Hi Gang…
Vintage fiberglass bodies are springing up across the United States, and the latest one to share with you was found by Scott Odell of New York State several years ago. At first we thought it was an “El Morocco” by Almquist – which would be a neat find in every way.
But the truth is out there, and it wasn’t an Almquist. It was a “Mark II” by U.S. Fiberglass of Norwood, New Jersey. We’ll show you pictures of this find in an upcoming story here at Forgotten Fiberglass. For today, let’s review what Ford Times had to say about this company and their sports car back in February 1956.
Custom Conversions: Ford Times, February 1956
A Do-It YourSelf Sports Car
Photograph By Dick Hanley
Story by Melvin Beck
A firm in Norwood, New Jersey, is catering to the do-it-yourself movement with the all glass-fiber sports car body pictured above, designed to fit on Ford chassis of 1949, 1950, or 1951. These cars are recommended because the body can be fitted to them with the least modification.
The body is said to be very strong and rigid, of high tensile strength, and capable of withstanding twisting action. Instructions for removing the old body and for making minor engine and chassis modifications are included with each body.
The new body is then attached with bolts and brackets supplied with the kit. Parts such as bumpers, headlights, door hinges and locks can be saved from the old body for installation on the new car. With the exception of cutting off the old body, all the necessary conversion work can be done with the usual assortment of tools found in the average home workshop.
Motor Life: July 1956
American Boulevard Sports Cars
Later in the same year, Motor Life covered the Mark II by U.S. Fiberglass in a short article about American Boulevard Cruisers. Most of the cars discussed were one’s you could build yourself, but in this article it was disclosed that you could buy a fully assembled U.S. Fiberglass Mark II Sports Car – or the kit to do-it-yourself. What flexibility gang!
Here’s the photo and caption shown in the article:
Summary:
Some of you astute fiberglass aficionados may have noticed the similarity in design to the Victress S4, and you would be right. The basis of the Mark II is the Victress S4 introduced in ’54 in Los Angeles, California. The Mark II body is basically a Victress S4 with changes made to the front end design. Everything else including the wheelbase remained the same. A testimony to the classic designs of the Victress S4 penned by none other than Hugh Jorgensen, himself.
And this would not be the last time that the Victress S4 served as a point of inspiration for another fledgling car company – more about that history later.
Hope you enjoyed the story, and until next time…
Glass on gang…
Geoff
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Thanks Geoff, great article. As you know, I have been researching U.S. Fiberglass Industrial Plastics, Inc. The company was started in 1952. According to the son of the founder, the gentleman shown in the Motor Life picture is, in fact, Howard E. Greene, the founder of the company, more to come as well.
Geoff – Neat story! I think that the B/W advertising post card that I sent you for this car is dated 1956 – Do you know how long they were in business or how many cars / bodies they may have built?
Glenn….we have all information on this company that you asked above – and more. Much information to share over many new stories 🙂 Geoff
A really great car in terms of style for that time. I had never heard of the Mark II until I read this article, but the company’s approach to turn key and kit production has got to be one of the first in the industry. It’s one of those things that makes you wonder why they didn’t last.