UC_Portolio_Book

31 1953 Johnny Dark Woodill Wildfire (2020) The Woodill Wildfire is one of the first postwar American sports cars. Available in late 1952, the Wildfire was originally proposed as a prototype sports car for the Willys motor car company by B.R. “ Woody ” Woodill. After the Willys Corporation was purchased by Kaiser in late 1952, the Kaiser Darrin was chosen as their sports car and B.R. Woodill moved forward and created an independent sports car company. The Wildfire quickly became one of the best known sports car companies in America and was featured in popular movies of the time such as “ Johnny Dark ”, “ Written on the Wind ” and “ Knock on Wood. ” 100 examples - bodies and sports cars - were built over approximately 5 years. When we started Undiscovered Classics back in 2007, the location of either of the Wildfires used in the movie “ Johnny Dark ” was unknown. Through careful research and documentation, we were able to identify key characteristics of each car that could be corroborated if the cars were found. Over the years, a number of Wildfires were examined to find matching characteristics and finally in 2014 we located a Wildfire for sale in Sacramento, California that matched the missing black Wildfire perfectly. With a bit more work, we confirmed the cars identity. This was the Woodill Wildfire used in the movie and driven by actor Tony Curtis. Restoration began in 2017 and during the restoration, a new owner decided he wanted to make the car his own. Locating all the critical pieces to bring this car back to life was critical and our Undiscovered Classics team brought their resources to bear. This Johnny Dark Woodill Wildfire successfully made its debut at the 2021 Amelia Island Concours d ’ Elegance with its new owner by its side. It will take its place as part of a movie car museum that the owner is building and hopes to open to the public in 2021. Fewer than 10 restored examples of the Wildfire exist today.