With the heyday of automotive custom coachbuilding already past, the Cadillac customer of 1941 had far less selection than just a few years prior. In 1935, Cadillac offered over 60 different body style and chassis combinations, but by 1941that number had declined to less than 30. Of course, if a customer had the will and the means, there was one coachbuilding firm that had managed to stay afloat during the Depression and the days leading up to the Second World War, and it was certainly looking for work.

In 1887, the Derham Body Company was founded in Rosemont, Pennsylvania, just a few miles from downtown Philadelphia on the Main Line, and it remained active until 1971. Their bodies became famous for their beauty, but their prices were only palatable to the rich and famous. Derham bodies were fit to a wide assortment of chassis from many different makes, and, routinely cost in excess of $15,000. Such notables as Joseph Stalin, Pope Pius XII, King Farouk, President Eisenhower, Gary Cooper, and Raymond Loewy all had Derham-bodied cars constructed for them. In addition, Derham limousines were used in 15 coronations around the world. They were also the longest-lived American body builder and the only Classic Era coachbuilder that survived the Depression. Indeed, Derham survived long enough to restore some of the classics that it had bodied four decades earlier.

In 1941, Derham was commissioned to build six Series 60 Special-based town cars. The Cadillac shown here is one of those sixty, and it was reportedly originally owned by one of American cinema’s most celebrated leading actresses, Bette Davis. She acquired the vehicle at the height of her career, and it was a fitting mode of transport for the legendary screen queen.

This Town Car was then ushered into the legendary John McMullen Collection in 1995, and it remained a highlight of the collection until its sale in 2007. After the purchase of the Cadillac, Mr. McMullen submitted it for restoration by the experts at Brian Joseph’s renowned Classic & Exotic Service, of Troy, Michigan, which is one of the foremost restoration facilities in the United States. During this time Mr. McMullen managed to track down Bette Davis’ only son, Michael Merrill, who, although unable to find any pictures of his mother in the Cadillac, confirmed her ownership of the vehicle.

Mr. McMullen also brought the car to the 1998 Pellble Beach Concours d'Elegance, where it won Second in Class.

Not only is this example truly gorgeous, it is also ready for the open road. The Cadillac is fitted with whitewall radial tires for safety and comfort; there is a tonneau cover ready to cover the driver’s compartment, should the weather turn to rain; and all of the mechanical systems are fit and ready for a tour. Mr. McMullen reported that, in July 2006, on a CCCA CARavan, the Cadillac performed beautifully for over 1,000 miles. Its fabulous restoration, which is attested to by its recognition on the concours show field, the exceptional rarity of the Derham body, of which only six were produced, and its celebrity aura ensures that it would be a landmark addition to any collection.