The 1950’s brought about many cools cars through customization and technology in fiberglass much like this 1954 Woodill Wildfire. With its then high-tech fiberglass body, the Wildfire was a sleek looking American roadster that offered a unique twist of American style. Although this Wildfire needs work to be revived, the seller is including a very nice condition ’49 Shoebox Ford as a donor. This unique pair is offered for $15,500. Check them out here on craigslist out of Goshen, Connecticut. Thanks to reader Craig for submitting this sweet and unique duo!
The Woodill looks to a bit dry and appears to need some minor repair work. The doors are with the car, but I do not see a hood, though it may be off to the side somewhere. Shown at various stages in ownership, the pictures reveal the car sitting on a frame with basic suspension. There is also another photo showing an original frame that looks to have been blasted and painted. It would seem that between this duo there is enough to revive the Wildfire, but I just don’t have the heart to pull down a decent condition Shoebox.
Solid and clean inside and out, this ’49 Ford has a documented rebuilt engine, and a clear title. Although some may be quick to jump and point out that it is a 4 door, I just don’t have the heart to pull down such a nice car. The interior is mostly complete, but could use some fine detail work to make it even better. The engine is an excellent runner, and the seller points out that this Ford is a lot driver.
There is some patina to be found on this Ford, but there is no visible rot in the photos. While I would love to take on the Wildfire, I would feel inclined to source parts elsewhere. Or perhaps one could source slightly newer era parts to revive the unique fiberglass roadster? What would you do with this sweet duo?
Hmmm. Taildraggers that are interned, a nice shoe box, a few extra props, a nice box blade… what other treasures abound? Not to mention the new hangar/shop.
As for the Wildfire, I agree that another parts source would surely save the box to use as the perfect antique airport courtesy car.
I like the Ford. Maybe he should sell them separately.
I believe the pictures are showing two different taildraggers. The second picture is definitely a Cub, the cowl on the first picture looks more rounded. Also, the window behind the door is a different shape.
While I agree 100% that the ’49 is way too nice to be parting out, I would not think about allowing that ’49 to be used as an airport courtesy car. And I suspect you wouldn’t either, really.
That’s ANTIQUE AIRPORT courtesy car. Only antique pilots would be allowed to drive it on airstrip grounds during fly-ins. There’s a ’37 Ford around that is used for such purposes.
I was assigned a ’42 JEEP during AirShow at MAF because I had one of the few airport-wide security passes. The hardest part was finding ‘my’ JEEP between flights. A pulled rotor took care of that problem. What a blast.
LOL. Ok, ok. Maybe an Antique Airport courtesy car. Just been co-pilot on too many rides where the designated driver basically treated the courtesy car like a Hertz Rent-a-Racer.
Oh yeah, Bob. We had two crew cars at the same RON station. “That’s all I got to say about that…” Forrest Gump
I would rather have the Cub.
looks like a Cub and a Scout in there. My preference would be the ’49 Ford but the Cub would be a lot of fun too. It probably wouldn’t go as fast as the ’49 but it could at least get you there in a straight line….
Looks like our old Aeronca Chief!
I think that it is an Aeronca AKA Air Knocker
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Ohhhh nooooo… two planes w/o a stall warning ‘system.’ How do we survive flying such itinerant beasts? Note the nav light on the Knocker. Electrics are cheating. Something about C-65 and C-85 engines that put me to sleep. The Rotax mills really keep me awake.
All I can think of is Broderick Crawford saying 10-4!
A reviewer said 3 months ago their courtesy car was a Kaiser Darrin.
Sounds like a great place.
I had a wildfire that I traded for a transmission. Wound up selling for $100. it was so ugly I called it the fiberglass dog turd. was on a 40 ford frame and had a v8 flatmotor. Unbeknownst to me, the engine was a brand new not rebuilt engine.. This was all about 40 miles from where this one is, wonder if its the same one? Did see one at a local show here years ago. Good luck to the new owner.
cheers
GPC
This is a new one on me! Never ever heard of these! Looking at the dirt all over that awesome plane says this guy doesn’t care to much about his stuff! I agree if I jumped on these the awesome shoebox would get my attention first! The one for sale would be sold again if it were me! LOL, love that Ford!
Fords to nice to butcher .. the other thing ….nah