Bill Frick earned a reputation for stuffing big engines into small cars, which made him known as the “king of engine swaps.” This car represents a pivotal chapter of his car-modifying ventures.
Frick first gained attention when he installed a potent Cadillac 331-cubic-inch V8 into a lighter 1949 Ford chassis and dubbed it a “Fordillac.” Then he installed a Caddy V8 into a heavily modified 1953 Studebaker coupe, calling it a “Studillac.” This car, the 1957 Bill Frick Special GT Coupe still uses a Caddy engine and a Studebaker foundation, but with a body designed by Giovanni Michelotti and built by Vignale in Italy.
Frick only completed three cars with this setup–a prototype, a convertible, and a GT car. The complexities of this project unfortunately ended it.
The car currently is in “marvelous condition,” according to the seller. It shows around 41,000 miles. The Cadillac V8 appears to be original.
Find this 1957 Bill Frick Special GT Coupe for sale from Hyman Ltd., with an asking price of $325,000.
