day. One of the folks I met recently is Will Silk who writes … Continue reading
————————— Note: The next series of stories here on Forgotten Fiberglass are going to focus on the brochures and associated customer communication of the Atlas / Allied Fiber Glass Company. We’re lucky here at Forgotten Fiberglass to have become friends … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Let’s talk Kellison. What an aggressive looking car. It looks like you’re going to get a speeding ticket in it – even before you turn the key. Whatever Jim Kellison was inspired by when he penned his design … Continue reading
Hi Gang… We’re off and running for 2012 and Forgotten Fiberglass – and it’s only 11 days into the New Year! Earlier this week I posted information about an upcoming Concours d’ Elegance in the first half of the year … Continue reading
——————- Note: This is the second part of a two part story concerning the history of Plasticar’s Marquis. Click here for the other part of this story ——————- Hi Gang… In the previous article about this car, the Marquis by … Continue reading
Hi Gang… LeMans Coupes and their history are springing out all over the country! Finding out more concerning the history of the LeMans Coupe has been one of my favorite passions since beginning the Forgotten Fiberglass odyssey lo so many … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Another Midwest built fiberglass sports car from the 50’s. How fun and exciting to share in every way! This one has an interesting history and was one of a breed of fiberglass cars built in the Midwest – … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Here’s another great article on a special car introduced in ’55 by Noel Bangert (Marshall), and what’s interesting about this car is how flexible Noel saw that the design could be. In this article, Noel put together six … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I love first person accounts of history – and this one’s an early review of the history of Kurtis-Kraft – from 1952 no less. Talk about early! This article appeared two years before the ’54 introduction of the … 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… I first met Pat Amendolia back in 2006. He had a wonderful website where I learned much about Pat, his friend Jim Rockefeller and how they both built fiberglass cars back in the day. And Pat is quite … Continue reading
—— Note: This is the first of a two-part story on Byers, Kellison, and Fiberglass Trends. Click here to review both parts of the story. —– Hi Gang… So what is the legacy of car models and their molds after … Continue reading
Hi Gang… In response to many questions I’ve had about the McCormack Sports Car, I’ve been posting additional information leading up to photos taken of the car on the day I picked it up on my holiday trip, 2011. Today’s … Continue reading
Hi Gang… As part of Forgotten Fiberglass, I’m honored to meet the most interesting people and their wonderful collections of little known – or unknown – sports cars and boulevard cruisers. One of these folks is racer and sports car … Continue reading
——————- Note: This is the first part of a two part story concerning the history of Plasticar’s Marquis. Click here for the other part of this story ——————- Editor’s Note: In honor of my recent trip – and new friends made … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Today’s story is a result of the generosity of two friends: Bob Murray and Harold Pace. During my recent travels during the Christmas holidays of 2011, I spent some time with Bob Murray of North Carolina. Bob was … Continue reading
Hi Gang… In Italian, “La Saetta” translates to “The Lightning” or “Lightning Bolt” and it was in late 1952 that Gino and Cesare Testaguzza debuted their “La Saetta” – a 110 to 116 inch wheelbase sports car / boulevard cruiser … Continue reading
Hi Gang… During my recent trip to the Northeast, I pulled back home a McCormack Sports / Custom car from its resting place for so many years. I’ll share the full story with you in the near future, but I … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Back about two years ago, I introduced you to a car in progress at the home of Alan and Jen Mortlock of Missouri. They were well on their way to completing a beautiful restoration of their G2 and … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Vintage fiberglass bodies are springing up across the United States, and the latest one to share with you was found by Scott Odell of New York State several years ago. At first we thought it was an “El … 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
Hi Gang… Just got home from my Forgotten Fiberglass “jaunt” into the Northeast this holiday. Some of the highlights include: Ten days on the road behind the wheel of my Suburban with car trailer in tow Had two tires “explode” … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Back in the late ‘50s and early ‘60s, a series of books was released by “Sports Car Press” of New York. There were wonderful titles in this collection covering such varied topics as: Sports Cars of the World, … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Thanks goes to Harold Pace, noted author and great friend, for directing me to the source of today’s article. Today’s article from Car and Driver Magazine in ’71 gives great insight into the state of the fiberglass sports … 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
Hi Gang… Plastic bodies… Built-in radio telephones… Power by solid fuel…. Air conditioning…. Living room comfortable seating… Automatic “crash detector” systems… How promising and “futuristic” the “future” must have seemed back in ’42. Today’s story came in from a good friend … Continue reading
Hi Gang… This is an interesting book because of it’s date – 1956. It gives us a window into what was still happening in terms of fiberglass sports cars and other interesting facets of automotive history at the time. Here … 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… There were some fantastic fiberglass sports cars built here – and across the pond. How ‘bout Switzerland? The Enzmann is one of a few sports cars made there, and has a powerful legacy both in Europe and here … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Recently I was lucky enough to be contacted by another relative of James F. Craig who, along with John “Buzz” Buzby, designed and built the “Gazelle” sports car. Here’s the note I received: Geoff… I happened upon your … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Here’s what a Classic Glasspar G2 Sports Car was – in every way, shape, and form – back in the ’52-53 timeframe. It was a race car. It was a sports car. It was a drag car. I’m … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Questions, Questions, Questions…..I love questions 🙂 What was the first postwar kit or “assembled sports car’ in America? Who made the first full-size “production” sports car in postwar America? Which postwar sports car could be ordered with a … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Now we’re talking! A Sorrell SR-100 with a powerful GMC six cylinder….Kurtis 500KK chassis….flip front for easy access….who could ask for more? Not many. And I’m sure this would have been considered an idea build in all the … 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… When’s the last time you visited a Smorgasbord? I grew up in the ‘60s and it became a word our family used quite a bit. These were the first “buffets” that I can remember and this is exactly … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I love finding new fiberglass sports cars…. That is, information about new cars – cars that I have not heard of before built in fiberglass or forms of plastic where creativity shows no bounds. And that’s what happened … Continue reading
Hi Gang… This is another in an series of ongoing articles and designs from the talented hands of Keith Kaucher – fan of fiberglass and consummate sports and custom car designer. For years Keith shared his designs with the audience … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Where did each of our fiberglass sports cars come from? Here at Forgotten Fiberglass, we are discussing the design heritage of the cars we’ve come to love. We’ve even created a “Design Heritage” category that you can search … Continue reading
Hi Gang… What’s the first vehicle that comes to mind that runs on air? For me, I’m a bit abstract so my answer was a “hot air balloon.” Noel Bangert, founder of Bangert Sports Cars, quickly corrected me back in … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I’ve been resisting writing about quarter-midgets for quite some time – for several reasons. First, they are new to me and there is a great amount of information out there on the internet about them. And second…. they … 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
Hi Gang… I recently found a press photo and caption discussing the debut of the production Shamrock in Los Angeles California. That darn Glenn Brummer costs me more and more money each and every week (Thanks Glenn!). The title of … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Boa sports cars are coming out of the woodwork! Erich Schultz has one. Guy Dirkin has one. Whose next to buy a Boa? These fiberglass bodied custom coachbuilt sports cars came with an aluminum monocoque chassis, and are virtually unknown today. … Continue reading
Hi Gang… We’re in search of detail and history here at Forgotten Fiberglass. Either directly from the folks and their families who were creating the history, or from first person accounts as narrated by authors in vintage automotive magazines. Today’s … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I have the honor of again welcoming Jim Simpson of “Simpson Design” to our flock of fiberglass fanatics and have asked Jim if he would be willing to contribute stories from time to time to Forgotten Fiberglass. I’m … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Here at Forgotten Fiberglass we look high and low for information concerning vintage ‘glass in every way. And when I first came across this article several years ago, I wondered where this wonderful Victress C3 coupe might be … Continue reading
Hi Gang… In a recent story here at Forgotten Fiberglass, we reviewed the debut date of the Super Skorpion which was late in ’52. Click here to review that story. Today’s story is a follow-up showing the next printed brochure … Continue reading
Hi Gang… What an exciting year it must have been for 33 year old Jim Byers in 1957…. He had sold his share of the “Dick Jones Meteor SR-1” rights to Dick Jones back in 1954, and began his re-design … Continue reading
Hi Gang… The automotive story of “Multiplex” is one of the most interesting stories I have the honor of sharing here on Forgotten Fiberglass – and over time you’ll learn why. “Multiplex” is an automotive company which had its roots … Continue reading
Hi Gang… This is the second in a series of stories rolling out the new Fabulous Forgotten Fiberglass Flyers. Today’s story / flyer focuses on the Byers SR100. Click here to review all stories about the Fabulous Forgotten Fiberglass Flyers. … Continue reading
——————————- Note: This is the third of a three-part story on the Dick Foster Victress Special. Click here to review all parts of the story. ——————————- Hi Gang… Some of you wrote in and asked more about what the Dick Foster … Continue reading
Hi Gang… What a great name: “Fabulous Forgotten Fiberglass Flyer…” There was tremendous “buzz” about fiberglass sports cars at our recent appearance at the 2011 Milwaukee Masterpiece Concours d’ Elegance. And all of us who were there delighted in sharing … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I love finding Victress articles. I can’t get enough of them. And when I can’t find ‘em – I write ‘em! But today I didn’t have to. The article I found today shows a beautifully built Victress S1A … 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
——————————- Note: This is the first of a three-part story on the Dick Foster Victress Special. Click here to review all parts of the story. ——————————- Hi Gang… Here’s your “Forgotten Fiberglass” question for the day: How many people who built a … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Consider what it must have been like at the start of building of your own sports car back in the early 50’s. I imagine many conversations went something like this…. “Hey! Check out this cool Victress/Glasspar/Woodill/Meteor/Byers/Allied body I … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I’ve asked Jim Simpson of “Simpson Design” if he would be willing to tell us a bit more about some of his other design projects that he’s shepherded these past few years. Jim is a gracious friend and … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Experimental motive power, world-class designer, innovating disappearing / sliding hardtop, fiberglass body….how much intrigue and interest can you put into just one car? Well if you did, the best car that would fit this bill would be the … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Over a period of many years, I was fortunate to get to know Dick Jones, designer and builder of the Meteor SR-1, quite well. During our conversations which were across the automobile spectrum, we would talk quite a … 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 promised earlier, I’ll show “more” and talk “less” about each of the cars that appeared at the Milwaukee Masterpiece Concours d’ Elegance on August 28th, 2011. Click here to read more about the success of vintage ‘glass … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Establishing specific dates for the entry of a new car into the market is essential with any historical review and retrospective. We get out the magnifying glasses here at Forgotten Fiberglass, and with a bit of hard work … Continue reading
Hi Gang… What do you do if you “invent” the market for a new type of product like Bill Tritt did for sports car bodies made out of fiberglass? Well…. one of the activities that you have to undertake is … Continue reading
Hi Gang… We’re going to have some exciting information to share about the Shamrock sports convertible. I’ve just located two owners of these cars, and the company – The Wilbur Curtis Company – is still with us and going strong. … 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… The more we push the envelope with research, the more we find. And it keeps piling in, and do I have some great stories coming up to share with each of you! When I first ran the story … Continue reading
Hi Gang… This is our sixth 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
————————————— Car Craft Magazine, February ’54, commenting on the Petersen Motorama held in November, ’53: “One of the most interesting bits in the show was the heavy sprinkling of Fiberglass creations. These cars came in all shapes, sizes and for any … 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… Appreciation of cars knows no boundaries. And that has led to a great friendship with Rik Hoving – Custom Car aficionado who lives in the Netherlands. Rik is one of the best sources out there on history of … Continue reading
Hi Gang… The history of fiberglass is covered in stories, magazines, newspapers, and books. Yes books – and lots of them. Earlier this year I wrote a story about the early fiberglass books, what they looked like, who wrote them, … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Recently we reviewed a Devin Sportscar Special in the process of being built. It was owned by Jim Collins who has had a long history of building and restoring specials throughout his life. Click here to read the … Continue reading
Hi Gang… “King of the Coachbuilders” That’s what Motor Trend called Howard “Dutch” Darrin back in early ’53 – and with good reason. His accomplishments in design and coachbuilding in the prewar years was legendary and his connection with the … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I love hearing from new people every day here at Forgotten Fiberglass. Back in October 2007, Denny Allen wrote in with the following letter: Dear Geoff, I thought you might be interested in a fiberglass body I purchased … 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… The Skorpion was designed by Ralph Roberts of LeBaron Coachworks fame, and built by John Wills of fiberglass and plastic fame. Two innovators and creators at the top of their game who brought us one of the first … 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
————————— “No one is stirred more than (Henry) Ford at the prospect of seeing that all-plastic-bodied car….” Popular Science, March 1941 Read on to learn more…. ————————— Hi Gang… In just 10 years America would see their first production fiberglass … Continue reading
Hi Gang… As promised earlier, I’ll show “more” and talk “less” about each of the cars that appeared at the Milwaukee Masterpiece Concours d’ Elegance on August 28th, 2011. Click here to read more about the success of vintage ‘glass … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Anyone want to go vintage racing??? What a car this would be to blast down the road….if only Florida was closer to Oregon. Oh well. I first heard of this car in of all places – Florida. Years … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Ah the glory of research…much of what you find is questionable or useless. Still other bits of info can be insightful, remarkable, or even intriguing in every way. Take today’s article from the Editors of Road & Track … Continue reading
Hi Gang… As promised earlier, I’ll show “more” and talk “less” about each of the cars that appeared at the Milwaukee Masterpiece Concours d’ Elegance on August 28th, 2011. Click here to read more about the success of vintage ‘glass … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Darn that Glenn Brummer! He finds the best stuff across the internet and then sends me links to either the information directly or something of interest on eBay. I gave up how much he’s cost me on purchases. … Continue reading
Hi Gang… This is the first time I’ve written about the nicely designed “Fibersport” sports car and I look forward to many new articles in the future. A few of these “Illinois born and bred” cars have been found and … Continue reading
Hi Gang… As you’ll learn in his story below, Dave Peterson has been a fan of vintage ‘glass for years gone by. And it was his love of the vintage design – particularly the Byers SR100 design – that led … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Alden Jewell’s eagle eyes recently spotted this short article on the Maverick Sports Car. This article offered bodies for $950 as one of the options available – not a bad price for such a striking car. These guys … Continue reading
Hi Gang… This is the first in a series of articles on the design, construction, build, and creation of the sports car ride at Disneyworld – known by all as “Autopia” which opened in July 1955. When Walt Disney began … Continue reading
Hi Gang… John Bond, editor and owner of Road & Track Magazine was on the cutting edge. It was in February 1953 when official word was released from Kaiser-Frazer that the “Darrin Sports Car” would become the “Kaiser Darrin.” And … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Believe it not….there were fiberglass sports cars built outside of California. The Rockefeller from New York, the Gazelle/Navajo in New Jersey, the Chicagoan from….you know where from, and many others too. And we’ll cover them all, eventually, here … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Look at how the CRV was introduced to the public in 1965 on the inside of their fabulous press kit / investor brochure: CRV: Cycolac Research Vehicle “Rarely have potentialities of a material been put to more extensive … Continue reading
Hi Gang… This is the first in a series of stories on the Rollie Langston Byers SR100. Rollie is one of the only individuals we’ve found where the story, pictures, and person who built the Byers SR100 is with us … Continue reading
Hi Gang… This is another of a multi-part story on the “Mota” electric car by Banning Electrical Products Corporation of New York. Click here to review the first part of the story on the “Mota” Glasspar Electric Car. We shared … 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… No surprises here. The more magazines I collect, the more information I find. Sometimes the best stuff doesn’t appear in the main articles. Instead, it often appears in often overlooked places at the back of the magazines. That’s … Continue reading
Hi Gang… As promised earlier, I’ll show “more” and talk “less” about each of the cars that appeared at the Milwaukee Masterpiece Concours d’ Elegance on August 28th, 2011. Click here to read more about the success of vintage ‘glass … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I think the “Chicagoan” wins. That is, the number of different names the same car is known by. It debuted as the “Chicagoan.” It morphed into the “Lightning.” The company that sponsored the car was called “Triplex” and … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Recently, I’ve begun to realize we have a new celebrity in the world of fiberglass from the ’40s and ’50s. I began to realize this, once I started to really dig into the research of Howard “Dutch” Darrin. It … 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… Fiberglass, plastic, Plexiglas, Lucite, plastic….let me count the non-metal ways….. Starting in the 1930’s, “plastic” was becoming the new wonder material, and car manufacturers were looking for innovative ways to incorporate this new material in all ways possible. … 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… This is the first of a multi-part story on the “Mota” electric car by Banning Electrical Products Corporation of New York. Click here to review the first part of the story on the “Mota” Glasspar Electric Car. Fiberglass … Continue reading
Hi Gang… A picture speaks a thousand words… Not all hardtops are equal, and the one that Frank Cornell sent me pictures of recently is a sight to behold. It’s a fastback hardtop, and it’s the first one I’ve seen. I assume … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Who were the “rock stars” of the automotive world in the early 1950’s? Fiberglass sports cars, of course, and they appeared on cover after cover of major American car magazines. Rick D’Louhy and I are still “counting covers” and we’re approaching … Continue reading
Hi Gang… As promised earlier, I’ll show “more” and talk “less” about each of the cars that appeared at the Milwaukee Masterpiece Concours d’ Elegance on August 28th, 2011. Click here to read more about the success of vintage ‘glass … Continue reading
Hi Gang… This is the first in a series of short articles about the introduction of the Kaiser Darrin sports car. I’ve been fortunate to be working with a great team on researching the early history of this car including: … Continue reading
Hi Gang… As promised earlier, I’ll show “more” and talk “less” about each of the cars that appeared at the Milwaukee Masterpiece Concours d’ Elegance on August 28th, 2011. Click here to read more about the success of vintage ‘glass … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Cliff-diving Glasspar G2 body??? Who would have done such a thing? Why do such a demonstration? I heard rumors of an article showing Glasspar G2 bodies being tossed off a cliff for years – but I never could … Continue reading
Hi Gang… As promised earlier, I’ll show “more” and talk “less” about each of the cars that appeared at the Milwaukee Masterpiece Concours d’ Elegance on August 28th, 2011. Click here to read more about the success of vintage ‘glass … Continue reading
Hi Gang… We always think of Henry Ford being the first in fiberglass with his 1939 Ford trunk lid and the introduction of his prototype “Soybean Car” in 1941. So who’s number two? Who was brave enough to design, create, … Continue reading
Hi Gang… As promised earlier, I’ll show “more” and talk “less” about each of the cars that appeared at the Milwaukee Masterpiece Concours d’ Elegance on August 28th, 2011. Click here to read more about the success of vintage ‘glass … Continue reading
Hi Gang… As promised earlier, I’ll show “more” and talk “less” about each of the cars that appeared at the Milwaukee Masterpiece Concours d’ Elegance on August 28th, 2011. Click here to read more about the success of vintage ‘glass … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Let’s go “forward to the future” – to today. Right now. What happened to the idea of designing and building your own sports car? Where are the folks today that were inspired by – and have the entrepreneurial flame … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Here’s a brochure you probably haven’t seen before. This is one of the earliest known brochures for the Skorpion – one of the first fiberglass sports cars built in America. Those of you new to this cute little … Continue reading
Hi Gang… All hail Bob Cunningham and Glenn Brummer. Two eagle-eyed scouts that surf the Internet constantly and found the beautiful 8×10 glossy press photo of the Shark roadster by Glenn Gumms – Henry Covington’s early partner on producing molds … Continue reading
Hi Gang… As promised earlier, I’ll show “more” and talk “less” about each of the cars that appeared at the Milwaukee Masterpiece Concours d’ Elegance on August 28th, 2011. Click here to read more about the success of vintage ‘glass … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Who built the “mystery” Byers SR100 that appeared on the February 1957 cover of Road & Track magazine? You know, the car is so stunning that we forget to ask that question when we read the article. Click … Continue reading
Hi Gang… As promised earlier, I’ll show “more” and talk “less” about each of the cars that appeared at the Milwaukee Masterpiece Concours d’ Elegance on August 28th, 2011. Click here to read more about the success of vintage ‘glass … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Let’s talk Renault! Did you know that rear engined Renault automobiles nearly outsold VW’s in the late ’50? Believe it or not, Renault was on its way to beoming the next “big gun” foreign car in the market. A 1958 … Continue reading
Hi Gang… What an interesting time it must have been back in the 1950’s with the birth of modern sports cars. Today’s article focuses on another automotive dealer – this time a Buick dealer – building a fiberglass sports car … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I live vicariously thru my good friend Javier Munoz and his growing Alken collection. Javier has two of them ready to restore, and he’s chomping on the bit to begin them. I’m keeping my fingers crossed and waiting … Continue reading
Hi Gang… As promised earlier, I’ll show “more” and talk “less” about each of the cars that appeared at the Milwaukee Masterpiece Concours d’ Elegance on August 28th, 2011. Click here to read more about the success of vintage ‘glass … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Did you know concept cars back in the 1950’s were made out of fiberglass??? Egads! How could such a thing happen!!! Who do we need to speak with? Well…..you better speak with a whole bunch of people because … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Rick D’louhy and I can’t stand ambiguity. Smoke and mirrors are not our friend. Conjecture and wild tales while fun – cause irreparable harm to the truth. Clear, precise, first-person facts are what we’re after, and that’s one … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Look at how early the date of this magazine is gang…..February 18th, 1952. That’s less than 90 days from when fiberglass sports cars debuted at the November 1951 Petersen Motorama, and Glasspar was already making news in Time … Continue reading
Hi Gang… As promised earlier, I’ll show “more” and talk “less” about each of the cars that appeared at the Milwaukee Masterpiece Concours d’ Elegance on August 28th, 2011. Click here to read more about the success of vintage ‘glass … Continue reading
Hi Gang… As promised earlier, I’ll show “more” and talk “less” about each of the cars that appeared at the Milwaukee Masterpiece Concours d’ Elegance on August 28th, 2011. Click here to read more about the success of vintage ‘glass … Continue reading
Hi Gang… As promised earlier, I’ll show “more” and talk “less” about each of the cars that appeared at the Milwaukee Masterpiece Concours d’ Elegance on August 28th, 2011. Click here to read more about the success of vintage ‘glass … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I found my first “Shark” years and years and years ago. Click here to read the story of a young man and his car (Shark….in this case). Back in 1984 we were traveling across country. This was a … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Well we did it – and we owe it to all of you who made this happen. The visionaries who saw what such a show could mean. The car owners and families willing to endure intense restoration schedules to … 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… I recently heard from Jim Collins – he was referred to our website by Phil Fleming who is a Devin owner and “sports specials” enthusiast. Click here to read more about Phil’s Devin Sports Car. Phil had seen … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I’ve known Rocky for a several years now, and recently he shared some photos and history – as he knows of it – of his unrestored Glasspar G2. Rocky put pen to paper, and here’s the letter he recently … Continue reading
Hi Gang… What grabbed you and your fiberglass car interest? For me….it’s all about design. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and what I see…”I get.” Most of my far more schooled friends in car design have been … Continue reading
Hi Gang… More neat stuff to share about the debut of the Kaiser Darrin…. Darren Swanson and I are working on an exact timeframe for all of the details of the debut of the Kaiser Darrin. We’re also working with … 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… We’ve been talking about Howard “Dutch” Darrin of late, so why stop now? How ‘bout some of you helping us out with learning more about this neatly designed car. One of the pieces I acquired from the Frank … Continue reading
Hi Gang… It’s all about the history. We see a great looking car, we recognize how special the “build” was back in the day, and when we look at today….2011….we wonder – perhaps forever – who built it and what … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Let’s talk Kurtis. Frank Kurtis worked for Don Lee, a famous and successful Cadillac dealer in 1930’s California, and created some of the first custom cars in prewar America. He also built race cars back then, and that’s where his … Continue reading
Hi Gang… The earliest known replica of a Cord that I’m aware of was done by – who else – the legendary Glenn Pray of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Here’s a bit more about the man and his story from the website http://www.glennpray.com/: … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Finally….after more than three years of searching, my copy of the British publication “The Motor” dated January 30th, 1952 arrived. I really mean it. I’ve been waiting for 3+ years and looking daily for a copy. I must … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Editor’s Note: Not a lot of pictures with this story gang – so you’ll have to bear with me. There’s more fiberglass history to find out there gang. And it could be in your backyard. Anyone want to … Continue reading
Hi Gang… We’re on a quest. A Kaiser-Darrin history quest. When did the Darrin sports car debut? And….when did it officially become the Kaiser Darrin 161 sports car? Inquiring minds want to know. I know we can look it up in … 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…. 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… Ever hear the quote: “The Light At The End Of The Tunnel….Is A Train.” In my case it’s not a train – it’s a 1953 Maverick Sportster. And it’s coming at me quick! Ever since Rick and I … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Meteor SR 1 articles are coming out of the woodwork! Dick Jones, Meteor SR1 designer and builder would be proud 🙂 This article will be new to most of you. It’s from some super-sharp builders from back East … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Let’s talk Jomar. I’ve not written about these before, and they were primarily used for racing and sporting events. But I came across an interesting article today, in the October 1957 issue of Road & Track. This has … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I always remember a quote that helps me measure the strength of friendships I have. It goes like this: “Friends help you move…..Real friends help you move bodies.” Fiberglass bodies I mean – what did you think? The … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Howard “Dutch” Darrin was a designer bar none. He’s remembered for styles he penned and cars he designed from the 1930’s thru our favorite age of cars – the 1950’s. But what was the last car he designed … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I’ve been exploring the early years of Devin’s “car life” lately on Forgotten Fiberglass. How many of you have heard of the “Type S” or “Sports” model – designed by Murray Nichols for Bill Devin? He offered it … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Glasspar made hardtops for sports cars – in a greater quantity and variety than most enthusiasts recognize. They made hardtops for the following sports cars: Glasspar G2 Woodill Wildfire Jaguar MG Porsche Austin-Healey Singer Corvette And maybe more … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Two cars in one? How could you resist??? And it’s a great looking car too! Innovation permeates everything having to do with fiberglass. We tend to think of this in terms of vehicle design – but it also … 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
Hi Gang… Is it possible? Could it be? Was there a Duesenberg powered Allied special built back in the day? Of course there was! And good friend Jim Miller, SCTA historian and dry lakes enthusiast told me all about it. … Continue reading
Hi Gang… As we continue the “march” of our specials…how ‘bout one that appeared in April 1955 Road & Track? Namely, the Glasspar Ascot. We’ve seen this car before. It first appeared on the streets in the February 1955 issue … Continue reading
Hi Gang… One of the most celebrated fiberglass specials of the 1950’s was built by Richard Bosley of Mentor, Ohio. John Bond of Road and Track thought very highly of this car as he tracked its progress being built and … Continue reading
Note: This is the second installment of multi-part series of articles on: The “Big Bang” of Fiberglass: Motor Trend, November 1951 Click here to read the first part of the story. ——————————– Hi Gang… Hot rods in Detroit in 1951! … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Did we find it? A fiberglass or plastic car built before Henry Ford’s 1941 plastic car? If we did, I have Glenn Brummer and John Gunnell to thank for it. Recently, I heard from Glenn as follows: Geoff … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Here’s a great article on one of Dean Moon’s best known race cars – his Devin bodied “Moonbeam.” I’m still looking for the first article to hit the stands with this car in it, and this may be … 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… Specials are coming out of the woodwork! Every where you look in the 50’s, more and more were presenting themselves for admiration and sale. And Noel Bangert’s cars were no exception. Noel came out with his first car … Continue reading
Hi Gang… The Meteor SR 1 is simply a beautiful sports car. Although the initial car was built by Dick Jones with Jim Byers and debuted at the 1953 Petersen Motorama, today’s story in Road and Track was published about … Continue reading
Hi Gang… There’s so much to share about vintage fiberglass cars. One of the reasons I’m publishing stories at a brisk pace is to help create a “body of knowledge” about these cars that everyone has access to via the … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I was born in 1962 – on the last day of May. And I was born to love cars. I don’t know why. Family lore tells me that when I was very young – before kindergarten – I was … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I’ve written about Beau Hickory before – and I’ll write about him again. The last article I shared was by Michael Lamm and focused on his “Virgo” VW based sports car. Click here to read about Beau Hickory’s … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Here it was October 1961 and the magazines were already calling Glasspar G2’s “Classic.” Music to my ears, gang…. Tony St. Clair first alerted me to this article – and so did Rodney Packwood along the way. When … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I’m feel like I’m the Indiana Jones of vintage automotive magazines – postwar – that is. That’s how I feel. I didn’t know that was my destiny, but what the heck….if you want the stories and the legends, … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Recently I wrote about the Dr. Richards Allied Special now owned by the Kunicki family. Click here to review the first part of this story. Dennis Kunicki originally bought the car in April 1961 – he was just … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Sometimes I don’t know what to think. But as we started to move cars all around, I thought to myself “well…perhaps someone somewhere might get some good from all of this work we’re doing.” You see, when I … Continue reading
Hi Gang… The 1960’s were a wild time. I mean in fiberglass sports cars, of course! Specially designed and individually designed fiberglass sports car bodies which dominated the 1950’s sports car scene were being replaced with clones or copies of … 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… Let’s celebrate the Ford Times Magazines of the 1950’s. Why? Their section in nearly each postwar issue called “Custom Conversions” is a treasure trove of lost customs and hot rods of the 40’s and 50’s. And boy do … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Noel Bangert was one special guy – and a talented designer too. I’ll share another article on design he penned back in the 1950’s in the near future, and you’ll see what I mean that he was an … 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
Note: This is the second installment of a 2 part series of articles on: Chicago’s First Sports Car – The Chicagoan Click here to read other parts of this story ——————————– Hi Gang… Music to read stories by… Every time … Continue reading
Hi Gang… In earlier stories here at Forgotten Fiberglass, I’ve had the honor of introducing you to Frank Hecox. In today’s story – Frank is back 🙂 Frank started working for Glasspar in the early 1950’s and his first job was working in … 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
Hi Gang… The”Vale Sports Car” is one beautiful automobile. Vale Wright was inspired by the 1947 Cisitalia 202 SMM Spider Nuvolari and chose to create a fiberglass version of this car – as close as possible to the original design. And … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I thought I would “spice it up a bit” and start talking about some of the other fiberglass cars you may not be aware of such as the beautiful Edwards America sports car. I saw my first “America” … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Dick Morgensen was a man of many talents. His first “Morgensen Special” was a Glasspar G2 bodied beauty that debuted in a race at Torrey Pines in December, 1952 – it was certainly one of the first fiberglass … 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
Hi Gang… First….a “welcome home” to fiberglass friend Guy Dirkin who just returned from Europe last evening. Great to have you back on safe American soil. Guy…..today’s story is for you (Guy’s a Byers SR100 owner..). So… What’s the highest … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Who were the heavyweights for fiberglass supply in the 1950’s? You’ve heard some of the names before such as Naugatuck Chemical, Owens Corning, Hollywood Plastics, Allied Fiberglass Products, and other companies too. But who would you buy from … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Who can’t show a bit of affection for a fiberglass car called an “Imp?” You know… if I would have created a car, the name of it would have been something glorious – something memorable – something fantabulous … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I got a phone call this weekend, and just like Paul Revere, Don Anderson proclaimed to me: The Sportstar Exists! The Sportstar Exists!! Well…at least it did in 1953. In our last installment on the Sportstar Associates company … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I meet the coolest people at Forgotten Fiberglass headquarters here in Tampa, Florida. Today, via phone, I met Doug Shinstine from Washington State. Doug has known about a Woodill Wildfire lurking around the Northwest United States for nearly 50 … Continue reading
Hi Gang… After years of searching, the long lost Bill Tritt interview from 1993 was found by Jean Poirier. You Glasspar guys out there should know Jean’s name by now. Jean is the first Glasspar G2 historian of record, and … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Here’s another beautiful fiberglass roadster from the 1950’s – it’s missing and no information has been found save for the wonderful article that appeared in Hot Rod Magazine in 1957. This particular car was brought to my attention … 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
Hi Gang… Beau Hickory is one cool guy. Rick D’Louhy and I tracked him down in Arizona a few years ago, and we haven’t been the same since. Beau doesn’t look at things the way others see them – he … Continue reading
Note: This is the first installment of a multi-part series of articles on: Chicago’s First Sports Car – The Chicagoan Click here to read other parts of this story ——————————– Hi Gang… Music to read stories by… Everytime I do a … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Think back to how early this article is gang….July 1952. Fiberglass cars had just been introduced as a possibility 9 months before at the Petersen Motorama in November 1951. By now the American culture had heard about this … 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
Note: This is the first 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
Hi Gang… This is the beginning of a series of articles on the “Bill Disbrow Glasspar G2 Special.” I just didn’t know I’d be writing a series of articles about Major Disbrow and his car until I started doing the … 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… I’ve had the honor of knowing Brandon Kunicki for several years, and for several reasons too. One…he’s a great car guy and dedicated to the history of his car and his family’s ownership of it. And two… the … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I know what you were thinking when you woke up this morning. You were wondering….. ”With so many stories about fiberglass cars posted lately on the Forgotten Fiberglass website….what’s the oldest known surviving fiberglass car in the world?” … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Before you start reading any more, click on the following link below – it’s shaped like a small black triangle: Twilight Zone Inst I think if we introduce mystery cars to our group, they should have their own … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Harold Pace probably rues the day that I tracked him down and forced him to become friends with me. But how couldn’t I? He was already the most accomplished writer in terms of fiberglass kit car history writing … 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
Note: This is the second in a series of articles on the Glasspar Racecar, built by Bill Tritt of Glasspar, Ted Mangels and Ed Martindale of Mameco, and Clem TeBow and Don Clark of CT Automotive. This car was first … Continue reading
Hi Gang… How many different Atlas / Allied ads are there???? Let the counting begin. As Rick D’Louhy, Tony St. Clair, Erich Schultz, Brandon Kunicki, Bill Fester, Harold Pace, and the scads of others out there continue helping with research, … Continue reading
Note: This is the third in a series of articles on Bill Tritt, his legacy, and his impact on the boating and sports car worlds. For additional articles in this series on Bill Tritt, click on the link below. Click … 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… Oh for the cars that almost were – or just might have been. Woody Woodill was a man of great determination. His initial car had been launched as a modified Glasspar G2 body in November 1952 at the … Continue reading
Hi Gang… There are so many cool fiberglass sports car brochures out there. Wait ‘till you see what we at Forgotten Fiberglass have in store for you over the 2011 summer! By the time we’re done, you’ll think fiberglass sports … Continue reading
Hi Gang.. Thanks to the efforts of Tom Householder, a fine friend of fiberglass for many years, we have a rare treat – a panorama of the start of a race back in 1956 – and square in the middle … 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… Bill Tritt of Glasspar was one busy guy! Just think of what he accomplished in the world of automobiles in just a few short years: In 1950-1951, Tritt designed and built the Brooks Boxer. This was to become … Continue reading
Hi Gang… As promised, here’s another fiberglass special showcased in a Ford Times magazine – the J.A. Wright Glasspar G2 Special – and this one’s built in Covington Virginia! That’s a long way away from California – the heart 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… I’m a voracious reader. Or collector of magazines. Maybe both. I love the old Road and Track Magazines, Hot Rod, and even the obscure ones like “Hop Up” and “Auto Speed and Sport.” That’s where the cool articles … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Great news gang! The new issue of “Hemmings Muscle Machines” for May 2011 is on the newsstands and I think every one of you fiberglass fanatics out there should run out and buy it. Author and historian Daniel … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Another mystery for you – and this one’s from New Jersey – a place that we’ll be talking more about in the future concerning fiberglass cars. As for fiberglass cars made in New Jersey, I can think of the Gazelle/Navajo … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I wish all research into fiberglass sports cars of the 1950’s was so easy. Today’s story is like shooting fish in a barrel! I’m sure it won’t happen again, so I have to savor every minute of it … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Here’s another mystery car for you…. I recently received an e-mail from Bill Holly of Oregon. Here’s what he had to say about his recent find: From the Desk of Bill Holly (Oregon): Geoffrey: Here’s a mystery car … Continue reading
Hi Gang… This is the first in a series of articles I’ll publish in the next few days on the story of the Gazelle Sports Car built in 1953 in Rumson, New Jersey by James “Jim” F. Craig and John … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Back in the 1950’s, sports cars were all the rage. That’s not news to most of you, and by now you’ve heard me say that time and time again. But let’s explore a bit what that means. That … Continue reading
Hi Gang… What in the world is an “IMP?” I’ve often seen mention of this car in automobile encyclopedias, but I’ve never seen one and never found literature concerning the car – until recently – in the hands of automobile … Continue reading
Note: This is the second in a series of articles on Bill Tritt, his legacy, and his impact on the boating and sports car world. For additional articles in this series on Bill Tritt, click on the link below. Click … Continue reading
Hi Gang… This is our fifth 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… The more you study the fiberglass sports car history of the 1950’s, the more you end up studying design. “Ground zero” for the fiberglass sports car industry was California, and in fact for a short time in the … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I love little known fiberglass sports cars. Those are the ones that capture my attention – just like Glasspar’s Ascot which debuted in early 1955. I’ve written once before about this car and it was to highlight its … 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… I feel fortunate to be blessed with so many good friends – even outside of our own fiberglass fanatics (since you are reading this….each one of you is one of these..). In the past few years I have … Continue reading
Hi Gang… This is our fourth 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… I like Fox Mulder from the X-Files TV Show. The poster on the wall in his office said… “The Truth Is Out There” All we have to do is find it, document it, share it, print it, and … Continue reading
Hi Gang… B. R. “Woody” Woodill was a visionary, promoter, and entrepreneur. He had just shown his Woodill Wildfire at the November 1952 Petersen Motorama, and wanted it to become the next sports car offered by a major automobile manufacturer. … 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… This is our third 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
Note: This is the first in a series of articles on Bill Tritt, his legacy, and his impact on the boating and sports car world. For additional articles in this series on Bill Tritt, click on the link below. Click … Continue reading
Hi Gang… How many of you have seen a Kellison before? It’s one of the better known fiberglass sports cars of the late 1950’s and 1960’s, and I’m still searching for the first article that appeared on one of these cars. … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Back in the day, which Victress received more top prizes than any known fiberglass car in the 1950’s? I thought that question might go unanswered for years as Rick D’Louhy, Erich Schultz, Guy Dirkin, Phil Fleming, Rollie Langston, … 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… One of my best Glasspar friends is Pat Hoover. He is currently finishing the restoration of his father’s Glasspar G2 that was given to him by his dad as a family keepsake. Pat’s father, Bill Hoover, was one … Continue reading
Hi Gang… This is our first 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… 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… So many questions to answer…. What fiberglass sports car bodies were being offered in 1956? Was the Glasspar G2 still available? When did the Woodill Wildfire hardtop coupe hit the market? What is the Sorrell SR-190 Coupe? Can I … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Remember the song that Sinatra made famous back in the early 1960’s? It went something like this: “Chicago….Chicago…that todlin’ town…” Want to hear it? It’s a great song, and no one does it better than Sinatra. Click the … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Let’s try a short story today – and maybe another story later today. I just can’t get enough of the vintage fiberglass sports car stories! 😀 Going thru the magazine archives last night, I uncovered a bit more … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Think back to the golden era of fiberglass sports cars….. Anything was possible. Enterprising young men could look to the future with a gleam in their eye and see so many possibilities. So could older and more experienced … Continue reading
Note: This is the third installment of a 3 part series of articles on “Designs That Influenced The Styling Of The Victress S1 And Glasspar G2.” Here are links to the other parts of the story: Click Here to Read Part … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I bet all of you have been waiting for a story on Vale Wright’s 1952 sports car. Well….I’ve been waiting too! And do I have lots of new information to share. But first… The Vale is one of … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I love mysteries. In fact, good fiberglass friend Jack Molleur of Florida completed my phrase last week on “ice cream” as follows: “I scream, you scream, we all scream for….glass dreams” I need all the help I can … Continue reading
Hi Gang… It was 1955 and Bill Tritt and Glasspar were getting ready for their next big “splash”. Tritt fancied the classics – 1920’s and 1930’s cars. His son Matt tells me that he liked the long hood, excellent weight … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I scream, you scream, we all scream for….fiberglass mysteries. Or at least newly discovered fiberglass sports cars and their history (I couldn’t find anything that would rhyme with “ice cream.”) You’ll be hearing more about my good friend … Continue reading
Hi Gang… The first Woodill Wildfire debuted during the November 1952 Peterson Motorama in Los Angeles. It was based on a Glasspar G2 body with 3-4 modifications which included an extended front hood scoop, double-hump dashboard, and tail fins to boot … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Here’s a short article on the first fiberglass car Bill Devin offered to the public – the Devin Panhard. It appeared in the September 1955 issue of Sports Cars Illustrated where the car was discussed in detail over … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I love searching through old magazines. That’s where all the “good stuff” is. But collecting is a disease – once you get thru the basics like Road & Track and Motor Trend Magazines – you start looking for … Continue reading
Note: This is the second installment of a 3 part series of articles on “Designs That Influenced The Styling Of The Victress S1 And Glasspar G2.” Here are links to the other parts of the story: Click Here to Read Part … Continue reading
Note: This is the first installment of a 3 part series of articles on “Designs That Influenced The Styling Of The Victress S1 And Glasspar G2.” Here are links to the other parts of the story: Click Here to Read Part … Continue reading
Hi Gang… This story is for my good friends John Gulow and Javier Munoz – both who are Nic-L-Silver Battery “Pioneer” car enthusiasts, and one (Javier) who owns at least one of these cars. Background of Project: George Lippincott was … 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… I’ve been fortunate to have excellent help from all corners of our planet in terms of research into fiberglass sports cars of the 1950’s and 1960’s. In the past year, two folks who are both automotive historians for … 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… As Rick and I have canvassed thru reams of 1950’s magazines, we’ve found many cartoons that touch on – or directly relate to – building and driving fiberglass bodied sports cars. From time to time, we thought you … Continue reading
Hi Gang… How many people customized their C2 coupes? Who was the first to do so? I bet you’ve been asking these questions for years, and now we can begin to offer some possible answers. Let’s review a bit about … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Checkout the first photo posted in our story. It shows the unveiling of the new fiberglass sports car built and designed by Kjell Qvale (pronounced “shell” (Kjell) “ka-vah’-lay” (Qvale)) back in 1952. If you look carefully at the … Continue reading
Hi Gang… New discoveries are being made all the time in the land of “vintage fiberglass,” and this one was made by Frank Cornell – Historian Emeritus for Woodill Wildfire. Frank has had an interest in Wildfires since the 1970’s … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I’ve talked about Noel Bangert (later in life he changed his name to Noel Marshall) in previous stories (click here to read about Noel Bangert and his cars), and was fortunate to get to know him before his passing late … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I love “Mysterions.” Doesn’t everyone? “Mysterions” are a class of cars that Rick D’Louhy and I have so named based on their unknown history. They are truly “Mystery Cars” in every way. The 1950’s was a time when … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Many of you know that my first fiberglass car was a “Shark” roadster. The story about my finding the Shark and restoring it represents the beginning of everything we know today as “Forgotten Fiberglass.” The Shark was not … 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 Rick D’Louhy and I first located information about the BMC sports car on a Singer (UK) chassis, we thought it was a foreign make and filed it in our “future” studies folder – for when our research … Continue reading
——– Note: This is the first in a series of articles on the Robert Jackson sports car. Click here to review all articles in this series ——– Hi Gang… Let’s go way back….way back to the early 1950’s. Now tell … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Another research story for you gang – and a car for you “Los Angeles” guys to find. I’m sure the owner would appreciate being found too! Jean Poirier Features “The Norm Jensen Glasspar G2:” I first came across … Continue reading
Hi Gang… As Rick and I have canvassed thru reams of 1950’s magazines, we’ve found many cartoons that touch on – or directly relate to – building and driving fiberglass bodied sports cars. From time to time, we thought you … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Back in 1960 – perhaps even in 1959 (still researching here gang…) Bill Devin had already introduced his “Devin SS” priced at $10,000 – an expensive but sophisticated car built for racing and high performance sports car handling. … Continue reading
Hi Gang… It’s Superbowl Sunday February 2011 and Dennis Blietz stopped over at my house – all the way from California. So of course, I thought I could sneak in another “Forgotten Fiberglass” story before kick-off time. Let’s see if … Continue reading
Hi Gang… As I share more stories with you on our Forgotten Fiberglass website, you’ll see a trend on including more stories about design – and that is purposeful on my part. The folks who were designing and building fiberglass … 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
Hi Gang… I’ve been doing detailed interviews over the past few months with several of the folks from Victress about the history of their company and car designs. One of these folks, Mel Keys, sent photos in of an interesting … Continue reading
Note: This is the second installment of a 2 part series of articles on the 1975 Mechanix Illustrated Urba Car. Here is the link to the first part of this story: Click Here to Read Part 1 ——————————– Hi Gang… … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Fiberglass cars were introduced to the public at the November 1951 Petersen Motorama to great acclaim. Two of the cars produced were designed and created by Bill Tritt and Eric Irwin of Costa Mesa, California. Not only did … 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… Fiberglass aficionado Erich Schultz sent in some information about an intriguing Victress S1 that was seen not too long ago on distant roads in America. Erich wrote: “Geoff….Several years ago I considered purchasing a Victress S1 that had … Continue reading
Note: This is the first installment of a 2 part series of articles on the 1975 Mechanix Illustrated Urba Car. Here is the link to the second part of this story: Click Here to Read Part 2 ——————————– Hi Gang… … Continue reading
Hi Gang… The story of the LeMans Coupe is one of the most exciting to share about any fiberglass car from the 1950’s or 1960’s. I’ll have to do this in separate articles because each car built had a different story, … 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… You gotta love the Maverick Sportster from 1952…. It’s a good looking, graceful, and sophisticated design that grabs you the moment you see it. If fact, it fits a definition of “good looking” that fiberglass friend Robert Cumberford wrote … 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… Rick D’Louhy and I have found many a riddle during our research into the history of early fiberglass sports cars. We’ve found cars with missing history. We’ve found history without locating any cars. We’ve found “mystery makes” or … 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… 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
Note: 4/3/2011: Great news gang. One of the folks who built this car – Mike Budniewski of Buffalo, New York, contacted me recently and gave me additional detail concerning this car. He was 14 years old when his teacher, Henry … Continue reading
Hi Gang… In celebration of the “Fabulous Fiberglass” class that will be featured at the Milwaukee Masterpiece Concours d’Elegance on August 28th, 2011, I thought it would be good to showcase the cars that will be participating. We’re getting closer and … 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… 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… In the summer of 2010, I wrote an article about how my good friend Tom Chandler installed a generator when space was at a minimum in the restoration of his Glasspar G2 special. For those of you wanting … 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… 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
Hi Gang… Rick D’Louhy’s 1955 California Sports Special is finished and on the road. We’ve talked about this car before – most notably when it debuted at the March 2010 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. Here’s a link to that story … Continue reading
Note: 4/3/2011: Great news gang. One of the folks who built this car – Mike Budniewski of Buffalo, New York, contacted me recently and gave me additional detail concerning this car. He was 14 years old when his teacher, Henry … 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… Did you know we have over 100 stories about vintage “Forgotten Fiberglass” cars on our website now? We are just over a year old, and have published (with great assistance and help from many of you) 115 stories … Continue reading
Hi Gang… We’re honored to have not one but two Woodill Wildfires being restored in preparation for the Milwaukee Masterpiece in August 2011. (Click here for more information about this event.) Let the race begin! Dick Foster who built his … 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… Rick D’Louhy and I continue to ferret out little known publications and booklets from the early and mid 1950’s on how to build a fiberglass car body. After all, this was a time when sports car excitement was … Continue reading
Hi Gang… The best article focusing on a Bangert bodied car, no doubt, appears in the November 1962 issue of Hot Rod Magazine. The article opens with the statement: “As Fine As They Come” They were right on target with … 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
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… As you know, I’ve been collecting more stories from each person who either has a vintage fiberglass car or built one back in the day. Recently, I asked my good friend, Jean Poirier, about writing up a 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
Hi gang… Rick and I are always on the search for new information and new ways to understand the fiberglass cars movement of the 1950’s. Sometimes this takes us on weeks and months long road trips. Other times our research focuses on … Continue reading
Hi gang… How many specials were made in the 1950’s? In my recent trip to Kettering University and the John Bond (Road and Track) archive, I learned from letters in the archive that John Bond thought that perhaps as many as 1000 … Continue reading
Hi Gang… That’s right. You too can help Glasspar win a race, but rather than on the racetrack, this one’s at the prestigious Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington D.C. I was contacted this week by Roger White, … 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… Well…. it’s starting to happen. More people are noticing the “Forgotten Fiberglass” cars of the 1950’s and they’re doing something about it. More museums are recognizing these cars for exhibits. More Concours d’Elegance events are creating classes around … Continue reading
Hi Gang… How many Victress Models were there??? Let me count the ways…. When I first met Merrill Powell (co-owner of Victress from 1953-1961) back in 2006, we spent a lot of time reviewing the history and models that they … 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
Note: This is the first in a series of articles on the Glasspar Racecar, built by Bill Tritt of Glasspar, Ted Mangels and Ed Martindale of Mameco, and Clem TeBow and Don Clark of CT Automotive. This car was first … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I love research…and who doesn’t love a mystery too! That’s what landed in my lap when I met Mike Wittman several years ago – Meteor SR1 owner and restorer. Mike grew up in the San Francisco Bay area in … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Today I’m pleased to present part 3 of “Fiberglass Day” which was held at the Petersen Automotive Museum on Saturday June 26th, 2010. During this segment, Merrill Powell from Victress takes the stage and discusses the history of … Continue reading
Hi Gang… From time to time, I hear (and welcome) new people to our website and interest area. A great car guy contacted me recently, Rick B. from Balzac, Alberta Canada with a mystery car on his hands. Here’s what … 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
Hi Gang… I love the drawings that appeared back in the day in automotive magazines. The cartoons were fabulous, the technical detail impressive, and the artistry that went into creating some of the transparent illustrations of sports cars were nothing … Continue reading
Hi Gang… As you learn more about the fiberglass sports cars of the 1950’s, you’ll find that the controversy we introduced earlier concerning “Sports Cars vs Hot Rods” was a hot topic back in the 1950’s too (click here for the … Continue reading
Hi Gang… This is part 2 of a series of stories showcasing “Fiberglass Day” which was held at the Petersen Museum on June 26th, 2010. Today’s video segment is 12 minutes long and showcases the talk by Frank Hecox – … Continue reading
Hi Gang.. It’s with great excitement that I share with you the recent publication of the automotive book “The Corvette in the Barn” by good friend Tom Cotter. This is the most recent of a series of “…In the Barn” … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Film from the 1950’s showing how to build a fiberglass sports car is even more rare than the cars themselves. With the help of Greg and Ted Griffin (Woodill Wildfire owners and historians) we were able to find … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Some of our favorite fiberglass cars are just now emerging from years of restoration. This one’s gonna knock the socks off you. Remember the song by the Beach Boys….”She’s Real Fine, My 409…”. Well…after you see Jerry Wood’s … 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
Hi Gang…. I’m back from the California Petersen Museum trip and have returned with a tremendous number of new stories. Cars you’ve never heard of, people you’ve wanted to learn more about, and issues of interest and intrigue. More to follow in the … Continue reading
Hi Gang… The best solutions come from teamwork. That’s how we found the history of this fantastic Glasspar G2. Jean Poirier started the Glasspar G2 club in the early 1990’s. He created the first newsletter for Glasspar owners and later … Continue reading
Hi Gang… If only we could go back in time….I know exactly where I would go. To the 1950’s Petersen Motoramas. Back in 1950, Robert Petersen who started Hot Rod Magazine, Motor Trend, Car Craft, and others saw the unique … Continue reading
Hi Gang.. A short story today…about a beautiful Glasspar G2, lost in time… The Doug Nichols Glasspar G2 Back in late 2008, I was contacted by one of our fiberglass friends about a mystery car that was published in the … 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… Lots of great stories to share with you “Glassheads” out there. This one comes in from fiberglass friend and Glasspar Co-Historian Rodney Packwood. Rodney has been working with Meagan Watkins of Washington State (the far Northwest from myself in … Continue reading
Hi Gang.. I met Boyd Lindberg because he found me – I didn’t find him. Boyd had found out about Rick D’Louhy and our research project on vintage fiberglass specials and took the time, energy, and effort to track us down and … 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… What’s that? Faster than any car with a steel body! More flexible and repairable than any automotive material made today! Able to leap….. Ok….You get the picture. Back in 1952 fiberglass was the “Wonder” material. Lightweight but strong. … Continue reading
Hi Gang… You’re beginning to see a pattern to our stories. One pattern we’re emphasizing focuses on the first fiberglass cars introduced to the American public. These were revealed in the 1951 Petersen Motorama and included the: Glasspar G2 (Brooks Boxer) by … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I recently received the restoration pictures that Stan Crawford sent of his Atlas Swallow. This is going to be one fantastic car when it’s finished. I know he’s on the right track because even though it was in … 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… “Watch 1953…..Plastic bodies are not only the coming thing – they have come, and they are too good not to stay”. That’s what Jim Potter, managing editor of Motor Trend wrote in December 1952 – and he was exactly right. … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I met Tom Chandler several years ago thru my friendship with Pat Hoover. Pat was running the Glasspar G2 enthusiast website that he took over from his father, Bill Hoover, and was kind enough to involve me with … Continue reading
Hi Gang.. And you Victress owners out there thought you had everything… Fiberglass body builders back in the day were first and foremost businessmen. So it shouldn’t surprise you that many of the firms producing beautiful fiberglass bodies in the … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Rick and I are continuing to share information across each of the fiberglass car marques in the hopes of carefully and completely building a history for each of the companies – on our website and in our upcoming “Forgotten … Continue reading
Hi Gang.. A few weeks ago I shared with you the theme of the 1951 Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) Exhibit in New York City that focused on “8 Automobiles” viewed as art. For me, it started the movement that views … 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.. Rick D’Louhy’s California Sports Special is one cool build. Think unique. There are only three bodies of this style known to exist. Rick’s California Sports Special is a streetworthy vehicle with racing history (that’s still being researched), apparently built in the … Continue reading
Hi Gang.. Many of you have seen this video when I sent it via e-mail as a link last year. But… there are so many newcomers to our Forgotten Fiberglass Website that I thought we should highlight it again. Back in 1955, building … 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
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
Hi Gang… Mysterions… why do I keep bringing up this name and talking about these kinds of cars? Because it’s time we bring them forth and recognize them for everything they represent. The 1950’s was a time when competent builders … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I love design and styling. Even if this exhibition wasn’t related to our appreciation of fiberglass cars in significant ways, I would have sought this information out for its own sake. I have always viewed cars from the 1930’s as … Continue reading
Hi Gang… For years I’ve searched for comparison photos of the 1946 Cisitalia 202 GT Coupe along side of Bill Burke’s 1952 Allied – a copy of Bob Petersen’s 1946 Cisitalia. This year, I hit pay dirt. First, at the 2010 … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Are you getting bored with too many articles and stories about Grantham Stardusts, Victress S1As, Chicagoans, and Glasspars??? Seeing too many Byers, Woodill Wildfires, Venus Sports Cars, and Le Mans Coupes in museums and shows? Well good news gang! … 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
Hi Gang… What a year for fiberglass!!! First…. the exhibit at the Petersen Automotive Museum called “Fantasies in Fiberglass” opened in February. Next….the “Forgotten Fiberglass” class debuted at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance in March. Now….It’s already a week into … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I’m honored to present another car that participated at Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance in March 2010 – Guy Dirkin’s Byers SR-100. Guy was kind enough to summarize his work and experience with the car. Let’s tell the story … Continue reading
Hi Gang… One of the best kept secrets of the 1950’s is that there were actually two different Motorama’s making news across the country. When we hear of the 1950’s Motorama – we think of GM’s Motorama. Concept cars, new … Continue reading
Hi Gang… There’s so much information about vintage fiberglass cars – if you know where to look. One of my favorite pieces of information comes from the 1954 Trend Book Titled “Manual of Building Plastic Cars”. What a gem of … 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
Hi Gang… Bill Tritt and Glasspar were an amazing combination back in the 1950’s concerning sports cars. For a (long) moment in time, Glasspar was the go-to company concerning so many things that were fiberglass – including automobiles. Glasspar was … Continue reading
Hi gang… Thanks to Bill Warner and Tom Cotter of Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, we have permission to share the article about the Forgotten Fiberglass Class that was part of the event program all attendees received on March 14th, 2010. … Continue reading
Hi Gang.. As most of you know, we had a great time at Amelia Island on March 14th at the Concours d’Elegance. Bill Warner and Tom Cotter put on a masterful show – worthy of all recognition and respect for … Continue reading
Hi Gang… As promised….a story a day for 2 weeks….then Rick and I are going on another cross-country road trip to save a number of fiberglass relics. I think Robert Frost once wrote about vintage fiberglass cars and the act of saving them…..”miles to … 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
Hi Gang… Thanks to Alan Emory who owns one of the neatest Victress S1A’s out there, we have found more video (color film) of vintage fiberglass cars racing at the dry lakes in the 1950’s. There are even a few … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Back in August 2009, Guy Dirkin was prepping his Victress for the beginnings of a long and arduous restoration. He has been dedicated to documenting each step of the process including some video of separating the body and … Continue reading
Hi Gang.. More “firsts” here in the world of fiberglass. We first covered the UK’s first fiberglass car called the Allard Clipper. In our last story we reviewed the first plastic car in America – Ford’s 1941 Plastic car. So let’s go back … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Research is where it’s at. The more you learn, the less you know (or at least that’s how I feel sometimes as I push forward in the early years of plastic and fiberglass). In doing our research, Rick … Continue reading
Hi Gang… The Petersen Automotive Museum is opening 2010 by celebrating the designers and entreprenuers who created fiberglass automobiles from the 1940’s thru the present day. Leslie Kendall, the Curator of the Petersen Museum, and other luminaries within the Petersen organization have assembled a … Continue reading
Hi gang.. Having got home not too long ago from the last adventure (trip to Michigan to pull back a car in November), I felt 5 car-related trips in 2009 was probably enough. Maybe too good. There’s lots to catch … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Amelia Island Concours d’ Elegance is right around the corner – less than 3 months away. Barely enough time to get ready, for some of us – including me. As a reminder of the event next year featuring … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Maybe I have too much time on my hands. I ruminate about various aspects of these vintage fiberglass cars and how they were ahead of the curve in terms of what the designers of the bodies – and … Continue reading
Hi Gang… The best research often has nothing to do with effort or expertise. It often happens to just be plain old fashioned luck. That’s what happened to me when I was first contacted by Jules Heumann about a year … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Fiberglass cars were designed, built, and celebrated across the USA back in the 1950’s. We tend to forget this because ground zero was Los Angeles, but inspiration on what they did in California percolated throughout the country – and … Continue reading
Hi Gang… The quest for research and information – so long after when it happened – is both fun and challenging. Just finding the people and talking to them about events that occurred 50 years ago has its own strengths … Continue reading
Hi Gang… In the past year, I’ve been honored to meet and get to know many new people interested in these cars. While I consider all of them friends, some of them come armed with additional energy and enthusiam – … Continue reading
Hi gang… I love surprises. Everyone loves surprises…And what a surprise it was when I heard directly from the first woman to participate in the build of the first fiberglass production car in Britain – Margaret Woolsey. Born and raised in … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Back in the 1990’s, one of our esteemed members, Fred Roth, hosted and ran an event each Father’s Day called the “Thousand Oaks Car Classic” in Thousand Oaks, California. For fiberglass sports car guys like us, the most interesting … Continue reading
Hi Gang… How many people could possibly help me with researching these vintage cars???? It’s way too long ago, and I’d be lucky to find anyone who could help with the details. That’s how I felt about moving forward in … Continue reading
Hi Gang.. This is almost like a barnfind story – except without finding the car. How can that be (you say)?… Well…the first time I heard of this car was from Tom Householder. Tom is a Doretti enthusiast and was … 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
Hi Gang… I love mystery cars. Seems like lots of you out there do too. I think that’s a great thing… I’ll continue to feature Mysterions – our name for mystery cars – throughout the year, and I thought we … 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… Seeing the Vale in Hemmings reminded me (again) of just how beautiful these cars were. We tend to think of fiberglass clones of the GT 40 and other like-minded cars starting in the 1960’s. But…the designers and builders … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Daniel Strohl from Hemmings enjoys these cars as much as we do. Recently, he offered to help in Rick’s and my quest to find examples of some of the cars we have researched – that are still missing. … Continue reading
Hi Gang… A new Mysterion for you to ponder. I spoke tonight with the owner, Fred Baker, and he would enjoy hearing your thoughts and comments on his car (that is…he needs your help). Here’s what he wrote… ————————————————————————————————————- Hi … Continue reading
