The 1930s were, of course, the depths of the Great Depression, but the decade was also an era of ocean liners, big band jazz and stylish luxury automobiles.
A Cleburne entrepreneur intends to bring a classic automobile of the 1930s back to the present and back to its glory days.
The California Custom Coach 876, a re-creation of the 1935-1936 Auburn Speedster, was unveiled last weekend at Motorama to celebrate its North Texas roots during a special preview at the Amon G. Carter Jr. Exhibits Hall in Fort Worth.
The custom coach is built by hand in the Cleburne workshop by experienced craftsman with one goal — perfection.
“In short, the ’30s were an era of class, and the classiest automobile of all was the Auburn Boattail Speedster,” said Alex Christodulidis, who took over California Custom Coach more than a year ago. “Today, obtaining one of the 500 or so built between 1935 and 1936 — less than 200 survive — will set a buyer back more than half a million dollars for a restored car likely to end up in a collection or a museum, not driven.
“The California Custom Coach 876 unveiled today blends Gordon Buehrig’s iconic design with modern technology. In 1935, oak and steel combined in a fluid shape so arresting that it lives on. Today oak and steel coexist with composite materials and modern American engineering. While the soft-top headers and bows are still hand-made of oak, new directions have been taken with suspension, powertrain and convenience over the original resulting in better handling and performance and longer durability.”
In a long career, the Iowa-born Buehrig also designed the 1935 Cord and the “Twenty Grand,” a one-of-a-kind car originally sold for $20,000 after its exhibition at the 1933 World’s Fair in Chicago, according to the New York Times, but is now worth more than $1 million.
California Custom Coach was founded in the mid-1970s in California and became famous for producing the Auburn Speedster re-creation for more than 10 years.
In today’s uniform luxury car world, Christodulidis said, the California Custom Coach 876 may be a revelation.
“The windshield frame and other exterior trim pieces are solid brass casting covered with restoration quality triple chrome. The interior is tailored in the finest leather in a choice of 167 different single and two-tone combinations,” he said. “Floors are carpeted with the world’s finest automotive grade Wilton wool carpeting to harmonize or contrast with the leather selection. Exterior finish is available in over 200 single and two tone combinations in the most durable automotive finish.”
And for Christodulidis, it’s the culmination of a lifelong dream.
“California Custom Coach was very successful back in the ’70s and ’80s. I read about them as a kid,” he said. “When I saw that the assets were available, I just jumped on it. We’re excited.”
Christodulidis said he hopes to generate more excitement when the company exhibits the automobile at the Specialty Equipment Market Association show in Las Vegas in November, which draws 100,000 industry leaders from more than 100 countries.
The California Custom Coach 876, with pricing starting at $100,000, is available for ordering.
For more information, visit www.cccspeedster.com or call 817-556-2607.
Local News
Related Photos
-
California Custom Coach employee Bob Mapes of Midlothian polishes the hood ornament of the California Custom Coach 876, a re-creation of the 1930s-era Auburn Speedster, at the company’s workshop in Cleburne on Wednesday. Steve Knight/Times-Review
-
The California Custom Coach 876, a re-creation of the 1935-1936 Auburn Speedster, was hand built in a Cleburne workshop. Courtesy photo
Discussion
Rebuilt to order
’35 Auburn Speedster comes to life in Cleburne shop
- Local News
-
-
May/June 2012 Community Life magazine
The May/June 2012 edition of Community Life magazine is available for online viewing. Click here to view.
-
Primary election today
Because of redistricting as required by the 2010 Census, Johnson County experienced some changes effective Jan. 1, said Patty Bourgeois, Johnson County Elections administrator. Primary election day hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters must vote at their precinct location. For information visit the Johnson County Election Office’s website at www.JohnsonCountyElections.com or call 817-556-6197.
-
Officials, residents remember those who gave it all
A robust breeze alleviated the heat somewhat Monday morning at Cleburne Memorial Cemetery, but also played pandemonium with the setting up of a memorial table for POW and MIA veterans. Wind tipped a vase holding a single rose shattering it on the pavement. A hastily retrieved replacement held out but at one point toppled causing water to spill inches shy of the public announcement speaker.
-
A mother’s love, one day at a time
To everyone else, it was a regular Thursday. It was almost the weekend, almost summer break, time for vacation or time with family.
-
Candidates vie for Pct. 2, 3 seats
County voters will weigh in on three Johnson County Commissioners Court seats up for election on Tuesday. In addition to the five-candidate Precinct 1 race, voters living in precincts 2 and 3 will also vote for the commissioner of their choice.
-
Primary could decide constables
Ten candidates, all Republican, compete in their four respective precincts in the May 29 primary. With no Democratic opponents to face in November’s general election, the primary should decide the winner of all but one possible race.
-
Voters urged to check for possible precinct changes
Because of redistricting as required by the 2010 Census, Johnson County experienced some changes effective Jan. 1, said Patty Bourgeois, Johnson County Elections administrator.
-
Early voting numbers well short of ’08
Early voting turnout in Johnson County’s Democratic and Republican primaries totaled 3,914 as of Friday morning. That total includes 309 votes in the Democratic Primary and 3,605 in the Republican Primary.
-
Yellow Jackets headed to finals
GRAHAM — The Wichita Falls Rider pitching staff swam with sharks for most of five innings Friday, avoiding all but a few love taps and playful nips from Cleburne batters.
-
Changes at Splash Station
Splash Station officially opens for the summer season this weekend, and those who frequented the park in years past may notice some modifications.
- More Local News Headlines
-
