America invented the hot rod in the 1940s for racing at the salt flats. America also invented the custom and while the two are now been linked in car culture, they were really very different things.

With the decline of coachbuilding in America in the 1930s most cars were simply mass produced and few coachbuilders still existed after the war. The desire for one-off machines did not go away, however. Creative and talented men took it upon themselves to make the automobile a medium for artistic expression and design.

Craftsman began reworking all sorts of production models. Certain cars like ‘48-50 Buicks and ‘49 Mercurys became favorites but were certainly not the only choices. Some truly exceptional machines were built in the 1950s though very few authentic examples survive. The great exam-ples are beautiful and can be considered the American equivalent of the flamboyant European coachbuilders.

The desire and creative impulse to manipulate an automobile into something new and special has not gone away either. Today these talented individuals are no longer working in obscurity many are now celebrities.

Many of the same automobiles continue to fascinate today’s customizers. The ‘32 Ford and ‘49 Mercury are still the most popular. Some of the top builders work more unusual cars and ma-nipulate them in a way that is more in tune with the tradition of coachbuilding. Of these builders Rick Dore is at the top of the heap. Having studied the great coachbuilders like Figoni and Fa-laschi and employed similar sensibilities in to uniquely American creations.

This 1950 Cadillac is a recent creation of Dore’s, and certainly one of his finest. Free of many of the clichés of modern customs, this car is pure and elegant. No billet aluminum or Corvette drive trains, this car keeps true to its tradition and the result is stunning.

The 1950 Cadillac has been lengthened and converted into a roadster. The three position top is reminiscent of custom Derham coachwork. The tail lights and tonneau cover are all hand fabri-cated. The look is more concept car than custom.

Thankfully the car has been left with its stock drive train and rolls on Cadillac spoked wire wheels. Everything done to the car is respectful of the original Cadillac that he began with, an automotive icon itself.

The automotive community has rewarded Dore’s latest creation with the highest respect, includ-ing the coveted cover car position on Rod and Custom magazine with a six page spread inside. The Caddy has been featured on four magazine covers since its completion both here and abroad and it has dominated the competition and show circuit.

In addition to being a striking and sophisticated custom it remains a usable car. Fitted with air bag suspension, the ride can be adjusted for comfortable road use. The superb Cadillac drivetrain is unmodified and should prove powerful and reliable. There are no heavy mechanical modifications that would make this car temperamental and difficult.

This is truly one of the most striking customs we have seen and one that appeals to a different sensibility. A study of the design and its influences and inspiration are apparent. This is a car that could be at home in any collection of fine American or European classics.