The World’s Most Expensive Custom Car Was Built By An Unlikely Culprit
Today, the world of custom cars is filled with sleek Bugattis and diamond-encrusted Rolls Royces. But back in the 1960s one of the greatest vehicles ever made emerged from an unlikely source. Breaking all the rules of vehicle design, it wowed bystanders across America — and attracted one very famous owner in the process.
Andrew Di Dia
The story of this dream car began in the mind of Andrew Di Dia, a clothing designer born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1917. His father Gaspare worked in the automotive industry that made the city famous, sparking a lifelong obsession in the young boy. Later, he became a bus driver, and his love for motorized vehicles only increased.
A lifelong passion
Sometime in the early 1950s, according to the enthusiasts’ website Coachbuilt.com, Di Dia became interested in custom cars. So much so, in fact, that he purchased a number of modified vehicles — including a Buick equipped with bespoke fins. But it was in 1953 that this passion took his life in a new direction.
Edward V. Francoise
That year, Di Dia decided to create a custom vehicle all of his own. And he was in a better position than most. Although he had no experience in the automotive industry, he had the good fortune of being neighbors with Edward V. Francoise, a designer working at Chrysler Corp.
No ordinary job
Keen to create his dream car, Di Dia enlisted Francoise’s assistance, commissioning a series of sketches to bring his ideas to life. And eventually, a blueprint emerged. But this was no ordinary custom vehicle. Instead of simply modifying an existing model, the men planned to build their design from scratch.
