Author Archives: Ken Altes
The previous model was very handsome and innovative as a front wheel driver (along with the Olds Toronado), but this fat, sloppy car in S. Austin, Texas, weighs over 5000 lbs and is a parody.
Steve Wertheimer is a central figure in Austin’s blues venues and custom car scene. Long-time owner of the venerable Continental Club and C-Boy’s Heart & Soul club, both on historic S. Congress Ave. Steve is also behind one of the country’s best custom car shows, the Lonestar Round Up. His gorgeous Caddy is a mild custom: nosed and decked (emblems removed from the hood and trunk), shaved (door handles removed), lowered, and perhaps a lot more. I photographed it at a Lonestar Round Up show. Look for this car in an earlier post to see it before customization.
Controversially, the 1957 Cadillac introduced a tubular X-frame without side rails to get a lower body and increased torsional strength. Some thought it was unsafe and that “perimeter” frames were safer.
Best looking one I’ve seen in a long while. This Datsun 260Z has a fully independent suspension, rack and pinion steering, a strong 162 hp overhead cam straight six and about 3000 lbs. Truly a classic.