Hot Rods I just bought a La Dawri California

I had no intention of getting another project but this was too good of a deal to pass up.
These were introduced in 1960 by La Dawri, but I'm not sure what year it is, the company went belly up in 1964.
It’s on a shoebox Ford frame with a 1955 Pontiac 287 engine and a 4 speed Hydramatic. I don’t know what the rear end is yet, I'm assuming a Ford, it has 5x5 wheels front and back.
It’s very well built with a steel firewall and inner fenders.
I’m hoping it’ll be a fairly straightforward project. All the hard work has been done.
The interior has been upholstered in a modern pattern that I dislike. But it does have the center console and beautiful instrument pod that were options.
I’m going to repaint it, I really am not a fan of red cars.
I’ll share a lot more pictures as I dig in deeper.

 

Super cool! Is there a certain OE piece of glass that fits in the windshield opening?

 

Cool car! But...who would think otherwise with your name behind it?

 

It's an upside down '55-'59 Chevy/GMC windshield, they are readily available and not expensive.
The tailights are 1950 Pontiac but pretty much any round one that fits will work.
The body is in great condition with no cracks or crazing.

 

Congrats @Nads ! Cool find

 

Neat car. Since it has a Pontiac engine, it's possible the original owner used a Pontiac rear end too - they have a 5x5 bolt pattern.

 

That’s something you don’t see everyday !!

nice score

 

Neat car, I can't see a upside down windshield working. Maybe a cut down one.

 

I’d drive it

 

That's what fits. It's what's specified in the catalog and build manual.

 

LaDawri had some of the prettiest body designs of the "build your own sports car" era, they kind of look like if Ghia or Pininfarina restyled a Corvette. This one could be really pretty. I'd like to see what one of these would look like with covered headlights, like an E-type or 250 GT. It certainly has the bodywork to support headlight covers.

 

that's a great idea. Les Dawes was just 23 years old when he designed these.

 

A number of the fiberglass bodies from that era were built around a windshield that was readily available along with the backlite and even side glass on some of the coupes. You see how setting the glass the "other way" lays the windshield back in post 12.

 

And so it begins . . .

jack vines

 

Ha ha

 

You find the coolest stuff. The reflection of the car in the side of your car reminds me of Buick trim... hint hint. That car lucked out when it found you.

 

CL

 

looks like it would be more laid down on its back than "upside down"

 

I like it!

 

There were a lot more to them for the era.. the catalog. .
https://www.undiscoveredclassics.co...963-catalog-a-feast-for-your-fiberglass-eyes/

 

I think one of my Pop's friends owns a La Dawri... I remember him talking about it. I'll have to ask him.

 

Neat!

 

Does anyone know what this rear end is?
The interior is too modern for my liking. Tuck and roll would be better.

 

The welded seam tubes resembles a MOPAR axle I have stashed somewhere
That brake adjuster suggests a pre self adjusting rear axle

 

That thing is Gonna Rip!!! Holy Geezuzzz..

 

Very cool and very Vetteopal in a very pleasing way...congratulations @Nads

 

Not sure about the lower steering shaft?

 

Galvanized steel pipe...even if not running true the universal would eat up any wow...but there's work to do...

 

This is a great site. So much information.