Presented here is a distinctive automotive offering known as the “Gene Autry Cadillac.” The basis of this custom creation is a 75 Series sedan, body style no. 7523X, and one of 1,090 built that year, representing less than 1% of Cadillac production. Priced at $5,200, this top-of-the-line Cadillac employs a lengthy 147" wheelbase that could accommodate up to eight passengers.

It was delivered in July 1951 through Casa de Cadillac of Sherman Oaks, California, to its original owner Harry Karl, whose wives included singer Marie McDonald and actress Debbie Reynolds. Maurice Schwartz, half of the Bohman & Schwartz coachbuilding firm, was commissioned to carry out the customization, which included the fitting of wood skins to all doors, and additional trim extending to the rear of the body between the fenders and trunk. Matching wood slats were applied to the roof to ensure the paintwork would not be damaged when using the accessory rooftop luggage rack. By the time the modifications were finished, the new 1952 models had been introduced, so the final enhancement was the installation of a 1952 front grille.

Its striking appearance caught the eye of Western movie actor and singer Gene Autry, who acquired the car in the mid-1950s and promptly fitted it with license plate sequence “GWB 038,” a reference to his company, Golden West Broadcasters. The car appears briefly in the 1957 movie Footsteps in the Night, which was produced by Allied Artists Pictures Corporation, a studio with a connection to Mr. Autry, who later purchased its filming lot north of Los Angeles and turned the lot into his own Melody Movie Ranch. The car was kept at the ranch until 1989, at which time Mr. Autry sold it to Christina Paine, a friend who lived in the Phoenix area. Subsequent Phoenix-area owners included Jack Ross, who displayed it at his Lincoln-Mercury dealership, and John Lintz, who acquired it circa 2005.

Former chairman of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®, Glenn Mounger acquired the car in 2006, returning it to its original condition with refinished wood, new paintwork, replacement of any weathered chrome and the interior reupholstered by John Parkhurst. It was displayed at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance® in 2008 as part of a select number of cars celebrating the 100th anniversary of General Motors.

The current owner acquired the car later in 2008 and turned to McDonald Vintage Restorations to ensure its mechanical condition was in proper order. It was displayed at the 2018 The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, garnering considerable attention as a counterpoint to the usual sports and racing entries at that event.

Still in fine condition, the Empress Blue paintwork complements the rich wood trim with the interior finished in dark tan broadcloth – colors original to the car. The rear compartment contains dual folding jump seats, and wood trim is applied to all interior window frames, matching the exterior appearance.

Measuring nearly 20 feet in length, its imposing presence represents a delightful combination of traditional Cadillac luxury and Western Americana. Easily a crowd favorite at any event, this distinctive Cadillac demonstrates the broad diversity of the collector car hobby.