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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
Category Archives: Woodill Wildfire
Hooray For Hollywood Movie Cars Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance Program: 2017 … Continue reading
Articles Hooray For Hollywood Movie Cars Woodill Wildfire: Johnny Dark Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance Program: 2017 … 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
Poster #3 Is Now Available – Check Out These 7 Newly Rendered American Sports Cars
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
Johnny Dark Woodill Wildfire #1: Artistry by Dan Palatnik
Hi Gang… More and more we are using Dan Palatnik’s renderings to “light the way” for our restorations of handcrafted American sports cars. In addition, these renderings showcase each car in a beautiful presentation the way the cars were meant … Continue reading
Johnny Dark Woodill Wildfire #2: Artistry by Dan Palatnik
Hi Gang… More and more we are using Dan Palatnik’s renderings to “light the way” for our restorations of handcrafted American sports cars. In addition, these renderings showcase each car in a beautiful presentation the way the cars were meant … Continue reading
Stan Fowler’s Next Build – a 1957 Devin Sports Car Will be Exciting To Watch
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
Above: Scene in Johnny Dark Movie (1954) Showing Wildfire #2 At Speed
Hi Gang… The guys at JR’s Speed Shop in Venice, Florida are making good progress on several American Specials that they are working on including one of the Woodill Wildfire’s that starred in the 1954 movie “Johnny Dark.” We checked … Continue reading
On the left is when the Wildfire Was Finished; the Right Shows How It Was Found
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… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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
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… 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… 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… 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
Undiscovered Classics Cars At The Sarasota Classic Car Museum 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
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
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
Woodill Wildfire Collectible Automobile: October, 2005 … Continue reading
Glass Act: Woodill Wildfire Motor Trend Classic: Summer, 2014 … 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… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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
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… 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
“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… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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’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
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… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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
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
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
Hi Gang… I love the “overview” articles sprinkled throughout the automobile enthusiast magazines in the ‘50s. They give us a good view of the industry at a point in time – as seen thru the authors of the era. For … Continue reading
Hi Gang… When publishing companies like Motor Trend, Fawcett, and others had too much good information to share that wouldn’t fit in their magazine, they often produced specialized books that focused on a singular topic, and in 1956 Motor Trend … Continue reading
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… 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… 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… 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’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… 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… 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… 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… 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… Ok…the thumbnail picture of Hemmings Motor News Magazine with a 1954 Venus on it hasn’t happened yet. But we’re getting closer 🙂 Rick D’Louhy and I have taken our message of fiberglass sports cars to all parts of … Continue reading
Hi Gang… I 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
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… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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 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… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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.. 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… 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… 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… 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… 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.. 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