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… 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… 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… 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
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… 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
Ship Shape: A 1953 Glasspar G2 is Restored and Ready to Make Waves Around Missouri Hemmings Motor News: April, 2012 … Continue reading
1952 Glasspar G2: Renderings and Artwork We were honored to retain the artistic services of Dan Palatnik of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to create original artwork for the Brian and Sue Ford’s 1952 Glasspar G2. We used these renderings to … Continue reading
1952 Glasspar G2: Restoration Photos Photos and videos below show the Glasspar G2 from the time it was acquired by Undiscovered Classics until when the new owners, Brian and Sue Ford of Christchurch, New Zealand, were on board in 2017. … 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… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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
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… 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… 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… 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… 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
———– 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… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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’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… 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… 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… 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 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
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… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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
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… 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… 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… 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… 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
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 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… 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… 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.. 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… 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 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… 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.. 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… 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… 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
Cars – Home Glasspar – Home History Brochures & Advertising Models Available Bibliography Showcase Discussion Group Miscellaneous Contact / Registry Newsletters Selling your Glasspar G2 To sell your car, the Club highly recommends Hemmings Motor News as by … 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… 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… 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
The First Production Fiberglass Car: 1953 Glasspar G2 Vintage Roadcar: July, 2015 … Continue reading
1953 Mameco-Ardun Glasspar G2 A Fiberglass Flyer Returns Old Cars Weekly: September 1, 2016 … Continue reading
Plastic Fantastic – 1953 Glasspar G2 Gasoline Magazine (German): March, 20018 … 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
1953 Glasspar G2 – Mameco Ardun Race Car Oldtimer Markt: October, 2014 … Continue reading
GLASSPAR HISTORY Overview (Story below is in draft form as of 1/1/2019) The Glasspar G2 sports car was one of the first 4 fiberglass sports cars introduced at the 1951 Petersen Motorama held at the Pan Pacific Auditorium in Los … Continue reading
Owner: Jerry Wood – Vista, California Hand-built by Jerry Wood with words of encouragement from Rodney Packwood Highlights:Year: 1953Body Number: 172 (3 digit stamp on latch-plate of door)Doors: Passenger onlyEngine: 331 Chrysler HemiTransmission: GM Muncie 4-speedChassis: Shorty Post frame #PC102013 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 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
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… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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
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… 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… 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
Your G2 information is needed! Maintaining the status of the known Glasspar G2’s is becoming a bit more difficult, as the number of cars in the registry has now exceeded 70! The family of surviving cars is now in … 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… 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… 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… 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… 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
Cars – Home Glasspar – Home History Brochures & Advertising Models Available Bibliography Showcase Discussion Group Miscellaneous Contact / Registry Other Glasspar Production The Woodill Wildfire – As the Glasspar G2 took off, Robert “Woody” Woodill, a very … 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
Cars – Home Glasspar – Home History Brochures & Advertising Models Available Bibliography Showcase Discussion Group Miscellaneous Contact / Registry Glasspar – Home Overview: This area of our website focuses on Glasspar and its history. However…we’re not the … Continue reading
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There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
Museums Museums Which Feature Undiscovered Classic Cars Museums – Current Displays Jack Farr’s Movie Cars Museum Cresson, Texas Click Here Sarasota Classic Car Museum Sarasota, Florida Click Here Lane Motor Museum Nashville, Tennessee Click Here Petersen Automotive Museum Los Angeles, … Continue reading
History Debonnaire / Venture (1954 – 1955) Design By Phillip Egan (from the Tucker Design Team) — America’s Boulevard Sports Car — Debonnaire / Venture Boulevard Sports Car Many of the fiberglass sports cars of the 1950s were designed by … Continue reading
“Before” and “After” 40 Cars Are Shown Below The Photos Show The Starting Point and the Finished Look Restorations Completed By Undiscovered Classics Teams Restorations Completed By Others … 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… Values continue to increased for Devin sports cars at auctions across the country. The latest example is this beautifully restored Devin C which sold for $61,500 excluding fees on September 15, 2021 via Bring a Trailer (BaT). Click … 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
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
Hi Gang… Today I have the honor of introducing you to our newest contributor to Undiscovered Clasics, Luis Alarcos. Luis hails from Valladolid, Spain and we are excited to have him on-board. Luis and I have known each other for … 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… We continue to add video to our YouTube channel that we believe would interest many of you. Some of our video is historic, some of it is modern and some of it is just plain fun. Currently we … Continue reading
Undiscovered Classics Restorations and 3D Imagery It All Started in 2012 – And It Began With Our 1962 Shark Concept Car The process we use in guiding the restoration of our cars nearly always employs the use of 3D imagery. … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Over the years I have learned about so many special people and special cars – in that order. And this story is about both – Ralph Bush and his Singer race car. How I got to know Ralph … Continue reading
Dan Palatnik and the Art of Lost Cars Dan Palatnik has led the effort of creating 3D renderings for all handcrafted specials we study and celebrate. Dan’s been with us since nearly the start and has worked with the entire … 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
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
Undiscovered Classic Cars at Major Concours 2007 to Present 2020 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance 1952 Voodoo Gardner Showing With Owners Brian And Sue Ford 2019 Gasparilla Concours d’Elegance Two Cars: 1937 Custom Cord Phaeton 1954 Frazer Custom Cigar City Concours … Continue reading
Undiscovered Classic Classes at Major Concours 2007 to Present Concours Attended 2020 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance Amelia Island, Florida Class: 1949-1952 Sports Cars 1952 Voodoo Gardner March 8, 2020 2019 Cigar City Concours d’Elegance Tampa, Florida Class: Special Display Two … Continue reading
Raiders of the Lost Cars The Greatest American Car Story NEVER Told What People Are Saying… “In attempting to capture the significance and passion inherent in Undiscovered Classics, I can’t seem to shake the graphic allusion to Indiana Jones and … 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… 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
“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
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
Valuation: American Specials Auction Results Here at Undiscovered Classics we keep a keen eye on auctions as they relate to postwar handcrafted specials, and the news in the past few years has been increasingly positive. What’s impressive is the consistently … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Here at Undiscovered Classics we keep a keen eye on auctions as they relate to postwar handcrafted specials, and the news in the past few years has been increasingly positive. Sometimes we see one car pass through an auction … 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
Silodrome – Gasoline Culture Magazine Stories on Undiscovered Classics Automobiles On The Web Silodrome: Gasoline Culture Magazine Home Page Articles Project Car: A Rare Kellison J6 Panther V8 Silodrome: July 25th, 2022 American Designed and Built: The Byers SR-100 The … Continue reading
American Specials Buyer’s Guide: History, Trends, Valuation & Appraisal Services What Did You Find? Should You Restore? What Might It Be Worth? Begin To Answer Your Questions Here. Overview The Buyers Guide For American Specials focuses on four areas: “History” … Continue reading
Cars For Display And Exhibition 1957 Galileo Concept Car Learn More About The Galileo Below “Second Star to the Right….And Straight On ‘Till Morning:” Introducing the 1957 Galileo Special Undiscovered Classics: August 27, 2019 The 1957 Galileo Show Car Motor1: … Continue reading
Hi Gang… November is going to be great fun this year – for us and those of you who are fans of Undiscovered Classics. The Cigar City Concours d’Elegance has officially accepted the 1949 Panache Sport Custom for presentation on their field next … Continue reading
Cigar City Concours d ‘Elegance Tampa Bay Downs: Tampa, Florida November 9-10, 2019 Two Cars: 1952 Glasspar G2 1949 Panache Sport Custom Photos On Field 1952 Glasspar G2 Owners: Brian and Sue Ford, Christchurch, New Zealand Click Here To Learn … Continue reading
Undiscovered Classics Vintage Media Archive 2000-2005 Cosmic Concept Traditional Rod & Kulture: Winter, 2005 Premier Issue Cobra in the Barn Great Stories of Automotive Archaeology Author: Tom Cotter – Published 2005 Woodill Wildfire Fanning A Flame: Woody Woodill and the … Continue reading
Undiscovered Classics: Personality Profiles These are Personality Profiles of some of the Undiscovered Classics Team – participants, contributors and more. This list continues to grow so check back for additions. We’re happy to have a large and expanding “tent” that … Continue reading
Undiscovered Classics & Forgotten Fiberglass Review The History Of Our Site And Organization The Beginning “Undiscovered Classics” began as “Forgotten Fiberglass” with the acquisition of my 1961 Covington Tiburon Coupe. In the spring of 2006, my friend John Bowen called … 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… 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
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
Forgotten Fiberglass Timeline: Bullet Form 1939: Ford makes fiberglass trunk for car and hits it with an ax (publicity photo) 1941: Ford makes hemp based fiberglass car – full body 1941-1945: Kaiser tests fiberglass bodied concepts during WWII 1946: Owens … Continue reading
Concours d’Elegance Classes Created Overview While we’ve participated in many concours events, (click here to view the highlights of some of these events) we’ve also had the honor of working with concours founders, creators, administrators and staff to create some … Continue reading
SCALE MODEL CARS Victress and Glasspar and Kurtis – oh my. Add to that the Leo Lyons Custom Mercury, the Cheetah “Moon” transporter and even more. Yes we’ve been busy working with three different companies to produce a wide array … Continue reading
2019 Click on the Following Links To Review Each Article Concours d’Elegance Appearances Cigar City Concours d’Elegance Two Cars: 1952 Glasspar G2 1949 Panache Sport Custom November 9-10, 2019 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance 1953 Allied Swallow August 18, 2019 Concours … Continue reading
2016 Click on the Following Links To Review Each Article Concours d’Elegance Appearances Concepts Beyond Detroit Class (Two Cars) Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance: Official Press Release Two Cars Attending: 1961 Covington Tiburon; 1950 Leo Lyons Custom Mercury March 10-13, 2016: … Continue reading
2015 Concours d’Elegance Appearances Ameila Island Concours d’Elegance: Forgotten Fiberglass Class 1953 Meteor SR-1 and More Boca Raton Concours d’Elegance 1946 Bill Burke Belly Tank Streamliner Award Won: “Rolling Sculpture” Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance 1950 Ultra Modern Mercury – Leo … Continue reading
2014 Click on the Following Links To Review Each Article Concours d’Elegance Appearances Boca Raton Concours d’Elegance 1955 California Special (LeGene Roadster) Museum, Event and Exhibition Appearances DuPont Registry Show July, 2014 Exhibited: 1955 Californian Roadster (LeGene Roadster) Corporate Office: … Continue reading
2012 Click on the Following Links To Review Each Article Concours d’Elegance Appearances Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance August, 2012 1947 Kurtis-Omohundro Comet Kirkland Concours d’Elegance September 9, 2012 1947 Kurtis-Omohundro Comet Salisbury Concours d’Elegance September 8-9, 2012 Salisbury House & … Continue reading
Anticipated Car Builds You never know what lies before you in life. Even so, we like to make plans of what we would like to do. Here are some projects that we hope to get to in the near future … Continue reading
Cars Available For Partnership Some of our cars are chomping at the bit to get restored. If one of these cars interests you, contact us to discuss a possible partnership on ownership and restoration. We take our finished cars to … Continue reading
Recent Quote About Undiscovered Classics: Geoff Hacker and his crew are indeed scholars who embark on perilous adventures to obtain rare artifacts. Literally. I’ve seen them in action. They’re obsessive and not afraid to get dirty digging. And, by making … Continue reading
People Interviewed As Part of Research This shows (in process) a list of the people we interviewed to learn the details and history of these cars and their companies. This list also includes first-person histories or research written by individuals … Continue reading
Our Story – A Historical Perspective Introduction From concept cars to teardrop streamliners… From vintage race car transporters to lakesters… From race cars to sports cars… From legendary custom cars to even concept dune buggies… Geoff Hacker and his team have … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Fiberglass Farms has been around for nearly a decade. Wow! That’s longer than I would have guessed 🙂 It started out small but has steadily grown as Rick D’Louhy and I have picked up the pace in saving … 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… 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… 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… 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… When Rick D’Louhy and I started down the path of researching and celebrating the rich and detailed history of vintage fiberglass sports cars in America our first and most enthusiastic supporter was Bill Warner of the Amelia Island … 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… 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
Exhibitions Exhibitions Which Featured Undiscovered Classic Cars 2023 Petersen Automobile Museum – Exhibition #1 in Planning Stage Coming Soon Petersen Automobile Museum – Exhibition #2 in Planning Stage Coming Soon Sarasota Classic Car Museum (Multiple Years) On Display: Multiple Cars … 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… 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… 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
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
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… 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… Come one, Come all….The Forgotten Fiberglass Gang is heading north in May, 2013 to participate in the Carlisle Import & Kit Nationals. Good friend Marvin McFalls, President of the Renault Owner’s Club of North America, put us in … 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… 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… 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… 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’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… 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… 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
————– “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… 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
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… 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… 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… Do any of you watch “History Detectives” out there? This is a PBS TV program which focuses on discovering the true history and provenance of items brought forth to their show each week. It’s like a cross between … Continue reading
Forgotten Fiberglass Timeline: Table Form Ok guys….this is a “work in progress” but will help establish specific beginning dates and significant events in the postwar history of American Fiberglass Sports Cars. Date Event Reference 1945, Fall End of World War … 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
——————– “Some of the facts revealed here may shock the reader….” How To Draw Cars of Tomorrow (1952) That’s what’s written on the back cover of Bob Gurr’s 1952 book on car design, and it gives the book a … 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
——————————- 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
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… 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… 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
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… 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… This article’s for you “Forgotten Fiberglass Ford Flathead Fanatics” out there…(I kind of like the ring of that…it’s a record….5 “F’s” in a row….I don’t even do that when I’m grading papers for my students..) You’ve heard of … 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… Who doesn’t love dramatic and sweeping curves on any type of sports car built? I know I’m a sucker for ‘em, and the more dramatic (and probably less practical in practice…) the more I like the car. That’s … 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… 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… 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
PRODUCTION NUMBERS For the aforementioned reasons concerning the time and effort it took to complete a sports car, more – or less – of these cars were built than one might have imagined. When looking at production numbers from the … 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… 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
THE FORGOTTEN FIBERGLASS FAMILY— OUR CONTRIBUTORS — “We’re Honored To Have So Many Passionate Contributors to the Cause – People We Consider to be Part of the Forgotten Fiberglass Family” The Forgotten Fiberglass Family: Forgotten Fiberglass is much larger than … 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
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… 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
Hi Gang… Those of you who are faithful readers of Forgotten Fiberglass, know how much Rick D’Louhy and I (and now Bill Fester of Houston, Texas), have come to appreciate the legendary designer and stylist Count Alexis de Sakhnoffsky. I’ve … 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
———————– Note: This is a multi-part story on the 1952 Tobin BMW 328 Special. Click here to review all articles in this series. ———————– Hi Gang… A fiberglass bodied sports car – on a BMW 328 prewar chassis? Who could … 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… 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… 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… 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… “We’re not alone………The Truth is Out There….” These are some of the intriguing phrases we’ve heard over the years that send our minds wandering in various directions – in search of the “truth” or “others” out there who … 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… 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
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 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… 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 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… 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… 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… 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
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… 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
Hi Gang.. Back on June 26th, the Petersen Automotive Museum scheduled a “mid-exhibit” event to punctuate their “Fantasies in Fiberglass” display that was being held throughout most of 2010. Click here for more information concerning this event held in 2010. … 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… 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… 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… As you review more and more magazines from back in the late 1940’s and early 1950’s you see time and time again – arguments and discussions on how to define the newly budding hobby of sports cars and … 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
————————————– 1/16/2011: Note: A related story is posted in our website at the following location: https://www.undiscoveredclassics.com/?p=9135 ————————————– Hi Gang… The gift that keeps on giving…. That’s how I describe my friendship with Tom Chandler. First, Tom found Pat Hoover and … 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… 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… The Johnny Dark film is a ball to watch. It has something in it for everyone. If you’re a racing enthusiast – the real thing – then catch the first race in the movie. It was recorded on Labor … 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… 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.. 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… 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
Cars – Home Glasspar – Home History Brochures & Advertising Models Available Bibliography Showcase Discussion Group Miscellaneous Contact / Registry Prologue This is the first complete and accurate history of the Glasspar G2. There have been many accounts … Continue reading
Cars – Home Glasspar – Home History Brochures & Advertising Models Available Bibliography Showcase Discussion Group Miscellaneous Contact / Registry Brochures and Advertising: This is an area where we showcase brochures and ads for Glasspar G2 and Ascot automobiles. Year … Continue reading
Cars – Home Glasspar – Home History Brochures & Advertising Models Available Bibliography Showcase Discussion Group Miscellaneous Contact / Registry Miscellaneous: This is an area that reviews Glasspar related stories – big and small. Stories Click Here to … Continue reading
Cars – Home Glasspar – Home History Brochures & Advertising Models Available Bibliography Showcase Discussion Group Miscellaneous Contact / Registry The first person to attempt to compile Glasspar G2 articles, brochures, advertising, and other information was Jean Poirier in … 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… 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.. 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… You’ve heard me mention many times about how excited I am that the Amelia Island Concours d’ Elegance is hosting a class of fiberglass cars early next year. Amelia is one of the most recognized shows not just … Continue reading
Cars – Home Glasspar – Home History Brochures & Advertising Models Available Bibliography Showcase Discussion Group Miscellaneous Contact / Registry The Crompton Corporation Researches its Past Courtesy of the Crompton Corporation This article appeared in the September/October 2003 … Continue reading
Jan Burnett Baker is the proud owner of this Glasspar G2, a car that has been in her family since her brother Mike and their father Ed built it in 1957. It is shown here with Jan and longtime family … Continue reading
Click Here for Additional Information about the Adkins-Knebel Glasspar G2 Special John Knebel is one of two known Original Owners of his Glasspar (the other is your Registrar). John was a Test Pilot for Convair in San Diego back in … Continue reading
This lovely Glasspar G2 is the only “original” the Club knows of. By original, we mean a G2 that looks like it came directly out of Bill Tritt’s Santa Ana factory in 1953 with all the ’50s good stuff in … Continue reading
Cars – Home Glasspar – Home History Brochures & Advertising Models Available Bibliography Showcase Discussion Group Miscellaneous Contact / Registry Showcase: This is an area where we showcase original stories about cars from back in the day as well as … Continue reading
Glasspar – Home Newsletters Newsletter 1 Newsletter 2 Newsletter 3 Newsletter 4 Newsletter 5 Newsletter 6 Newsletter 7 Newsletter No. 7 January 2007 Dear Glasspar G-2 Club Members, Bill Hoover, the Glasspar G2 Club Registrar, passed away last … Continue reading
Glasspar – Home Newsletters Newsletter 1 Newsletter 2 Newsletter 3 Newsletter 4 Newsletter 5 Newsletter 6 Newsletter 7 Newsletter No. 5 September 1, 2004 Dear Glasspar G-2 Club Member I ran into an interesting article on the … Continue reading
Cars – Home Glasspar – Home History Brochures & Advertising Models Available Bibliography Showcase Discussion Group Miscellaneous Contact / Registry Contact / Registry Glasspar G2, Ascot, and P1900 Registry: The Glasspar G2, Ascot, and P1900 Registry is maintained by … Continue reading
Glasspar – Home Newsletters Newsletter 1 Newsletter 2 Newsletter 3 Newsletter 4 Newsletter 5 Newsletter 6 Newsletter 7 August 26, 2002 Newsletter No. 2 Dear G2 Owner/Enthusiast, Finally, another Newsletter – but your G2 Club has been … Continue reading
Fiberglass Facts – Home 1950 and earlier 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 Glasspar Skorpion / Wasp Lancer Other The first fiberglass production sports cars and … Continue reading
Cars – Home Glasspar – Home History Brochures & Advertising Models Available Bibliography Showcase Discussion Group Miscellaneous Contact / Registry History Bill Tritt designed the Glasspar G2 body in response to a request in 1950 by … Continue reading
Hi Gang… Welcome to the new “Forgotten Fiberglass” Website. I’m very excited to move to this new format for several reasons…. It is a place where we can feature stories of vintage fiberglass cars and discuss them too – with … Continue reading
Showcase Production Fiberglass Sports Cars Coming Soon 1954 Debonnaire America’s Boulevard Sports Car Designed by Phillip Egan – From The 1948 Tucker Design Team Owners: Paul Sable, Ph.D., Jim Thorpe Pennsylvania Click Here 1957 LaDawri Conquest Canada’s First Fiberglass Sports … Continue reading
Jack Farr Collection Cars in Restoration 1957 Galileo Special 1957 LaDawri Conquest 1953 Victress S1A 1953 Glasspar G2 1980 “Total Recall” Movie Car … Continue reading
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Hi Gang… For nearly 15 years I’ve worked with members of the North American Singer Owner’s Club (NASOC) to help document the history of Singer custom bodied sports and race cars in America. Initially my interest was in the Glasspar … 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
Johnny Dark Movie American Specials of the 1950s at Their Best Universal International: 1954 Overview Review the stories below to learn more about this film Johnny Dark The Post World War II Sports Car Craze Played out on the Silver … 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
Customer Cars In Restoration With Undiscovered Classics We are currently managing and restoring cars for many of our customers. Here are some of these cars being restored. We’ll be adding additional detail about their restorations soon. 1952 Voodoo Gardner Designer: … Continue reading
Showcase Production Fiberglass Sports Cars Restored 1958 LeMans Coupe The Most Exciting Sports Car Design of its Era Designed by Strother MacMinn Owners: Dennis and Karen Kazmerowski, Califon, New Jersey Click Here 1952 Victress S1A The Lost Motor Trend Victress … Continue reading
Generation 1: 1951-1956 Generation 1 fiberglass sports cars were characterized by… Allied (Swallow Coupe 94″ wb, Swallow Roadster 94″ wb) (Falcon Coupe 100″ wb, Falcon Roadster 100″ wb) Byers (SR-100, CR-90, Custom Bodies) Devin (Panhard, 27 Sports Car Bodies, Devin … 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
Business Cards – Collect ’em All We’ve always viewed cars as “art” and have taken this theme to our business cards from the start. These cards are also a subtle way of creating interest in rare “Undiscovered Classics” and “Forgotten … Continue reading
2018 Click on the Following Links To Review Each Article Concours d’Elegance Appearances Museum, Event and Exhibition Appearances Show Cars From The Sea Norwalk Maritime Aquarium, Norwalk Connecticut Two Cars: 1956 Bangert “Manta Ray” and 1962 “Shark” Roadster Saturday June … Continue reading
Hi Gang… This marks the first time that I have been given an opportunity to do a book review – with a bonus for each of you at the end of this story. More about that “bonus” later. As Rick … 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… 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.. 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
Glasspar – Home Newsletters Newsletter 1 Newsletter 2 Newsletter 3 Newsletter 4 Newsletter 5 Newsletter 6 Newsletter 7 Newsletter No. 6 May 25, 2005 Dear Glasspar G-2 Club Members I sent out quite a list of potential Glasspar … Continue reading
Glasspar – Home Newsletters Newsletter 1 Newsletter 2 Newsletter 3 Newsletter 4 Newsletter 5 Newsletter 6 Newsletter 7 January 6, 2004 Newsletter No. 4 Dear Glasspar Owner/Enthusiast, Our Website, http://clubs.hemmings.com/glasspar-g2 is going strong with about 1,500 hits on … Continue reading
Glasspar – Home Newsletters Newsletter 1 Newsletter 2 Newsletter 3 Newsletter 4 Newsletter 5 Newsletter 6 Newsletter 7 February 5, 2003 Newsletter No. 3 Dear Club Member, This is a banner edition of our Newsletter because it announces … Continue reading
