Tracy Chapman's "Pearl": A Classic Example of Great Vintage Cars
Vintage cars and classic restorations are the name of the game here at Customs & Hot Rods of Andice, and we've seen a fair number come through our garage. That said, there will always be favorites and one particular favorite that was rebuilt for co-shop owner Tracy Chapman is this 1949 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible. Her nickname? The Pearl.
Introducing Tracy Chapman's 'Pearl': What Restored Vintage Cars Should Strive to Be
The Chapmans have had a long-standing love affair with hot rods and vintage cars, and thus it's no surprise to anyone who knows them that they have built the Customs & Hot Rods of Andice auto body shop to act out on their passion for great looking cars. That said, everyone has their dream car and for Tracy Chapman, it was a road trip-worthy '49 Cadillac Convertible.
The inspiration for this rebuild began shortly after she and husband Harold completed the Goodguys 2013 Hall of Fame Road Tour in their '33 Ford. She was looking for another comfy road vehicle but with her own flair and style. Shortly after beginning the search, Tracy caught sight of a '49 Cadillac at an auto show in Fort Worth and knew she had found her make and model. A survivor car was found in North Carolina and shipped down to the Andice shop where restoration commenced.
The body was in fairly good shape when she arrived, and yet with such vintage cars there's often more work then meets the eye. Extensive metalwork was done to the front and rear bumpers, including recessing the license plate into the back bumper so that the whole piece better flows into a specialty-made louvered belly pan. The rear bumper was also reworked to allow the exhaust to exit out of it.
Underneath the hood of this '49 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible is a Donald Hardy 454 c.i. LSX with a Magnuson MP2300 supercharger that pumps out an incredible 950 horsepowers. A specialty 4L80E transmission with SFI approved flex plate was paired with it. This incredible engine sits in a custom engine bay with custom firewall, fender walls, blower cover, and core support cover.
And, of course, any discussion of the Pearl would be incomplete without mentioning her stunning colors. Our team of skilled painters sprayed this beauty with the PPG Custom Pearl paint that gave this model her nickname. On the inside, custom distressed Italian leather by Relicate offers a gorgeous contrast to that bright and clean pearl exterior. The faux wood trim on the door panels and dash was airbrushed by Gasoline Art and offers a perfect finishing touch.
Have Your Own Model of Vintage Car You've Fallen in Love With? Have it Restored at CHRA
Whether your dream vintage vehicle is a Cadillac or Ford, our team at CHRA is here to help you get it fully restored and customized to fit your dream specifications. Contact us today learn more or to set up a consultation to get started.