Fabulous Fiberglass at the Savoy

1 At The Savoy

3 Fabulous Fiberglass at the Savoy Geoffrey R. Hacker, Ph.D. and Mike Puma — Undiscovered Classics — Main Exhibit Hall for the Fabulous Fiberglass Exhibit at the Savoy Automobile Museum: March 2025

4 Fabulous Fiberglass at the Savoy PUBLISHED BY: Undiscovered Classics 6306 Memorial Highway Tampa, Florida 33615-4538 UndiscoveredClassics.com PRODUCTION Authorship, Layout, and Design: Geoffrey R. Hacker, Ph.D. and Mike Puma Signage and Text for Each Car: Mary Agrusa (Savoy) PHOTO CREDITS Photography: Geoffrey Hacker and Blake Johnson (Savoy) Cover Photo: Blake Johnson (Savoy) © 2025 BY UNDISCOVERED CLASSICS PRINTED IN THE USA All rights reserved for all countries, including the right of translation. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photography, recording, xerography, computer scanning or any information or storage and retrieval system now known or to be invented, without permission in writing from the publisher, except where one wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper, or broadcast.

5 Table of Contents PART I— THE EXHIBIT Exhibit Overview ..................................................................... 1 Exhibit Entrance ...................................................................... 3 Exhibit Hall .............................................................................. 5 1958 Thor Coupe .................................................................... 7 1962 Shark Roadster .............................................................. 11 1965 XKC Special ................................................................... 15 1966 Novetta ........................................................................... 19 1968 Jamaican ........................................................................ 23 1969 Lola T70 ......................................................................... 27 1970 Amante ........................................................................... 31 1972 Manta Mirage ................................................................. 35 1976 Cimbria ........................................................................... 39 Multimedia Links Savoy: One-Minute Commercial ........................................ 42 Undiscovered Classics: One-Hour Exhibit Video ............... 43 Fabulous Fiberglass Publicity Websites and Social Media ................................................ 45 Online and Published Articles ............................................ 51 Digital Publicity Cards ........................................................ 55 PART II— THE FORUM Forum Overview ..................................................................... 57 Moderator and Panelists ......................................................... 59 Multimedia Links Savoy: One-Hour Fabulous Fiberglass Forum ................... 61 Fabulous Fiberglass Forum Publicity Savoy Forum Publicity ....................................................... 63 Undiscovered Classics Publicity ........................................ 65 PART III— ABOUT US Geoffrey Hacker ...................................................................... 67 Mike Puma .............................................................................. 69 Social Media ........................................................................... 71

6 Exhibit Cars Staged in Storage Building or “Shed” at Rear of Savoy Property Before Exhibit Opens—Spring 2025

1 March 4th thru July 13th, 2025 The 1960s was a new era for design. The postwar culture had shifted. Music, architecture, clothing – everything was being re-imagined and car design was no exception. Designing and building your own sports car was a trend that started after World War II and continued thru the 1960s and beyond. Enterprising and talented young men who were car-centric, were driven by a passion to create something that would be uniquely their own – a sports car tailored to their exact design. This exhibit embraces the handcrafted sports car movement by showcasing exceptional “1 of 1” automobiles as well as examples of skillfully designed models that you could buy and build if you had the determination, talent and skill. The cars in the exhibit represent the range of what was being built and more. Exceptionally rare today, we’re honored to have cars from the collections of the designers and builders themselves – the first such significant showing of handcrafted cars from this era at a museum in the world. The nine cars on display include: PART I: THE EXHIBIT Exhibit Overview Cars in Order By Year 1958 Thor Coupe 1962 Shark Roadster 1965 XKC Special 1966 Novetta 1968 Jamaican 1969 Lola T70 MKIIIB 1970 Amante GT 1972 Manta Mirage 1976 Cimbria

3 Exhibit Entrance

5 Exhibit Hall

6 Museum Sign Stationed at the Orlando Air Force Base, enlisted men Nik Gudmunds and Jerry Ball took advantage of a fellow airman’s misfortune. A buddy totaled his VW, so the pair designed and built a fiberglass body on the wrecked chassis. In the late 50s, fiberglass car body kits became popular, and the duo saw a potential business when their tour of duty ended. That future endeavor never materialized, however, two coupes and a roadster body did. Gudmunds and Ball’s “Thor” was completed in 1958. Named for Nik Gudmund’s father Thor, the pair, like other enthusiasts found the air-cooled VW drivetrain perfect for creating custom fiberglass vehicles. Among the car’s special features is the Targa-style removable roof (not present), referred to as a “Surrey Top” by Nik. The Thor has custom dual exhaust, and enough room under the hood for a spare tire. Fifteen separate molds were required to create the body. Specifications • Engine: 73 cubic inches (1.2L) • Output: 38 horsepower • Transmission: 4-Speed Manual Volkswagen • Wheelbase: 95 inches • Overall Length: 163 Inches • Weight: 1,386 lbs • Top Speed: 86 mph • Production: 3—two coupes and a roadster body • Manufacturer: Nik Gudmunds and Jerry Ball

7 1958 Thor Coupe On Loan From Richard Brown: Slidell, Louisiana

8 1958 Thor Coupe: Designed By Nik Gudmunds and Jerry Ball

10 Museum Sign Henry Covington was intrigued by the aerodynamic principles of his friend Dr. Augustus Raspet. Collaborating with fiberglass expert Glenn Gums, Covington designed and built a car based on Raspet’s ideas. Before Covington died in 1962, six Tiburon coupes were produced. Later Gums created six Shark Roadsters. Posthumously, Road and Track declared Covington’s Tiburon coupe the most streamlined car in the world. In 1980, eighteen-year-old Geoff Hacker began his love affair with the Shark. By 1981 the Shark was restored and on the show circuit, however, as time passed it began to show its age. Geoff once donated the car to a museum, but after five years they gave it back to him! Bill Warner of the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance’s 2012 challenge to “make it so Geoff” was the spark that fueled the car’s restoration. In just over 90 days, Geoff and a team of over 30 helpers completed the Shark in time for the show’s March 10th deadline. Specifications • Engine: 79 cubic inches (1.3L) - Renault R10 • Output: 45 horsepower • Transmission: 4-Speed Manual (R10 synchromesh) • Wheelbase: 82.5 inches • Overall Length: 168 inches • Weight: 1,000-1,100 lbs. • Top Speed: 100 MPH • Production: 6 roadsters / 6 coupes • Original Price: $3,500 • Manufacturer: Glen Gums based on Henry Covington Design

11 1962 Shark Roadster On Loan From Geoffrey Hacker of Undiscovered Classics: Tampa, Florida

12 1962 Shark Roadster: Designed By Glen Gums based on Henry Covington Design

14 Museum Sign A collaborative effort spanning 4 decades by two people who never met resulted in the XKC Special. To design a high-quality car, special attention must focus on performance, not looks and comfort. Concerning the XKC Special, D.L. Baker’s priorities were in the right place but at a great cost. According to Undiscovered Classics the car “took 7 years, 2 wives, 10,000 cans of beer, and many good and talented friends to create.” Dennis Kazmerowski’s part began in 2016 when he purchased the car. D. L. Baker’s attention to what was unseen was the main selling point. Built on a solid foundation, Kazmerowski now concentrated on what could be seen and endeavored to restore the car to its original elegance. Removing custom add-ons restored the car’s vintage, classic looks. It took over a half-century to bring the SKC Special to its final state, but D. L. Baker would probably say it was worth the wait. Specifications • Engine: 327 cubic inches (5.4 L), cast-iron V8 block • Output: 400 horsepower • Transmission: 4-Speed manual Muncie M21 Road Racing Reverse Lockout • Wheelbase: 98 inches • Weight: 2,600 lbs. • Top Speed: 150 MPH • Production: 1 • Manufacturer: D.L. Baker and Dennis Kazmerowski

15 1965 XKC Special On Loan From Dennis and Karen Kazmerowski: Califon, New Jersey

16 1965 XKC Special: Designed By D.L. Baker and Dennis Kazmerowski

18 Museum Sign When your older brother, the epitome of cool, brings home a classic car, the die is cast. To be that cool, you must follow his lead. For Steve Briscoe, this meant driving a succession of cool cars including a ’65 Corvette and a ’70 Datsun 240Z. Yet those rides lacked a certain exclusivity. And so he set out to remedy that. Inspired by a Banshee body by Fiberfab, Steve learned to do fiberglass, a little metal fabrication, and even some upholstery to create his personal masterpiece. According to Steve, he was a “boy with a dream, the ignorance to follow it, and a wife who tolerated it.” Steve pondered the question, “How hard can it be to build a car?” The answer – very hard, but worth the effort. Steve’s creation is a blend of Aston Martin, Maserati, Corvette, Ferrari, and Porsche 904, and truly a oneof-a-kind work of art. Now who owns the coolest car? Steve's brother can only dream. Specifications • Engine: 122 cubic inches (2.0L) • Output: 150 horsepower • Transmission: 4-Speed Manual • Wheelbase: 94 inches • Weight: 1,900 lbs. • Top Speed: 140 MPH • Production: 1 • Original Price: Priceless • Manufacturer: Steve Briscoe

19 1966 Novetta On Loan From Steve Briscoe: Phoenix, Arizona

20 1966 Novetta: Designed By Steve Briscoe

22 Museum Sign One of the most prominent manufacturers of glass-fiber kit cars was Fiberfab. Their Jamaican was inspired by Italian designers Bertone, Pininfarina, and Scaglietti, and some believe it is the prettiest vehicle Fiberfab offered. This car is the first body off of the mold. Designed to fit the VW pan and some British 2-seater sports cars, eventually, it was offered with a made-up frame for the series II which allowed the fitment of a common V-8 engine. Fiberfab employee Russell Beebe designed what became the Jamaican. His brother Chris helped shape the lifesize buck. Chris found a “rolled” Austin Healey 3000 and used its chassis and running gear as the car’s foundation. In 1968, over the Christmas holidays, Chris drove roundtrip to Wisconsin and back for the car’s inaugural shakedown run. Mostly out of curiosity, he was stopped by police 14 times who questioned the car’s origin. Specifications • Engine: 176 cubic inches (2.9L) 1959 Austin Healey 6 cylinder • Output: 150 horsepower @ 5,250 rpm • Transmission: 4-Speed Manual with Overdrive • Wheelbase: 91.75 inches • Overall Length: 175 inches • Weight: 2,560 lbs. • Top Speed: 130 MPH • Production: 150 to 200 • Original Price: $275 (body only) • Manufacturer: Fiberfab, Designed by Russell and Chris Beebe

23 1968 Jamaican On Loan From Chris Beebe: Stoughton, Wisconsin

24 1968 Jamaican: Designed by Russell and Chris Beebe; Manufactured by Fiberfab

26 Museum Sign After years of designing and repairing sports cars, Karl Schuetz was ready for something new, and good friend Dennis Kazmerowski had the answer. Until it was found by Kazmerowski, the body of a Trojan Lola T70 spent almost 40 years in a storage facility. Transforming this Lola into an operating vehicle meant building the car from the frame up from scratch. When Karl heard about the car he was intrigued. Could he do a full car build? There was only one way to find out. After approximately 1,000 hours, and a year of weekends and evenings of hard work, the Lola T70 MKII coupe was complete. Karl even learned to paint so that he could finish the car himself. Karl no longer wonders if he could build a car from the ground up. With imagination, creativity, an assemblage of parts, and old-fashioned sweat equity, the answer to that question is a resounding “Yes!” Specifications • Engine: 383 cu. in. (6 L), Cast-iron block, V-8, 8 stack electronic fuel injection • Output: 480 horsepower @ 5,800 RPM • Transmission: 6-Speed Manual Porsche 996 • Wheelbase: 96 inches • Weight: 2,600 lbs. • Top Speed: 100 MPH • Production: 1 • Original Price: $100,000 • Manufacturer: Karl Schuetz; Body by Trojan

27 1969 Lola T70 MKIIIB On Loan From Karl R. Schuetz: Chester, New Jersey

28 1970 Lola T70 MKIIIB: Designed By Karl Schuetz; Body Manufactured by Trojan

30 Museum Sign In 1965 John Hebler and John Ubina formed Hebina Plastics and they developed the car body they called the Gazelle. The fiberglass work was outstanding including fiberglass innerliners for all major body parts. Hebina’s early sales were not sufficient to make their enterprise profitable. A guy named Bill Voegele had just graduated from (nearby) Berkeley. When he saw what Hebina was doing he bought Hebina and set up Voegele Industries as the new manufacturer. Bill began running ads in car magazines based on the new car they called “The Amante GT”. Amante means ‘lover’ in Italian. The Amante improvements included dual headlights with drop-down covers, built-in steel in the roof and the doors, and reinforcing of the fiberglass at all critical points. Voegele Industries made 150 of these cars in 1969-70, many of which are still on the road. In 1971, family matters caused Bill’s original Amante dream to end, but it remains alive for all the other Amante lovers. Specifications • Engine: 110 cubic inches (1.8L) • Output: 110 horsepower • Transmission: 4-Speed Manual • Wheelbase: 96 inches • Overall Length: 162 Inches • Top Speed: 153 mph with additional modifications • Production: 150 • Manufacturer: Voegele Industries

31 1970 Amante GT On Loan From Bill Voegele and John Campbell: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

32 1970 Amante GT: Designed By John Hebler, John Ubina and Bill Voegele

34 Museum Sign Initially developed in the early 1970s for the Can-Am series, the Manta Mirage, depending on the final build, was one of the fastest American supercars of that time. Brothers Brad and Tim LoVette founded the Manta, a lowvolume specialty automobile maker. Before ceasing production in 1986, the duo built over 1,000 vehicles of various models. The Mirage was a road-legal version of a Cam-Am car, some of the quickest racers in a series with relaxed rules. The Mirage’s styling pays homage to the McLaren M6GT, especially in the front end. The Mirage boasts an impressive movie resume with appearances in the original 1974 Gone in 60 Seconds. Also featured in the 1983 movie Deadline Auto Theft, a custom version was featured in the 1983 TV show Hardcastle and McCormick. The car was built on the LoVette brother’s original molds. Custom work and final build is by Dennis Kazmerowski. Specifications • Engine: 327 cubic inches (5.4L) • Output: 400 horsepower • Transmission: ZF Box • Weight: 1,800 lbs • Top Speed: 170 mph • Production: Custom 1 of 1 • Manufacturer: Manta, Inc.

35 1972 Manta Mirage On Loan From Dennis and Karen Kazmerowski: Califon, New Jersey

36 1972 Manta Mirage: Body Design by Brad and Tim LoVette; Built by Dennis Kazmerowski

38 Museum Sign Oscar Wilde wrote, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery”. Amore Car Company’s the Cimbria, demonstrates owner Joe Palumbo’s great admiration for Richard Oakes’ Nova, aka Sterling. The company claimed the car could be assembled in about 120 hours. Designed to be bolted to a full-length, slightly modified VW floorpan, the basic version came with VW parts. A pre-assembled deluxe kit, the Cimbria SS was offered allowing the owner to mount the drivetrain of their choice. The original Cimbria was a prototype that evolved with time. One noteworthy feature is the gull-wing doors. Shorter than normal, they create a large sill for drivers and passengers to overcome. The split-glass rear hatch/engine cover resembles the De Tomaso Mangusta. The hood is designed to accommodate a radiator if a water-cooled engine is installed. This Cimbria was originally built by Bruce Morehead, former race car drive, and preserved/ maintained to original driving condition by Bob Cicerone. Specifications • Engine: 100 cubic inches (1.6L) • Output: 80 horsepower • Transmission: 4-Speed Manual • Wheelbase: 95 inches • Overall Length: 178 Inches • Weight: 1,600 lbs • Top Speed: 95-100 mph • Production: 100-150 • Manufacturer: Amore Car Company

39 1976 Cimbria On Loan From Bob Cicerone: Troy, Michigan

40 1976 Cimbria: Designed By Amore Car Company

42 Savoy: One-Minute Commercial The Savoy Automobile Museum put together a one-minute video/commercial advertising the Fabulous Fiberglass exhibit and welcoming people to join us and celebrate the cars. If you are viewing this book on your computer or phone, you can click on the following link to view this video: Click Here To View Fabulous Fiberglass One-Minute Commercial on YouTube Otherwise, visit the Savoy Automobile Museum YouTube Channel and search for “Fabulous Fiberglass” and select the correct video.

43 Multimedia Links Undiscovered Classics: One-Hour Exhibit Video Mike Puma of Undiscovered Classics put together a YouTube video featuring the owners and their cars that participated in the Fabulous Fiberglass 2025 exhibit. After posting the video, in just three weeks it received over 46,000 views on YouTube. If you are viewing this book on your computer or phone, you can click on the following link to view this video: Click Here To View Fabulous Fiberglass Exhibit Video on YouTube Otherwise, visit our Undiscovered Classics YouTube Channel and search for “Fabulous Fiberglass” and select the correct video.

44 Savoy Website Promotion

45 Fabulous Fiberglass Publicity Websites and Social Media Savoy Website Promotion

46 On This Page: Savoy Facebook Promotion

47 On This Page: Savoy Facebook Promotion

48 Savoy Facebook Promotion

49 Undiscovered Classics Facebook Promotion Silodrome Facebook Promotion

50 Left to Right: Articles by Undiscovered Classics, Automobile Museums, Old Cars Magazine and Silodrome

51 Online and Published Articles Several websites published articles on the Fabulous Fiberglass exhibit. If you are viewing this book on your computer or phone, you can click on the following link to view each article: Undiscovered Classics “Fabulous Fiberglass at the Savoy” Posted March 1st, 2025 Click Here To View Article on Undiscovered Classics Automobile Museums “Fabulous Fiberglass” Posted March 26th, 2025 Click Here To View Article on Automobile Museums Old Cars Magazine “See “Forgotten Fiberglass” at the Savoy Posted April 22nd, 2025 Click Here To View Article on Old Cars Magazine Silodrome “Ever Seen These Before? Fabulous Fiberglass at the Savoy Automobile Museum” Posted June 5th, 2025 Click Here To View Article on Silodrome

52 Left to Right: Classic Motorsports Article & Mark Livingood’s “Fabulous” Fiberglass Review on His Exhibit Archive Website

53 Online and Published Articles—Continued Several websites published articles on the Fabulous Fiberglass exhibit. If you are viewing this book on your computer or phone, you can click on the following link to view each article: Classic Motorports “Museum Magic” Savoy Automobile Museum Rocks North Georgia July 2025 Click Here To View Article The Savoy Automobile Museum, An Exhibit Archive “Fabulous Fiberglass” Spring 2025 Click Here To Review of Fabulous Fiberglass Exhibit

55 Digital Publicity Cards Digital Publicity Cards were created for each of the 9 cars to celebrate the car and the Savoy exhibit, and to promote the exhibit and attendance during the time the cars were on display.

56 Entrance to Savoy Theater Advertising The Fabulous Fiberglass Forum on the Marquee: March, 2025

57 PART II: THE FORUM Forum Overview Time: 90 Minutes (45-60 Minute Discussion; 20-30 Minute Question & Answer) Saturday, March 22, 2025 @ 2pm Sports car designs in the 1960s were inspirational – especially to individuals who were motivated to create something new. While magazine articles showed how to do this, few people stepped up to the plate – and for good reason. The challenge was bringing together a set of skills which included expertise in design, fabrication, engineering and drivetrain power. And while this list of skills in just one person is quite rare, you had to add the element of “perseverance to finish the job” to the list too. This forum explores both the individual sports car designs and company-created models produced in the 1960s. It also reviews the challenges of building your own car with the added element of creating something uniquely your own. Forum speakers bring to the table expertise in history, engineering, fabrication, restoration and design inspiration around these handcrafted cars. Participants Geoffrey Hacker: Undiscovered Classics, Moderator Dennis Kazmerowski, Panelist Steve Briscoe, Panelist Mike Puma, Panelist

58 Geoffrey Hacker – Moderator Geoff Hacker, Ph.D. has pursued rare and unusual cars for over 40 years. He is now the premier researcher, archivist and author of the history of handcrafted American sports cars. Hacker and his partner, Mike Puma, own Undiscovered Classics which finds and restores these rare cars. Their work has led to multiple showings at prestigious concours events including Pebble Beach and Amelia Island. Undiscovered Classics work have been seen on television including Jay Leno’s Garage, AmeriCarna, and the “Barn Find Hunter.” Hacker’s work has been published extensively in both print and electronic media. Dennis Kazmerowski – Panelist Dennis has been building, restoring and racing cars for over 50 years and has over 30 cars to his credit. Most recently, he brought back to life one of the most special hand-built cars of the 1950s – Strother MacMinn’s LeMans Coupe – which he debuted at the 2023 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. His race history includes multiple regional and divisional titles in Trans-Am, IMSA and a run as a privateer at Le Mans in 1990. He also served as the Technical Director of the Trans-Am race series for several years. His cars have appeared on covers of major magazines with articles appearing in Road & Track, Porsche Panormama, Keeping Track of Vettes, Sportscar International and most recently a 14page article in Magneto. Dennis and his cars have won major awards and recognition at events including the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance and EyesOn Design at the Ford Estate. Dennis Kazmerowski 1958 LeMans Coupe (Strother MacMinn Design) Geoffrey Hacker 1962 Shark Roadster

59 Moderator and Panelists Steve Briscoe - Panelist Steve is a standup comedian, filmmaker, martial artist and auto enthusiast. He has owned dozens of collectible cars lending his unique, individual style to every one. From a California look, 1958 Beetle with a rare Okrasa modified motor, a 65 Mustang with extensive high performance modifications to a 1970 240Z with which he prowled Mulholland Blvd in the 80’s. And now the Novetta, a one-off homage to the sports racers of the 1960’s built from the ground up with the express intention of striking that elusive equilibrium between form and function. Steve’s ability to attract other highly talented individuals is a hallmark of his myriad endeavors. In the case of the Novetta, the result was that Bruce Meyer of The Petersen Museum said, “You nailed it.” Mike Puma - Panelist Partner of Undiscovered Classics with Geoff Hacker, Mike Puma has held a lifelong interest in collector automobiles. His interest in vintage handcrafted sports cars peaked with his acquisition of the oldest intact postwar electric car built in America – a 1959 LaDawri Conquest by General Electric. In his role alongside Geoff, Mike helps to research, educate, and promote these unique cars while also managing social media, including a growing YouTube channel. Mike brings to the table skills beyond his passion for these cars as a coowner of Preservation Studios, a full-service historic preservation consulting firm operating since 2002. His company works with property owners, developers, and municipalities pursuing historic preservation and tax credit rehabilitation projects, representing over $1 billion in reinvestment into historic buildings. Steve Briscoe 1966 Novetta Mike Puma 1955 Debonnaire (Phillip Egan Design)

60 Chris Beebe’s 1968 Jamaican on Stage at the Fabulous Fiberglass Forum—March 22, 2025

61 Multimedia Links Savoy: One-Hour Fabulous Fiberglass Forum The Savoy Automobile Museum hosted the Fabulous Fiberglass Forum in their 300+ seat theater. They dedicated their staff and equipment to record and post the video as part of their “Tireside Chats” that they share on their YouTube Channel for the museum. Click Here To View Fabulous Fiberglass Forum on YouTube Otherwise, visit the Savoy Automobile Museum YouTube Channel and search for “Fabulous Fiberglass Forum” and select the correct video.

63 Fabulous Fiberglass Forum Publicity Savoy Forum Publicity On these pages are publicity cards put together by the Savoy Automobile Museum to promote the Fabulous Fiberglass Forum for March, 2025. These cards were shared on Facebook and other Social Media.

64 Chris Beebe’s 1968 Jamaican on Stage at the Fabulous Fiberglass Forum—March 22, 2025

65 Undiscovered Classics Publicity If you are viewing this book on your computer or phone, you can click on the following link to view the article below. Undiscovered Classics “Fabulous Fiberglass Forum—at the Savoy” Posted March 1st, 2025 Click Here To View Article on Undiscovered Classics

67 PART III: ABOUT US Geoffrey Hacker, Ph.D. Geoff Hacker has pursued rare and unusual cars since his early teenage years when he discovered an exotic, fiberglass-bodied, concept car called the “Shark”— a car he owns to this day. As founder of Undiscovered Classics, he and his team focus on the research, pursuit, restoration and showing of rare, one -of-a-kind handbuilt automobiles at some of the best shows in the world. Hacker graduated from the University of South Florida with his Ph.D. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. Upon graduation, he worked at a Fortune 500 company as head of a team in the Operations Department who created, managed and implemented training programs for hourly, managerial and executive positions. Over 100,000 employees graduated from these programs each year. After more than a decade, he left to form his own consulting group and pursued corporate and small business clients that had training and educational needs aligned to his strengths – an activity he continues to this day. Based in Tampa Florida with a satellite location in Buffalo New York (built and organized by his partner Mike Puma), Undiscovered Classics is comprised of both local and global talent whose expertise is in research and restoration of rare handbuilt automobiles. Some of the TV shows they have appeared on include: Jay Leno’s Garage, Ray Evernham’s AmeriCarna on the Velocity channel, “Sticker Shock” on the Discovery Channel and Hagerty TV’s Barn Find Hunter. Cars from Undiscovered Classics have appeared at some of the most prestigious concours across America such as the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. Some of the most significant Automobile Museums in America have also featured their cars and exhibits including the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles California, the LeMay Automobile Museum in Tacoma Washington, the AACA Museum in Hershey Pennsylvania, the Sarasota Classic Car Museum in Sarasota Florida, the Tampa Bay Automobile Museum in Pinellas Park Florida. In 2025, cars and their exhibits will appear at the Savoy Automobile Museum in Cartersville, Georgia and the Edge Motor Museum in Memphis Tennessee. Domestically, the research and writings of Undiscovered Classics have been shared in magazines including Hemmings Motor News, Classic Motorsports, The Rodder’s Journal, Street Rod Premium, Old Cars Weekly, Autoweek, Collectible Automobile and Hagerty Classic Cars. Internationally, magazines that have published articles about them include Classic & Sports Car (UK), Octane (UK), Magneto (UK), Old Autos (Canada), American Classics (Germany), Auto Week Classics (Holland), Gasoline (Germany), and Powerglide (France). Hacker is most proud of his organization’s accomplishments, which have brought legitimacy and value to the handcrafted (individual or small company) cars across America. Undiscovered Classics now has a global reach with over half a million followers on their website. You can follow their cars and activities on UndiscoveredClassics.com and their social media which includes YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. Geoffrey Hacker

69 Partner of Undiscovered Classics with Geoff Hacker, Mike Puma has held a lifelong interest in collector automobiles. His love for classic cars began at a young age having grown up around 1950s and 1960s Cadillacs belonging to his father and uncle. As a child he was constantly reading about cars and was especially intrigued by the extravagant concept cars of the 1950s. Seeing them forgotten in junkyards before being restored and brought back in the public eye was something he hoped he could do one day too. By his mid-teens Mike began buying, selling, and collecting vintage cars, and not having a Cadillac budget, he focused primarily on muscle cars. As he approached his late-20s, he was yearning for more and thought back to the gleaming concept cars of the 1950s. Recognizing that most of them had already been found, he didn’t think much else could be out there that would make him fall in love all over again. That all changed when he came across a car he had never heard of before, a 1959 LaDawri Conquest. His interest in vintage handcrafted sports cars peaked with his acquisition of the LaDawri, which was even more special being the most intact postwar electric car built in America with an experimental drivetrain engineered and built by General Electric. In his role alongside Geoff, Mike helps to research, educate, and promote these unique cars while also managing social media, including a growing YouTube channel. Mike brings to the table skills beyond his passion for these cars as a co-owner of Preservation Studios, a full-service historic preservation consulting firm operating since 2002. His company works with property owners, developers, and municipalities pursuing historic preservation and tax credit rehabilitation projects, representing over $1 billion in reinvestment into historic buildings. Not content with just consulting on historic rehabilitations, Mike and several of his close business partners purchased a derelict Main Street building in Buffalo and completed a transformational project. The Monroe Motor Car Co. Building was built in 1920 as a dealership selling Marmon and Velie automobiles, located on what was known as “Automobile Row” for decades. Most notably, Ford purchased the building in 1932 and used it as their prototype for their new concept of a full service dealership, including sales, repairs, and parts sales. The building’s automotive history faded from local memory as the richly detailed exterior had been clad with corrugated metal and the opulent showroom was covered over with false walls. Their project brought the building back to its former glory and has become an award winning historic preservation project. Mike Puma Mike Puma

70 Entrance Sign at The Savoy Museum for the Fabulous Fiberglass Exhibit: March 2025

71 Social Media If you are viewing this book on your computer or phone, you can click on the following links to view our Social Media accounts for Undiscovered Classics: Undiscovered Classics Website YouTube Channel Facebook Page Instagram Page

72 Visitor’s Main Welcome Screen at Entrance to Savoy Automobile Museum—June 2025 Last Page of Book

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