Custom coach-built cars from the past and the present ...

[Wouter Melissen]

Due to changes in car design during the 1950s, the fine art of custom coach-building has almost entirely disappeared. Fortunately we have seen a bit of a 'renaissance' in recent years and this week two more examples were launched. To see what the fuss is all about, we will first take a closer look at two one-off machines created by Swiss master coach-builder Hermann Graber, both of which were displayed at this year's Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.
The earliest and most unusual is this Cabriolet fitted on the legendary Duesenberg Model J chassis. This particularly chassis was originally fitted with a much more stately sedan body by Murphy. Graber removed the existing body, shortened the chassis and refitted a very elegant cabriolet body. Completely restored in recent years, this Duesenberg was one of the favourites for the coveted 'Best of Show' award but eventually had to settle with the top prize in class. Nearly two decades later, Graber was handed an Aston Martin DB2/4 chassis. For this car, he crafted a Drophead Coupe body that was very distinct, yet retained enough cues to be immediately recognisable as an Aston Martin. At Pebble it made its first public appearance after being hidden away in Switzerland for many decades.
Now to modern times with the RUF Roadster. Based on a Porsche 997 chassis, this striking machine is a tribute to the original 911 Targa and features removable roof panels and rear window. It can be ordered with a naturally aspirated and turbocharged drivetrain. An even bigger 'chop job' was required to create the Maybach 57 S Xenatec Coupe. As the name suggests, this is a two-door version of the massive Maybach 57 S sedan. Built by hand, limited numbers will be available for the princely sum of EUR 675,000 excluding local taxes.

Enjoy the links:

1954 Aston Martin DB2/4 Graber Drophead Coupe - Images, Specifications and Information

1930 - 1934 Duesenberg J Graber Cabriolet - Images, Specifications and Information

2010 Maybach 57 S Xenatec Coupe - Images, Specifications and Information

2011 RUF Roadster - Images, Specifications and Information