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1953 Woodill Wildfire

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.


Roadster

The Woodill Wildfire is one of the first postwar American sports cars. Available in late 1952, the Wildfire was originally proposed as a prototype sports car for the Willys Motor Car Company by B.R. Woody Woodill. After the Willys Corporation was purchased by Kaiser in late 1952, the Kaiser Darrin was chosen as their sports car and B.R.Woodill moved forward and created his own independent sports car company.

The Woodill Wildfire quickly became one of the best-known sports cars in America and was featured in popular movies of the time such as Johnny Dark, Written on the Wind, and Knock on Wood. 100 examples, bodies and cars, were built over approximately five years.

The Woodill Wildfire on display is one of two Wildfires that appeared in the movie Johnny Dark where it was driven by actor Tony Curtis.

Fewer than 10 restored examples of the Wildfire exist today.