The Jalopy JournalRM Sotherby’s catalog description for Lot 258 of the Andrews Collection from Fort Worth stated, “This unique custom Cadillac Club Coupe was built as a collaboration between Austin Speed Shop, Jesse James, and the Andrews’s own in-house team. Its body sits on a custom-built chassis and sports a lowered roof that has been chopped by three inches, as well as shaved door handles. The one-piece front and rear bumpers were custom-made, as were the numerous other unique touches found throughout.
Where is it now? Austin Speed Shop ’49 Cadillac
Let me start by saying that I don’t live in Austin (though I really wish I did sometimes), and the answer to the question above might have been as easy as picking up the phone and calling the Speed Shop, but somehow this car built and sold over 4 years ago wasn’t on my radar until just now.
Powering the Cadillac is a 425-cubic inch Buick V-8 engine that has been fully rebuilt with new pistons, rings, bearings, valve guides and springs, and a Competition Cams Thumpr camshaft, which is mated to a new GM 700R4 four-speed automatic transmission. Power is sent to the wheels through a solid nine-inch Ford rear axle. The engine also boasts custom-built polished stainless steel headers, as well as a similarly polished stainless steel exhaust system. The engine is cooled by a new four-row aluminum radiator. The Cadillac rides on a Ride Tech air suspension with custom-fabricated upper and lower control arms for the front and rear suspension. To reel in the Buick’s horsepower, the car has been fitted with power front disc brakes and drum brakes at the rear.
The interior of the Cadillac has not been finished, but it should be noted that all of the seat and interior panels have been fabricated, along with the custom-built floors. Those panels and covers are finished in Blue Pearl Essence leather, which creates a remarkable contrast to the brushed steel body. Although the car is incomplete, it comes with the vast majority of the parts required to complete the build. Interested parties should contact an RM specialist in advance of the sale for a complete list of the available parts.
Thanks to its body modifications and air-ride suspension, this custom Cadillac boasts an incredible stance, which is a look that is further enhanced by its bare steel body. It represents a remarkable collaboration between the Andrews’, Austin Speed Shop, and Jesse James, which are some of the best names in the industry. All it needs are some finishing touches from the next owner, and this Cadillac will certainly be quite the show-stopper.”
The car hammered at $85,250 and I’m wondering who bought it and if they ever finished the car. If so, where is it now? I think it’s a stunning car with some very nice subtle touches. Besides paint, interior and some cool wheel covers, there isn’t much you could do to improve the looks. What do you think?
