By Dean Larson

Photos: Seller, Craigslist

Classic American glass is really heating up, and it shouldn’t take anymore than a 15 minute internet search to figure that out. These days, we’re not only seeing early fiberglass cars at premier events like Amelia Island, but also brand new reproduction bodies of cars like the Byers SR100 being offered.

The rare Glasspar G2 is one such classic that seems to have multiplied in value over the past 10-15 years. Barrett-Jackson sold an exceptional G2 used in the film “Johnny Dark” back in 2005 for just $31,900. Also consider this perfectly-preserved garage-find G2 that sold in 2013 for just $35,000. Fast forward to Amelia Island 2019, where we watched firsthand as a beautiful HEMI-powered G2 sold at RM Sotheby’s for $109,200 including buyer’s premium. It’s also not unusual to see a G2 posted to online classifieds these days for lofty prices over $100,000.

But value is really determined at the time of the transaction, and as such, it can be tough to determine for a rare car such as this. I came across this Glasspar on Mohave County Craigslist recently, and while I enjoy most any G2 I see, I questioned whether the car was worth its premium price point.

This 1953 Glasspar is indeed a unique roadster that accurately reflects the custom car trends coming to be in the late 1950s and early ’60s. Most strikingly, the front end of the G2 has been heavily modified with a unique grille and quad headlights.

Think the quad headlights are striking here? Well they were even more so when Lincoln unveiled them in 1958 on their Continental and Premier models. The wire wheels and false spinners come courtesy of Appliance Industries, and they reinforce the ’60s and ’70s vibes — as does the quilted-leather interior.

Powering the G2 is a period correct, 322 ci Buick Nailhead V8. Deemed the Nailhead in reference to its relatively small overhead valves, this engine was produced in 264, 322, 364, 401 and 425 ci displacements from 1954 to 1966. A GM Hydramatic transmission sends power to the rear.

Offered with a hard top and just 35,170 miles on the clock, this G2 is a tempting buy. Leave it as is and enjoy the car, or throw some different, period correct wheels and a manual transmission at it to make it even better.

But there’s always the all-important question, what’s it worth? Unfortunately, if you’re after an original G2 you’re not always spoiled for choice, as only 150 or so were ever built. But thanks to the durable hand-laid fiberglass construction employed by Glasspar, G2 bodies do surface here and there, and often in excellent condition.

Listed through a boat and classic car broker in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, it’s a safe bet that the asking price of $62,500 leaves a little meat on the bone. Compared to the car RM Sotheby’s sold in 2019, and referencing the Hagerty price guide, we’d say a fair price for this G2 is between $52,000 and $57,000.

Check it out here on Mohave County, Arizona, Craigslist.