Legendary custom car designer Chip Foose earlier this week unveiled his greatly anticipated latest artistic creation, the 1939 Cadillac custom known as Madam X, at the Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas. Foose pulled the cover off the car Nov. 1 in front of a packed house at the BASF booth, helping to kick off the first day of the SEMA show with his own artistic flair. Built for automotive dealership magnate Wes Rydell, the unveil was followed by a one-on-one walk around of the vehicle, with Foose presenting the various artistic and design aspects of Madam X to its owner for the first time in front of a crowd of fans and media.
A custom design steeped in Detroit lore, Madam X was inspired by an original 1935 concept sketch by GM designer Art Ross. Under the metal, the Madam X features a powerful and modern drivetrain, including a Corvette Gen V LT-1 motor, an 8-speed 8L90 automatic transmission from a Cadillac Escalade coupled to a Camaro Z01 third member, C6 Corvette suspension front and rear, and Pirelli tires to ensure modern performance alongside its classic design. In addition, the body features all-new chrome trim, a custom leather interior, one-off cloth Carson top, custom-mixed BASF paint, a stunning painted blonde wood dash, and bespoke MHT billet aluminum wheels styled to resemble classic Cadillac hubcaps.
Fabrication began with a 1939 Cadillac four-door 60 Special, and Madam X is now re-bodied as a two-door coupe that has been lowered, shortened, and customized into a masterpiece of old-school coachbuilding. Foose has added his own unmistakable eye for clean design and bespoke touches on this truly one-of-a-kind creation, representing three decades of stylistic evolution and marking a new chapter in Foose’s 30 years in design.
“It’s truly a pleasure to finally pull the cover off of Madam X and show it to the public and its owner,” said Chip. “This was a project of true passion and one that pushed me to my creative limits. I am extremely proud to show it at SEMA 2016.”
For more information about the Madam X Cadillac project or Foose Design, visit http://www.chipfoose.com/.
Love this…Once again Mr Foose just gets it RIGHT !