Tag Archives: MimboloveCadillac

Steve Wertheimer’s 1957 Cadillac Coupe de Ville

Written by Ken Altes

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.

1940 Cadillac at Green Pastures in S. Austin

Written by Ken Altes

I chased this Caddy down the street, ended up at this fine old restaurant transporting a wedding couple going to a celebration.

1940 Cadillac at Green Pastures front1940 Cadillac at Green Pastures, Austin1940 Cadillac at Green Pastures

1941 Cadillac in Far E. Dallas

Written by Ken Altes

Milestone Car: 1949 Cadillac at Lonestar Round Up

Written by Ken Altes

Beautiful, and significant car. The 1949 Cadillac had the first modern OHV, lightweight V8, with 331 cu. in. 160 hp, plus the excellent four-speed Hydramatic automatic transmission. It took the other American manufacturers as long as six more years to catch up. Love the fastback. 1949-cadillac-at-lonestar-round-up-austin-tx 1949-cadillac-at-lonestar-round-up-austin-tx-interior1949-cadillac-at-lonestar-round-up-austin-tx-rear