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 and caption of the new “Rockefeller Yankee” sports car from Rockeville Center, New York.

About twenty percent of all fiberglass cars produced in the USA in the 50s were made outside California.  The Rockefeller Yankee is one that was well-known in the early years of fiberglass sports cars, but mostly forgotten today.   And…this was another company (Rockefeller Yankee) that had a relationship with Naugatuck Chemical – the same company that worked with Bill Tritt and Glasspar to make the Glasspar G2 a reality.  They purchased their resin and fiberglass from them to make their fiberglass bodies and cars.

Great thanks goes to Alden Jewell for sharing this clipping and scans from his collection with us.  Much appreciated Alden!

And away we go….

Automobile Topics: April, 1953

Caption: The new Rockefeller Yankee with plastic body has been introduced by Rockefeller Sports Car Corporation; Rockeville Center, New York.  The body is made from fiberglass and vibrin produced by the U.S. Rubber Company.  Weighing 2000 pounds, the car has a 99 inch wheelbase, a Ford V-8 engine, and is priced, including canvas top, at $2495.  Body is molded by Lunn Laminates of Long Island, New York.

Summary:

There is a claim to fame to note.  That is, the fiberglass bodies of the Rockefeller were built by Lunn Laminates of Long Island, New York.  It was this same company that went on to produce the Corvette body in 1953 – along with other companies coordinated by Owens Corning.  So…the work on the Corvette that Lunn Laminates was known for was first tested and practiced on the Rockefeller Yankee – nearly a year before the fiberglass bodies of the Corvette began to take shape.  So which was first?  The answer….not the Corvette 🙂

Hope you enjoyed the story, and until next time…

Glass on gang…

Geoff