Johnny Dark Restoration Book - The Black Woodill Wildfire

41 Fred Roth, Chassis And Windshield: Collector and historian Fred Roth has been studying the history of Woodill Wildfires and other similar marques since the late 1960s. In the automotive community that recognizes the significance of the history of these cars, Fred is considered the “ founder ” of research and preservation for American fiberglass spe- cials. Fred also has the unique distinction of working with Special Interest Autos magazine in 1974 to produce the first historical article on Woodill Wildfire sports cars. The first comments, below, are from a personal communication with Fred in 2012: Fred Roth: I was approached by the owner of the Woodill bodied Jag car many years ago. I didn't believe it then and I don't now. There are several scenes in the film that show the car/s used were Willys powered with Willys running gear. (Check the parts lying around in the garage scene) Second knowing Woody as I did, his main interest in putting his cars in movies was for the publicity. As you said, at that time he was pushing to build these as Willys Sports cars and would have defeat- ed his purpose - especially using foreign running gear. Second, the comments below are summarized from from a recording with Howard Miller in 1974 made by Fred Roth in documenting the history of Woodill Wildfire sports cars. Howard Miller was the Production Foreman for Woodill Wildfire: Howard Miller: The Johnny Dark car had a Corvette windshield put on it before it was finally sold. It was built using a modified Willys engine/drivetrain. Shown below are photos of several Woodill Wildfire sports cars. The first car shown in the photos is be- lieved to be the Johnny Dark Wildfire with the newly installed Corvette windshield.