Meet the man who hand-built his own Cadillac racing 'Monster'
Published: November 3, 2024
Derek Drinkwater, driven by his desire to participate in classic motorsport, took the initiative to build a replica of Cadillac's 1950 Le Mans racer, known as Le Monstre. Facing high prices for historic racing cars, he turned to the Cadillac Series 61 after discovering its unique racing history. In just five months, using traditional techniques and tools, he meticulously crafted the car, even creating all custom parts instead of using off-the-shelf components.
The original Series 61 has an interesting backstory, having been favored by moonshine runners and later transformed into a faster version for Le Mans by Briggs Cunningham. The car claimed the nickname ‘Le Monstre’ due to its unusual appearance and design. While the recreated model has impressed during testing, including a successful lap at Laguna Seca, Derek emphasizes the experience of building and driving the car over the competitive aspect of motorsport. He plans to bring Le Monstre to Le Mans for its 75th anniversary, celebrating a unique moment in American racing history.
An expert opinion in transportation highlights the significance of such endeavors for promoting innovation within the industry. Projects like Drinkwater's can inspire a DIY culture, emphasizing craftsmanship and creativity in an age where modern vehicles are predominantly mass-produced. Furthermore, this approach fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation for automotive history and engineering, encouraging future generations of enthusiasts to engage with the field in a hands-on way.