The Bob Hoffmann 1941 Cadillac Custom
- This topic has 26 replies, 10 voices, and was last updated 8 years, 10 months ago by Tinwolf.
-
AuthorPosts
-
July 13, 2013 at 08:36 #3586Rik HovingKeymaster
Bob Hoffmann send me some photos of his 1941 Cadillac custom.
His car reminds me about the 1941 Cadillac Custom Convertible I posted on the main board as well as here on the forum.
Bob’s Cadillac has this same early feeling as the convertible.
I think the convertible is slightly more a custom and Bob’s Cadillac is perhaps more a Couch built car. But anyhow Bob’s Cadillac has this early 1940’s luxury Movie Star feeling. Another car that comes in mind is the 1941 Cadillac that was built by Don Lee for actor Clark Gable.Bob did not share any information with the photos. But I hope he will get back to us and tell his all about his Cadillac.
The top is chopped with the windshield laid back and the rear quarter windows welded shut. Very similar to the Clark Gable Cadillac. But on Bob’s car is was all done in metal.
And here is a photo of the Gable Cadillac.
Enjoy the beauty of Customizing
July 13, 2013 at 10:02 #3591PalleJParticipantthanks Rik…you gotta love a 40’s cadillac. very classy!
makes me wanna work on my 41 project! so please dont share more photos ha ha!
-palle
July 13, 2013 at 22:53 #3603BickfordParticipantThat’s one beautiful Cadillac there!! Very elegant!! It does look like a car that a Hollywood star would drive.
July 13, 2013 at 22:55 #3604BickfordParticipantthanks Rik…you gotta love a 40′s cadillac. very classy!<br>
makes me wanna work on my 41 project! so please dont share more photos ha ha!<br>
-palle<br>
Palle
I can’t wait to see this car done!! It’s gonna be a jaw dropper for sure!!Jason
July 16, 2013 at 07:37 #3775ColeParticipantWhat a beautiful car!!
Can’t help but think some Goodyear Supercushions would suit it much better, but overall this car is stunning.
I’ve always loved the movie star coach built vibe.
Enjoy the distinction that is inherent in owning a customized car.
August 8, 2013 at 22:43 #4709Stephen GotzParticipantAmazing custom and agreed on some larger white walls on it, as well as an inch lower in the rear :-). Love see these big luxury cars being customised
August 8, 2013 at 22:47 #4710Ian GibbonsParticipantthanks Rik…you gotta love a 40′s cadillac. very classy!<br>
makes me wanna work on my 41 project! so please dont share more photos ha ha!<br>
-palle<br>
Palle you need to work on this car!!! I have been wanting to see it done since Jim decided to let it go.
August 9, 2013 at 05:35 #4718Rik HovingKeymasterA week or so ago Bob did come back to me with some more info on his Cadillac.
Bob built the car a few years ago. So far Bob’s previous work on other cars had been restorations on stock vehicles. This time he wanted to do something different.
He loves 1941 Cadillacs & some of the Coachcraft work. So… he decided to build something of his own design.Here’s some specs on Bob’s 1941 Cadillac.
– Top chopped 2″
– Windshield raked back about 14 degrees
– 1/4 windows blanked off
– Back window raked a few degrees & about 1″ lower.
– Custom designed and hand made flush fitting skirts.
– Stainless steel aftermarket stone guards that were sold in the 40’s.
– Cadillac 500 motor, turbo 400 trans, 70 Cad posi rear end.
– Rack & pinion front end
– AC added.
– Special custom mixed Maroon paint job.Bob tried to make it look like it was done in the early 40’s.
The interior is not done as yet, but will be done in an early style.Enjoy the beauty of Customizing
August 9, 2013 at 10:22 #4725Quentin HallParticipantG’day Rick, Did you mean “Bob” instead of “Tom” ?? I will have to quiz Bob as to who did the chop as I was under the impression that it was a Don Lee ( LA Cadillac dealership custom) car from new. But if Bob did it then he has achieved great proportions. I really like the raked screen. It appears that the full size windscreen was used not shortened, just laid back. I need to ask how the rear window was cut and shut as they are a difficult diecast surround to do.
I fly to Perth on Tuesday for work( where my 39 is waiting, ironically beside Bob Hoffman’s old 53 Eldo) hope to start at least with some preliminary work over the next few weeks. I am still a little unsure of the look I want to achieve going from a sedan into a coupe so I may need some helpful advice.
The pic is a standard 39 Sixty Spec and my preliminary cut and shut . The roof still looks a bit formal at the rear. QAttachments:
You must be logged in to view attached files.August 11, 2013 at 09:44 #4771Rik HovingKeymasterG’day Rik, Did you mean “Bob” instead of “Tom” ??
I fly to Perth on Tuesday for work( where my 39 is waiting, ironically beside Bob Hoffman’s old 53 Eldo) hope to start at least with some preliminary work over the next few weeks. I am still a little unsure of the look I want to achieve going from a sedan into a coupe so I may need some helpful advice.
The pic is a standard 39 Sixty Spec and my preliminary cut and shut . The roof still looks a bit formal at the rear. QYes I meant Bob… was working on ten things at the same time… fixed it in my post though.
As for your old fashion Photoshop work. I like the overall look a lot. Reminds me to some of the Couch built Customs built back int he 1940’s. The only thing I see that might not look to good is the very long trunk, and with the shortened top even the rear fenders seam to be a bit out of proportion. They look a bit to long. I think the convertible and coupe models from this year Cadillac used different shaped ad shorted rear fenders. Is that right?
I will see if I can find a nice side shot of a 39 Cadillac sedan to look at and come up with some more ideas.
What is the ultimate goal of your car.. make it feel like a Coach-built custom?Enjoy the beauty of Customizing
August 11, 2013 at 22:59 #4809Bert GustafssonParticipantIndeed a classy custom. I’ve also seen pictures of a -40 LaSalle coupe, ordered by a gentleman from Idaho and built by the Don Lee shop, which also had the characteristic raked windshield and blanked quarter windows but without the padded top. Rumor says that Gary Cooper also had a -40 LaSalle coupe customized in a similar way by Don Lee??? Other than those, I can’t really recall seeing any more customs from them and my understanding is that the Don Lee shop didn’t continued with customzing after WWII?
Quentin, even though I like the 60S as they are, it is truly a milestone car, I like where you are going with your Cad. GM styling studio built a -38 60S 3 window coupe(same body as yours) that you might want to check out if you haven’t already seen it.August 12, 2013 at 00:11 #4810Quentin HallParticipantG’day All, I know Bob won’t mind me hijacking his thread as he and I go back a bit and afterall the inspiration for my 60 Special is partly coming from his 41. . . and also ‘cos Bob said he is happy to critique my “prototypes”.
Rik, you are right about the 39 sketch rear proportions being a bit long in the trunk ( or catwalk as you called it). I have sectioned the rear down a little low , I had a play last night (kid’s felt pens this time) and brought up the rear and it suits it better and lessens the waterfall of the roof rear. Also brought the end of the roofline to the centre of the axle balances it better too. ( I will post a pic later).
I love the way the standard 60 spec had thin chrome door frames emulating a convertible. The first pillarless coupe didn’t leave Cadillac till 49. Subsequently I would like to make it a pillarless coupe. Ideas , ideas, ideas.
Thanks Bert of the 38 tip . I look out for it on the Cadillac Database.
Regards Q.May 24, 2015 at 08:01 #25733Quentin HallParticipantJust rediscovered this thread and it was great to see the difference that a year and 9 months can make. I was just starting out. I was like a fresh faced baby.
PS Wolf are you the owner of the ex Palle 41 now?
You need to start a thread on this one!!!!.May 24, 2015 at 10:32 #25740TinwolfParticipantHi Quentin !
No another guy brought Palles -41 Cadillac , I own one that Kent brought in Hemet California in ?2004 – 2005? , it was already customized abit way back and then someone started to restore it but never finished it , it would be fun to find earlier owners and here the story . In this link Kent next 41 Cadillac can be seen but that was also sold , another fanstastic all original Califonian -41 Cadillac coupe Series 62 , I didnt know it at the time that there was two different models of these Series 62 coupes , Kents had leather interior , could have been the more luxurious model , mine is the plane jane of the two , even without heater , who brought a Cadillac without a heater ……………?Wolf
Attachments:
You must be logged in to view attached files.May 24, 2015 at 11:13 #25742Quentin HallParticipantI just love that little Caltex depot. I could live in that . Might have to sleep upright but I will suffer for my art.
How does Kent come up with the initials J.B?? He is a very handsome man, Movie star good looks. ( Don’t worry J.B I mean that in a blokey way. Just don;t steal all the pretty girls if I come to visit one day.) Still want to learn all his hair styling tricks.
They both look like very nice 41s.
I think we need to get more 41 pics on this thread. Where is the fabulous, killer Carson topped one that was the mystery car that is getting restored slowly?. That was a big inspiration for my project. Need an update on that one.!!!!
There is a good 41 conv on ebay from AllCads in Nevada. $18k. Just needs a padded top.
Need more pics and plans of what you’re doing to yours Wolf.
That forward tapered, sectioned hood on the ex Palle 41 annoys me. Needs to stand tall and proud upfront. -
AuthorPosts
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.