Bill Frick Special GT Coupé

Vehicle Overview

The Bill Frick Special GT Coupé: Frick was enamored with the 1953 Studebaker design, but very unimpressed with its 120hp engine. By 1953 Cadillac’s engine was producing 210hp in stock configuration. Applying his tried and true formula, Bill went ahead and began modifying the Studebaker to accept the Cadillac engine – creating the Studillac. The Studillac consisted of much more than just an engine swap; Frick would modify the steering box, floorboard tunnel, transmission cross member, driveshaft, brakes, and the electrical system. The Studillac would reach estimated speeds in the mid 100s, and do 0-60 in 7 seconds, making it one of the fastest cars around. The Studillac was an instant hit. The shop was flooded with orders and began producing the performance sensation on a full time basis. The Studillac became an exclusive and sought after performance machine that was even featured in the James Bond novel, Diamonds are Forever, by Ian Fleming. In 1955 Studebaker redesigned the Starlight coupe/Starliner hardtop – Frick stated “They changed the styling of the car, especially the nose. It was really ugly and nobody wanted one anymore”. As demand for the Studillac virtually disappeared with the arrival of the new Studebaker, Frick turned to the famed Italian coachbuilder Vignale. Frick went ahead and took one of his famed Studillac chassis, and made additional improvements by adding crossmembers, better shock absorbers, higher rate springs, a stiffer anti-roll bar, and track bars. He then sent it off to Vignale, and what he got in return was The Bill Frick Special – a custom Vignale bodied, Michelotti designed masterpiece. In July 1955 the prototype was tested by Road & Track where it was called “America’s answer to Europe”. After a test drive on Sunrise Highway, the author of the article stated “he tooled away from the other stuff like it was anchored” and “turned a few corners like he was on rails”. The car was also featured on the cover of Sports Car Illustrated in May of 1956.