The early ’50s were an interesting time for the domestic automobile industry. There was consolidation occurring with the formation of companies like American Motors, Kaiser/Willys and then, later on, Studebaker and Packard. But while that was taking place, there were those that were trying to go their own way with independent specialty models like Earl “Madman” Muntz and his Muntz Jet sports coupe and Blanchard Robert “Woody” Woodill and his Woodill “Wildfire” like this example, located in Greeneville, Tennessee and available here on craigslist for $60,000. Thanks to Ikey H. for the tip!

Woody Woodill was a Dodge-Willys dealer and the Wildfire was his idea. This two-seat fiberglass sports car was produced between 1952 and 1958 with approximately 300 manufactured in the six-year run. Several cars were actually factory built but many were constructed from “kits” that were designed to fit on a ’39 to ’48 Ford chassis. A buyer could supply his own frame or buy one from Woodhill. The bodies were shipped, upended, in a 2×4 manufactured crate via Railway Express Agency. Woodhill claimed that two people with a modicum of mechanical skill could assemble a kit in fourteen hours. The intention was to sell fully assembled cars as well as kits via a franchise dealership network but that never came to pass. The Wildfire’s 1952 introduction preceded another fiberglass sports car, the Corvette, by one year. The body designer was a fiberglass pioneer and renowned boat builder named Bill Tritt brought on by Woody Woodill to handle the body construction. Originally all factory Woodfire’s were Willys powered by virtue of Woodill’s association with that manufacturer but the frames that were sold for kit assembly could accommodate a Ford/Mercury flathead V8 too.

This particular example is Wildfire #10 and was Woody Wildfire’s personal car. The seller claims that it was used in movie promotions and sleuthing around, I found the Wildfire was featured in three movies including, “Johnny Dark,” “Knock on Wood,” and “Written on the Wind” (full disclosure – I’ve never heard of any of these movies, much less seen them). This Wildfire shows well; it has been in storage for 43 years and has only 10,000 miles on its odometer so it was stored properly. From what can be seen, the fiberglass body looks to be in solid shape – there are no photographic obvious cracks, splits or separations. The body panels appear to be well aligned and the black finish still looks deep and fade-free; good chrome too.

The red leather interior is showing its age, some of it perhaps from top-down sun exposure before this convertible went into storage. Speaking of the top being down, it doesn’t have one. Wildfires were available with a folding canvas top or a removable hardtop but it doesn’t appear this example has either. The carpet is suitably worn but the dash and gauges look fine – no word on what works or what doesn’t.

As referenced earlier, Wildfires originally came equipped with a Willys triple carbureted, 161 CI, in-line, six-cylinder engine, generating 115 gross HP. This Wildfire example has a Mercury flathead V8 of unknown origin. It has Fenton modifications but there is no indication of how well, or if, it runs. It does look like it means business, however. The transmission is an automatic, presumably a Mercury unit too.

The story around the creation and development of this two-seater is fascinating, the type of automotive business story that doesn’t seem to occur anymore. And considering how complicated and regulated the automobile business is today, coupled with the steep price of entry, there probably won’t be a small independent manufacturer like Woodill to appear again – and that’s too bad. This Woodill Wildfire is a true piece of American automotive history, something to be preserved and appreciated. Yes, it’s expensive and the listing is way too light on detail for such a special car at this price point. If you are looking for something rare and unique, this is a very compelling option that is at least worth investigating further, don’t you think?