[Editor’s Note: Photochopper Michael Sharp, whose work we’ve featured here before, thought he’d take a crack at a car currently for sale on Hemmings.com as part of our regular How I’d Build It series.]
Celebrities and actors driving customized cars is not a recent occurrence. Clark Gable once had his Duesenberg mildly customized. What if one of his fellow actors decided to do the same, but with a much different car? It’s possible that one of Gable’s peers, maybe Katharine Hepburn or Joseph Cotton, would have wanted something a little less conspicuous and more agile than a Duesey.
This 1939 LaSalle 50 Convertible Coupe makes for a perfect starting point. It may have been known as a lower-priced Cadillac, but General Motors didn’t cut corners with styling by Harley Earl. It’s too large to be made into a true sports car, but it could certainly be made a lot sportier.
The front bench seat’s really all you need anyway, right?
I’d start with shortening it by removing the rear seat area, all sheet metal, and moving the rear fenders forward to just behind the doors. The windshield would be chopped several inches. The headlights and side hood vents would be eliminated by our next modification: sectioning the body 8 to 10 inches, which makes our subject much more alluring.
To avoid a pancaked look after the sectioning, I’d also narrow the body significantly. There’s no need for bumpers because it’ll be driven to movie premieres and the best restaurants, and will cruise through the Hollywood hills, not in commuter traffic. New headlights would be hidden in the fenders ala Cord, turn signals are behind the grill vents, the taillights are cut down, and rear fender skirts complete the extensive metalwork.
Image by Michael Sharp
The frame would be modified to lower our looker several inches with z-cuts front and back. It already has an x-member, which would have to be narrowed and retained to keep the rigidity a convertible needs. Rear axle and front center link would need to be narrowed, and the other stock suspension pieces would be retained. A Cadillac V-8 engine was standard equipment, and if I were building this when the car was new, I would keep the drivetrain stock; with several hundreds of pounds of metal removed, it’ll be a lot quicker and still as reliable as a Cadillac.
If I were building it today, I’d have a new frame fabricated. I’d prefer to keep things GM, but a Corvette independent rear setup might not be wide enough, so a multilink IRS would be installed with an IFS kit up front. No bags, it’ll be built with the right static stance. An LS engine with 350 horsepower and a 6L80-E trans would be sufficient to move our new classic custom, and would be compatible with modern electronic controls. I can see Emma Stone or John David Washington behind the wheel, entrusting it with the lucky valet at Grauman’s.
Do you think it’s sufficiently sporty and suitable for celebrity sighting now? Let me know how you’d build something similar in the comments below and in the meantime check out other LaSalles for sale on Hemmings.com.
Most new-car warranties offer coverage for a maximum of five years, but when was the last time you came across a 70-year-old car under any kind of warranty? offer coverage for a maximum of five years, but when was the last time you came across a 70-year-old car under any kind of warranty?
In recognition of its upcoming 70th birthday, the Pick of the Day is a 1953 Chevrolet 150 two-door sedan listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Homestead, Florida. (Click the link to view the listing)
“One owner car with original title and original bill of sale,” the listing begins. “Same family for 69 years.”
Best of all, in addition to having received cosmetic refurbishment, this 210 also received work to the drivetrain that included a recent rebuild of the 216cid inline-six engine, the three-speed Synchromesh manual transmission, and the rear end. The work that was performed carries a three-year warranty that is transferable to the new owner, according to the listing.
The restoration of this 210 involved a comprehensive two-year build with “every nut and bolt” being replaced accordingly. Some of the photographs included in the gallery show the car in various phases of the process. The brakes, suspension, glass, weather stripping, wiper system, instruments, and lights were all replaced during the tear-down. Most of the equipment remains period-correct, although a newer Bluetooth radio was added to provide more modern sound with a retro look.
The 150 model first launched in 1953 as an economy-minded offering in the Chevrolet lineup. It was distributed largely through fleet sales and was light on amenities to keep costs down. Even things like ashtrays, cigarette lighters, and mirrors were options for an extra cost.
This example from that initial model year shows well in its two-tone Surf Green and Woodland Green, and a set of new Coker wide whitewall tires add to the period-correct look. True to the low-budget 150 original intent, the car is void of side moldings, although it does have a set of wheel skirts over the rear fenders.
On the interior, the upholstery carries through with the same two-tone color scheme. Even the trunk is lined with vinyl material and Chevrolet bowtie-branded embroidery. The seller has included a video showing the underbody, exterior, and interior.
The seller is asking $33,000 for this 150 which is complete with a three-year warranty for added peace of mind.
Very late in posting this, but life is busy, so I do what a can when I can. Here are 10 cars that really stood out to me at the London Concours 2022 that I’ve never seen before. In no particular order. Just wow on these cars, I love a rare and unique car.
Featured in the coachbuilt and concepts concours class. What a sleek and beautiful looking car. Revealed at the 1996 Paris motor show, the electro- transparent roof would be seen on the Maybach 62, the butterfly doors would be used on the McLaren Mercedes SLR and the active body control suspension system would eventually be introduced on the 1999 CL- Class.
I like this car a lot. Unique looking, very low, just cool, period. The Ghepardo concept was revealed at the 2005 Geneva Auto Salon, with an all-aluminium body – a Bizzarrini calling card – and the shape inspired by the legendary 5300 GT. The engine came from a Renault – derived GP2 engine capable of revving to 10,000 rpm. The car was said to be capable of 0 to 62 mph in 3.8 seconds, with a top speed of 225 mph.
I think that this Jaguar has to be one of the coolest Jaguar’s ever made and not put into full production. What a shame. Looks very cool dont’t you think?
Built to mark 50 years of the XK120, the XK180 caused a huge stir at the 1998 Paris motor show. It was designed by XJ220 stylist Keith Helfet as a modern interpretation of the D-Type and E-Type. Although enthusiastically received, only two cars were ever built: this example is owned by the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust.
Very elegant and a beautiful looking car. Just 60 A6G 2000 GT’s were built, with most being bodied by Zagato, Pininfarina or Frua. However, this particular example is one of 21 crafted by Turin- based Carrozzeria Allemano.
Featured in the coach built and concepts class. Another Zagato beauty.
The 1900 was Alfa’s first production-line car, but while upper management heralded the cost savings, general manager Iginio Alessio feared for the future of the Italy’s design houses and stylists. He instructed the car to be made so that five coachbuilders could use the unitary frame as the basis for their creations.
Zagato created this example for Joakim ‘Jo’ Bonnier, who won with it at the 1955 Swedish Grand Prix, and took a class victory at the Karlskoga circuit a week later. Bonnier then sold the Alfa to Carl Lohmander, who competed in it at Denmark’s Roskilde Ring before inviting Bonnier to drive it at Oulton Park’s 1955 International Trophy. Again he took class victory.
Lohmander raced the car at several events, such as the Avusrennen in Berlin, and the car was featured in the December 1955 edition of Motor-Revy. The car has since remained in Sweden and Norway, continuing to compete in many events.
Featured in the coach built and concepts class. Not a beauty in my opinion, but unique for sure.
Built on the principles of quality and correctness – and V8 talk – the Peterborough – produced and built Ronart Lightning was intended to be a leading grand tourer. The body is all carbon fibre, and the space frame chassis and monocoque were designed in house with bespoke suspension.
The engine and gearbox came from Ford’s Mustang SVT, and it’s 4.6-Litre V8 provided 320bhp. A 500bhp supercharged version was also offered. The car was ahead of its time, featuring sat-nav, integral cooling fans in the leather Recaro seats, and it also had detachable carbon fibre roof panels. Only six examples were built before production ceased, and this is one of justice three that are thought still to exist. The fifth car built, it was the Ronart demonstrator and specified by the company chairman.
Featured in the coach built and concepts class. Two phrases I never thought I would hear in the same sentence Rolls-Royce and pick up. Amazing that this car even exists and respect to the original owner for commissioning its creation.
The brief for this unusual conversion was simple: build the ultimate Goodwood Revival tow vehicle. The car’s owner, a prominent historic motorsport enthusiast, entrusted Essex based Clarke and Carter with transforming a 1967 Silver Shadow into an elegant pickup.
In fact, the example the specialist was given had already been converted, but to a rather lesser standard- so to attain the quality required the restorers virtually had to start all over again.
The result is befitting of the authentic cars ethos, with hand-crafted detailing applied throughout. Fun flourishes included the ‘pick-up’ badging, created in a script mimicking what you would find on an original Silver Shadow.
Featured in the great British history class. I just think this is a cool car, very unique looking and a unusual colour.
The SS1 offered extravagant looks for a palatable price, and was available in fixed head coupe, tourer, sports saloon and drophead coupe form. It was not intended as a performance car, with up to 20 BHP available.
The Airline coupe was styled to get the most out of the six- cylinder engine, with a smooth air-sparing design that reflected the art deco fashion of the time. Only 624 were produced, and this one was originally delivered in March 1935 to Captain S Clough by Glovers of Harrogate.
Featured in the great British history class. Vauxhall built its’s first car in 1903, making it Britains oldest car maker. Named after the Vauxhall area of Lambeth where the original works were located. In 1905 Vauxhall moved to Luton where between 1927 and 1933 less than 50 Hurlinghams were built. To date only 19 cars are known worldwide with 5 in the UK. The Hurlingham captured the art-deco spirit of the 20’s with a centre body line running from the speedbird mascot to cropped boat tail. Scuttle mounted marine style vents, twin window-screens and flip up mother-in-law dicky seat complete the design.
I hope you enjoyed seeing these cars as much as I did. Many of these cars I saw for the very first time at the London Concours, which is why I love this event so much and cannot wait for next years event.
Have you seen our video (below), where we take a walk around the London Concours 2022, if not, here it is (and don’t forward to subscribe to our YouTube Channel).
Bulky car speakers and speaker grilles could become a thing of the past if LG’s new Thin Actuator Sound Solution technology takes off.
The Thin Actuator Sound Solution is a speaker roughly the size of a passport, measuring just 2.5 mm (0.1 inch) thick, with a weight of approximately 1.4 ounces. LG was able to develop the inner workers by leveraging its film-type exciter technology used in digital displays.
Instead of vibrating a cone like in a conventional speaker, the thin speaker can vibrate materials found inside the car. LG said the speaker can be installed in various elements around the cabin, such as the dashboard, headliner, roof pillars, headrests, and even display panels. Multiple units can be installed to create an immersive, 3D sound experience, the company said.
The light and compact design means car designers will be able to free up space within the cabin, while also reducing a vehicle’s curb weight.
There’s one additional benefit: LG said the Thin Actuator Sound Solution also avoids using rare earth materials such as neodymium, which is a common material in conventional speakers.
LG plans to showcase the Thin Actuator Sound Solution at the 2023 CES in January and said the speaker will be commercialized starting in the first half of 2023.
LG isn’t the first company to showcase such technology, though it’s likely to become the first to commercialize it at scale. German firms Continental and Sennheiser presented similar technology at the 2020 CES, but the companies haven’t rolled out a production version.
When I received a press release mentioning that the Lions Automobilia Foundation Museum was conducting the Spirit of Giving Cruise and Coat Drive on November 12, 2022, for “Lions Appreciation Day,” I not only knew I had to attend but also wanted to see the Lions Museum once again as I did when it opened three years ago. I got my start in drag racing photography at the iconic Lions Dragstrip, Irwindale Raceway, Orange County Raceway, Pomona and Ontario Motor Speedway shooting for Hot Rod, Popular Hot Rodding and Car Craft magazines back in the day and most importantly, I am a U.S. Army veteran so this tribute occasion was a must for me to attend.
Armistice Day, now called Veterans Day (President Eisenhower signed this in 1954), is observed on November 11 as a federal holiday in the U.S honoring military veterans of the US armed forces and marking the anniversary of the end of WWI. Interestingly, WWI ended with a ceasefire on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.
Photo by Howard Koby
The Lions Automobilia Foundation Museum, founded by Rick Lorenzen, was built to honor car culture and it consists of an enormous collection of drag racing cars set against a 4,000 sq foot diorama of the starting line bridge from Lions with hand painted bleachers featuring images of spectators devouring the historic drag racing action.
Photo by Howard Koby
Lorenzen himself is a veteran, having served in the Coast Guard, so this charitable venture was close to his heart in addition to honoring the fallen, helping families who lost vets in the line of duty. As Lana Chrisman, executive director at the Lions Automobilia Foundation and Museum states, “The drive will benefit the U.S. Vets Long Beach bringing together Southern California automotive enthusiasts and veterans during the holiday to collect warm coats for homeless veterans and those in need.”
Ms. Crisman recently was honored by SEMA as “Woman of the Year” through Businesswomen’s Network.
Rick Lorenzen in the game room. Photo by Howard Koby
In addition to the recreated the Lions Drag Strip starting line, there is a Main Street Gallery highlighting Southern California car culture and motorsports history. In the Main Street gallery, classic cars are placed in front of an unbelievably authentic 1950s diner where you’re tempted to get on a stool and order a milkshake. An onsite restoration workshop keeps the classics in top shape and is a learning facility for young adults.
Photo by Howard Koby
Lorenzen grew up near Lions Dragstrip and was always infatuated with modified Willys, so he bought a 1941 Coupe for $65 in 1960 and worked on it in his friend’s backyard. His passion for Willys has remained intact and through the years he amassed an impressive collection of about 50 Willys. Of course that first ’41 Coupe is at the forefront in the museum. Over 100 vintage muscle cars, hot rods and classics are beautifully staged next to neon signs and movie marques in diorama fashion. One of the pristine condition1966 Batmobiles, authenticated by Gorge Barris, sits in front of a skylight mural with the Bat-Signal in the sky indicating a way for the police in Gotham City to call on the caped crusader.
Willys collection. Photo by Howard Koby
1966 Batmobile. Photo by Howard Koby
1949 Willy Oberland honoring our fallen. Photo by Howard Koby
The Price Automobilia Group is part of the Price Transfer Trucking warehouse that is a family business and is the main stay for the Museum Foundation, which is a nonprofit 5063c. It was exciting to return after the grand opening in 2019. The grand opening event included a panel discussion with rod legend Ed “isky” Iskenderian (now 101 years old), “TV Tommy” Ivo, Danny Thompson (Mickey Thompson’s son), Carl Olson, Larry Sutton and Steve Chrisman. Ivo’s words about his time at the drag strip stayed with me as I explored on this visit. He said he loved the track because, “I could drive my Model T to the track, run the day and drive it home.” Someone also once said, “Lions was Fantasy Island on Nitro.” The dragstrip operated between 1955-1972, and unfortunately closed due to neighbor complaints about the noise.
Attending this event, I met veteran George Morgan, who served in the U.S. Airforce (1960-1961). He was stationed at the Strategic Air Command working on B47s that were flying out to Cuba for security reasons. Morgan has a friend who works at the museum, so he and his wife decided to come for a visit and donate some coats. Morgan is a real “car geek” so much so that he uses “Nailhead V8” as his online handles. The museum will continue to accept coat donations during the upcoming months, as well as host a toy drive on December 10 (click here to learn more).
Even though the dragstrip had been gone for 50 years, thanks to the Lions Automobilia Foundation Museum, the track “remains in the hearts of all as the greatest drag strip of all time.”
During my recent trek to the “pick-and-pull” junkyard (which you can read about here), I came up with five picks for vehicles to highlight. I’m back again with a few more that caught my eye the same day. Presented in alphabetical order, here’s the lowdown.
2005 Chrysler Crossfire
This oddball two-seat, rear-wheel drive sports car comes from the Daimler-Chrysler partnership and shared most of its architecture with the first-generation Mercedes-Benz SLK. It came to market in 2004 and was offered as a coupe and a roadster through the end of production in 2008, selling a total of just over 76,000 units during that window of time. Base and limited models employed a 3.2-liter V6, while high-performance SRT-6 models were outfitted with a supercharged version of the same (the latter producing 330 horsepower). Power was sent rearward through either a Mercedes 5G-Tronic five-speed automatic or a six-speed Chrysler manual transmission. The Crossfire roadster I encountered was equipped with the six-speed manual.
1989 Dodge Caravan
The minivan that started it all! This multi-purpose hauler was marketed as both a cargo van and a passenger vehicle. It was produced across five generations beginning in 1984 by the Chrysler Corporation, assembled concurrently with the Plymouth Voyager and the Chrysler Town & Country on the same “S” platform. The first-generation Caravan borrowed some chassis elements from other vehicles on the Chrysler K platform. Powertrains were diverse and ranged from a 96-horsepower inline-four all the way to a 150-horsepower 3.3-liter V6 in the final model year for the first-generation in 1990. My minivan encounter was with a woodgrain-paneled 1989 Caravan with captain’s chairs for the first and second rows (upholstered in surprisingly nice red cloth).
1995 Ford Ranger & Mazda B2300
1995 Ford Ranger
The Ranger compact pickup was introduced in the United States and Canada beginning with the 1983 model year. It was sold in succession through 2012, and along the way, it shared some platform elements with the Ford Bronco II and the Ford Explorer sport-utility vehicles. The Mazda B-Series was a rebadged variant of this truck, whose long-lived platform went through multiple facelifts before being phased out. I encountered both a Ranger and a B2300 during my visit, both in regular-cab, two-wheel drive configurations. The Ranger came back into production in 2019 after a multi-year hiatus, but the second-generation carries special nostalgia for me since a 1994 regular-cab XL-trim pickup was the vehicle that I learned to drive a stick-shift on in the late 1990s.
Ford Ranger
Mazda B2300
1991 Infiniti Q45
As the Japanese luxury race was just getting started, Honda launched Acura, Toyota started Lexus, and Nissan created Infiniti. The flagship full-sized Q45 sedan brought a V8, rear-wheel drive platform to the states with competitive specs and standard equipment. The first generation used a 278-horspower 4.5-liter mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. Appointments were advanced for its time including Bose audio, memory seating, and automatic digital climate control, while some models came in “Touring” trim with special suspension updates like a multi-link front and rear, a stabilizer bar, a sway bar, and four-wheel steering. The Q45 that I encountered was finished in pearl white and was well-equipped, including controls for a compact disc changer in the center console.
1999 Lexus GS300
Another Japanese luxury contender during the 1990s was the Lexus GS. This executive car first launched in 1991 on the S140 platform and was powered by a 3.0-liter inline-six. A second-generation began in 1998 was dubbed a “high-performance sedan” when it first debuted at the Detroit Auto Show. Available engines included a straight-six or a 4.0-liter V8, the latter producing 300 horsepower and accelerating the sedan to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds. So popular was this car that it was pronounced Motor Trend’s Import Car of the Year in 1998 and was named to Car and Driver’s Ten Best list for 1998 through 2000. The GS from my junkyard visit was a silver metallic 3.0-liter that had already been picked apart to a large degree but still had unmistakable body lines.
Bonus: Two Relics from the 1970s
While most vehicles in the junkyard I visited were from the 1980s through the early 2000s, I did come across a couple of standout older cars that deserve a minute in the spotlight:
1974 Cadillac Eldorado
This ragtop was ragged, but there was something incredibly neat about it. This 1974 came from the model’s ninth generation which launched in 1971 on the General Motors E-body platform. Its motor was a massive 500cid V8 that was paired with a three-speed automatic transmission.
1975 Plymouth Gran Fury
The full-size Gran Fury came in a number of designs including the two-door hardtop I spotted. It was a model continuation of the Plymouth Satellite and had V8 motors ranging in size from 360cid to 440cid, each mated to a TorqueFlite three-speed automatic transmission.
Do any of these cars evoke memories for you? Let us know in the comment section!
This Shelby GT350 is finished in white complemented by blue accent striping. The exterior features Shelby badging, NACA-style hood intake vents, a chin spoiler, fog lamps, and rectangular exhaust outlets at the center of the rear bumper. It rides on a set of aluminum 15-inch wheels with polished lips and Cooper Cobra Radial G/T raised-white-letter tires.
“The cabin is upholstered with black vinyl high-back bucket seats with red accents, matched to the door panels, center console, dual-cockpit padded dash, and carpeting,” the listing states. “The cabin is trimmed in woodgrain veneer, and additional amenities include red floor mats, a push-button radio, a heater, a Shelby-branded wood-rimmed steering wheel, a clock, and a vinyl-lined trunk.”
Under the hood is a 351ci Windsor V8 engine that was last serviced in early 2021. The engine is paired with a console-shifted three-speed automatic transmission.
The sale includes a clear Washington title. The five-digit mechanical odometer reads just under 42K miles, although true mileage on the chassis is unknown.
1. News came down this week that Steven Spielberg will direct or produce a Bullitt re-make with Bradley Cooper – a guy who has made a lot of money playing a talking raccoon – in the lead. We’ve seen plenty of speculation regarding how prominent the new film will feature a certain green Mustang and a certain hubcap-tossing car chase, but we’re just left wondering how the Steve McQueen original has gone 55 years without a remake.
3. Speaking of American cars mixing with European car culture, Driven to Write recently took a look at the story of the Olympia Beer Charger that Hershel McGriff entered in the 1976 24 Hours of Le Mans. (via)
4. Last month, Jil McIntosh selected seven days that changed automotive history. Not in a “Henry Ford was born on this day” way, more in a “Yom Kippur War started on October 6, leading to fuel shortages, leading Detroit to start to rethink auto design” way. We could probably add a few to this list, so include your suggestions below.
5. Finally, Technology Connections recently made a video in defense of sealed-beam headlamps. Or, more accurately, in defense of the reasoning behind making sealed-beam headlamps the default headlamp style in the United States for decades.
For over four decades, the Supra has been heralded as a favorite sports car of many enthusiasts. The name itself was derived from a Latin phrase that means “above” or “beyond.”
This second-generation Supra underwent recent reconditioning both mechanically and cosmetically under the seller’s ownership. “Repainted in November 2021 along with refinishing black trim components,” the listing states. This car has a “P-Type” classification, for performance, while another Supra variant was produced as an “L-Type,” catering more to luxury. Adding to the curb appeal is a set of newly refinished 14-inch aluminum wheels on a set of BFGoodrich Radial T/A raised-white-letter tires.
The Supra name has been around since 1979 when it was first introduced as a sub-model of the liftback Celica. While some architecture of the traditional Celica was shared, the Supra version had longer front fenders and a distinct inline-six powertrain as opposed to the Celica’s inline-four.
This generation of Supra became known under the A60 chassis code and first debuted in mid-1981 as the Celica Supra model. Over the years that followed, the car saw some design and engineering updates such as added equipment and increases in power. For 1984, the front turn signals were changed to wraparound units, the taillights were changed, and paint schemes were modified.
Toyota’s original intent was to have 1985 be the final model year for this generation, but production nuances with available of the next-generation A70 model caused a shift in strategy and Toyota ended up continuing to sell 1986-branded Celica Supras for the first six months of that year. This car is one of those vehicles that were manufactured right at the end of the model lineup.
Power comes from a mechanically sorted 2.8-liter inline-six and is transferred rearward through a four-speed automatic transmission. “Work recently completed includes replacement of the valve cover gaskets, battery replacement, hood insulation pad, and struts,” the listing reads. The seller notes that the fuel door release doesn’t work and the defrost vents are cracked, but replacements are in hand.
With all the recent work being done to this car both inside and out, there’s nothing left to do but drive it and enjoy. The seller is asking $21,000 for this Supra, which comes with its original owner’s manual, two keys, and an awesome looking period-correct stereo with an equalizer.
A great event as always. Did you attend? What did you think?
It’s an absolute belter of an event. So massive, spread over several halls it normally takes me the whole day to walk around the show and I am sure I miss out on loads of stuff.
That’s me done on car show now for 2022. Now I look forward to 2023. Make sure that you are following us on our social media channels and subscribe to our newsletter so that you do not miss out on our free give aways and competitions.
