1954 Woodill Wildfire Roadster

The Woodill Wildfire, built by B. R. 'Woody' Woodill, is considered, by most enthusiasts, to be the genesis of the production of American fiberglass sports cars. Although production was low (3 in 1952 and 7-11 in 1953), the car was slated to be Willy's answer to the sports car, until its ultimate acquisition by Kaiser-Frazer Corporation, which has already slated the Darrin to be their entry into the field.

The car received major attention from the automotive press because of 'Woodys' great showmanship. It even starred in three movies: 'Johnny Dark' with Tony Curtis, 'Written on the Wind' with Rock Hudson and 'Knock on Wood' with Danny Kay.

The hand-laid fiberglass cloth body, produced by Bill Tritt of Glasspar Corporation, was affixed to a custom frame, built by the famous hot rodder, Shorty Post. All running gear was contemporary Willys, including the 161 cubic-inch F-head engine. The engine was equipped with a triple carburetor manifold made exclusively for the Wildfire.

The current owner purchased this car in 1954 and assembled it the following year. It used a 1939 Ford drivetrain and a Columbia two-speed rear end. In 1957, a new Corvette engine, featuring fuel injection, received from the Chevrolet Racing Division, courtesy of Maury Rose, was installed. With the rear end in the higher gear range, the car topped out at 93 mph in first, 127 mph in second, and well, more in third. The car was successfully drag-raced, even against Corvettes. Among the cars identifying features are 1954 Buick Mandarin Red paint, original 1955 upholstery, custom knock-off wheels by Dayton Wire Wheel, a 49 Lincoln radiator, Stewart Warner gauges, Willy's taillights, and windshield, Houdaille shocks, and a Canadian Ford grill. The car sat idle for 50 years because family and business needs interfered. But with proper encouragement, from Geoff Hacker of Forgotten Fiberglass, the car has been restored to its original beauty.