And now for something completely different!
This is a 1957 LaDawri Sebring based on a Volkswagen chassis.
LaDawri Coachcraft was a small scale body builder based in Southern California
that produced a line of sports cars in the late 1950's to adapt to a wide variety of chassis and drive trains.
There were five different cars offered, the Conquest, Quest, Sebring, Del Mar and the Daytona.
These were all very low production units and the variation of the body design and the choice of
underpinnings really made each car unique to itself.
This particular car, a rare Sebring model, is thought to be the only running and driving VW based
example in the US. There are a couple that have surfaced that are in pieces, or are undergoing restoration
but even counting ones that may be hidden unknown in a barn somewhere, you can count the total population
of the VW based Sebring specials on one hand. The Sebring was the smallest of the cars made by LaDawri
and was most commonly based on a front engine Triumph or MG drive train.
The body design is absolutely spectacular and in comparison to the more common Conquest models
I feel it really is the most beautiful of all the cars from LaDawri.
Such soft lines and smooth shapes, this car attracts some major attention on the road.
This particular example also is an un-restored and original example that was discovered
in a barn in Illinois in 2013. The finish of the body is just as found, just carefully cleaned and polished.
There are a few chips and scratches from age, but it still sows very well.
The interior of the car has had some upgrades along the way but the original vibe and style remain intact.
The early VW steering wheel and matching speedometer and Karmann Ghia clock give the dash a great balanced look.
The open cockpit and low doors make for easy "hop over" entry.
The doors, while hung and hinged, have been fixed in place. We have investigated this closer and
only a latch at the rear would need to be fitted to make them operational.
Truly a happy face this car has. Its like it is surprised to see you and ready to take on the open road.
The molded in windshield frame is a LaDawri signature design element and it gives the car a very interesting flow
and look that truly make it stand out in a seas of sports cars.
The windshield glass is actually from a 50's Chevrolet truck, but set in upside down.
Taillights are also from the GM parts bit, being Pontiac units from the earlier 50's.
The graceful side cove design is almost Corvette-like, but in my opinion a bit prettier.
Recessed headlights are pure sports car gold and the late 50s Beetle turn signal light
is one of the few details that hint towards what sits below the sleek body.
And sleek it is!
Super fun
The seats in the car are comprised of Beetle seat bottoms and a Beetle convertible seat back.
The tear top pad finishes things off well and is functional for getting in and out.
Period photos of these that I have found use two bucket seats, but these may have been the
original seats that would have gone with the base car such as a Triumph or something like that.
This whole interior wors well but it might be cool to liven it up with a bit more vintage material and colors rather than just black.
In the windshield is a parking sticker for Southern Illinois University from 1965.
So we know it was on the road at that time. The chassis and engine date to 1957 and we know that LaDawri
produced their bodies between 1958 and 1963, so that narrows it down a little as far as age.
The story from the previous owner is that it was built in the summer of 1958, which would be pretty early
in the game and the base car being just one year old at the time is an interesting point of reference.
The real beauty of these cars is not only in the visual, but in the timeline of history of cars of the day.
Obviously VW chassis have been used for an endless number of creations.
From the legendary Meyers Manx cars to the long line of assorted "kit cars" of the late 60's through the 80's,
the LaDawri was one of the first. There are other small brands of the era such as Alken , Devin, and in Europe the Enzmann
that adapted the VW chassis to a glass fibre body. With the other models and assorted chassis used
for these "specials" of the era, there are some amazing cars that are now being discovered by collectors.
In recent years the high level concours events have been welcoming these cars and the interest and values have been rising as a result.
While certainly not at the level of the known coachbuilt VW cars out there, this car attracts
the same level of attention and are of the same era. This car looks right at home with
a Devin, Enzmann or Rometsch in my opinion, and at a fraction of the price.
Such a unique and pretty design.
I think this body could sell quite well if produced today.
So fun
The chassis dates to 1957 and the engine does as well, and I think it would be safe to say that they are both original to each other
and thereby to the car at the time of construction. It is a 36hp engine of course but careful sleuthing tells us that the car at
some point had a bit more power going on back here.
The first clue is the additional pulley fitted...this is a part of the famed Judson Supercharger system.
We have also found signs of where the top of the Judson air cleaner went through the engine lid
as well as the spot where the Marvel Mystery Oiler was fitted...the holes where the bracket was
line up perfectly with the Judson part. Sadly only the pulley remains from the system
but it does make for an interesting peek into the past of the car.
The car spent decades in hibernation and fortunately was kept out of the weather and off of the damp ground
While there is surface rust on the floor pans, they remain rock solid and strong and show no signs of patching.
A good brush with a wire wheel and a the application of some sort of protective coating might be nice to keep the car sound
but there will be no need for welding and repair based on what I am seeing here.
The front axle has been swapped out in the past couple years with an adjustable front beam and new brakes.
The ride height currently is very level and attractive...it just looks "right".
The stock 15" VW wheels are fitted with radial tires and whitewall trims.
The hubcaps are a very rare set of aftermarket caps from the early 60's that were discovered here in California
They look just right on the car to me.
Love those crazy caps!
Currently for show, there is a 1956 California plate that look perfect on the car.
Being it is a 1957 chassis and is titled as a 1957 VW, this sort of plate could be assigned.
Windshield is in very good shape as is the trim.
The front hood scoop is a bit of a mystery.
The original design and ads for the body do not show this scoop, so it must have been added during construction.
It is non functional, purely for looks.
And no need for a scoop on the front when the engine is in the back!
Note the VW Bus sourced rear view mirror turned upside down.
The speedometer looks Beetle, the clock is Karmann Ghia, switches are all VW as well
Love that sticker! Can you imagine seeing this in the parking lot at the University in 1965?
In closing this is a very neat little car.
The rarity factor is through the roof, it is not something you will stumble on again.
Ive only seen them in books and period magazines from the 50's so seeing the real thing in person
is a rare treat. This is a great collectors piece for the VW nut as well as those into the handcrafted early specials.
You will most definitely be the only one with a VW based LaDawri Sebring at the next show if you make the buy.
Asking
$14,500
For More Info...CALL
951 767 1600
or email oldbug@earthlink.net