1953 Glasspar G2 Roadster

The Chevy Corvette was the first American sports car to be constructed from fiberglass. However, during this era, there were several mid-century sports cars clothed in modern material. The Glasspar G2 roadster, designed by Southern California marine architect Bill Tritt, was offered in both kit and turnkey form, with a total production of approximately 150 examples, all on a chassis that accepted a variety of American V-8 engines.

This particular example was completed in 1953 by Emilio Pistoresi, the owner of the Chrysler dealer in Madera, California. Mr. Pistoresi equipped the car with a 291-cu. in. DeSoto Hemi engine and a transmission and rear axle procured from a 1940 Ford, which remain in the car to this day. After use by the Pistoresi family during the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, the car was disassembled in the early 1980s for a restoration. The project was never completed, and the car remained in storage until 2010 when it was purchased from Mr. Pistoresi's son by Gary Hatfield, a noted restorer based in Texas.

Mr. Hatfield completed the restoration and treated it to a true body-off restoration. The work was awarded in 2016 when it received a 1st place award at the Santa Fe Concours. Since the restoration, it has seen limited mileage, with around 122 miles being added to the odometer.

It is believed that no more than 30 Glasspar G2s remain.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2019