For Sale
1955 Woodill Wildfire
Professional Body-Off Restoration (2024)
— Cadillac V8 Power With Three Carburetors —
— Automatic Transmission —
Pricing / Availability
The car is located in Phoenix, Arizona and Auction: Car will be at the Mecum Auction in Glendale, Arizona in March, 2025.
Contact Jess Marshall at (602) 292-5188 or gecko1212@gmail.com
Description
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 his own 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. Less than 20 restored examples of Woodill Wildfire sports cars exist today.
This Car
The engine is a 1960-61 Cadillac 3 carburetor with a Hydramatic transmission. It has just completed a body-off restoration. Clean Arizona title. It also includes a rare unrestored top. It’s ready for shows, cruise-ins, parades or just fun driving.
Technical Specifications
Drivetrain:
- 1961 Cadillac engine V-8, 390HP, 6.4L, OHV 33
- 3 Rochester Carbs.
- General Motors Hydra-Matic automatic transmission
- Front suspension 1948 Ford
- Chevrolet Rear-end
- Dual exhaust
Chassis, Suspension and Brakes:
- Rebuilt brakes, wheel cylinders, master cylinder
- Wheelbase: 101″
- Track: 56″
Exterior:
- Early Ferrari red
- Original, unrestored, top frame goes with car
Hood and Trunk:
- Newly Molded Hood plus mold, that goes with car
Interior:
- New red with white inserts, vinyl upholstery
- New red carpeting
- All new dash instruments
Additional Features:
- New Coker white wall tires on
- Standard wheels of the era
- 12V electrical
- Additional information, magazine articles, etc. included with sale
Production:
- VIN # 9964
- 1st sold to A. Koch May 23, 1955
- He paid $ 65 for the frame
- $ 140 for body
Additional Detail
Condition: This Wildfire benefited from a body-off professional with over 50 years of experience.
Concours Embraced: American handcrafted specials have been welcomed across the country, and in recent years this has expanded to rallys, special exhibitions and more. What drives interest in these cars is the unique design and history of the build – in every case a story that is a “one of one.” Since 2007, major concours such as Amelia and Pebble Beach have held classes of these cars on several occasions, and both the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance and the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance have featured classes of these cars in 2023 and 2024.
Auction Results / Comparable Sales: Click Here To View Auction Results For American Specials
Hagerty Valuation Guide: Click Here To View Hagerty Valuation Guide
Modern Photos
Terms
Transportation costs and arrangements from Phoenix Arizona to buyer’s location are the responsibility of the buyer. This car is being advertised locally and we reserve the right to end the auction at any time. Although every effort is made to present accurate and reliable information, use of this information is voluntary, and should only be deemed reliable after an independent review of its accuracy, completeness, and timeliness. It is the sole responsibility of the customer to verify the existence of options, accessories and the vehicle condition before time of sale. Any and all differences must be addressed prior to time of sale. No expressed or implied warranties, including the availability or condition of the equipment listed is made. Full payment via electronic/bank transfer is due no later than 7 days from the end of the auction.