1922 Pan-American "American Beauty Special"
- a endurance race car project -
In collaboration with Glenn Billqvist of Recreating History in Sweden, we are proud to present our latest endeavour: the restoration of the rare 1922 Pan-American "American Beauty Special." This project not only revives a significant piece of automotive history but also celebrates the spirit of endurance, innovation, and adventure.
The Pan-American cars, originally produced from 1917 to1922, have mostly faded from history. Yet our car, a Pan-American “AmericanBeauty” tourer, stands as a unique survivor—believed to be the only one sold and registered in Europe in 1926. This makes it a one-of-a-kind testament to its era.
Our mission is to bring this historical gem back to life, transforming it into a race-ready endurance rally car for modern European marathon events. With daily stretches of 200 to 400 km and total distances exceeding 2,000 km, these rallies demand exceptional durability from both driver and machine.
Key Features of the Restoration:
A Handcrafted Aluminium Body: Crafted with precision by Glenn Billqvist, this bespoke body ensures strength, beauty, and authenticity.
Enhanced Chassis: Built on a 3.10m wheelbase, optimized for endurance and rally conditions.
Powerful Engine: Equipped with a straight 6-cylinder, 251 cubic inch flathead engine for reliable performance.
Our restoration strikes a balance between historical authenticity and modern performance, ensuring that every enhancement respects the car's legacy while preparing it for the challenges of endurance rallying. This project is more than a restoration; it’s a journey through time and a tribute to overcoming challenges. The "American Beauty Special" is poised to add a new chapter to the story of the 1922 Pan-American.
Follow Our Progress
Explore the images below to see the progress of this incredible transformation. Join us on this adventure, and mark your calendars for the Estepona500 in 2025, where we’ll proudly unveil this magnificent machine.
The official launch of the 1922 Pan-American "American Beauty Special" in Estepona, Spain, was presented by Glenn Billqvist and Andreas Ullstein. This event celebrated the fusion of craftsmanship, innovation, and timeless design. A tribute to timeless design and meticulous detail, this is more than a car—it’s a masterpiece in motion.
Master craftsman Glenn Billqvist brings unparalleled expertise to the Pan-American project. From shaping raw metal into flowing lines to perfecting every detail, Glenn's work embodies precision, artistry, and passion. Crafted in Sweden, this body is more than just a structure—it's a testament to craftsmanship at its finest. Every curve and contour reflects Glenn's dedication to creating something truly exceptional.
Every great build is defined by its details, and the Pan-American is no exception. From selecting the perfect components to fine-tuning every element, it's a journey of discovery and precision. With Glenn leading the way, every choice is deliberate, ensuring that each detail not only fits but elevates the entire build. In the world of craftsmanship, it’s the small things that make the biggest impact.
Sliding into the driver’s seat of the Pan-American for the first time was more than just a test—it was a moment. Feeling the connection between design and function, the seating position perfectly aligned with the vision we’ve been building. It’s not just about comfort; it’s about control, precision, and the promise of the miles ahead.
The Pan-American's body is a living testament to innovation and craftsmanship. With each enhancement and refinement, it evolves closer to perfection. From structural improvements to aesthetic tweaks, every development is a step forward in creating a car that’s as functional as it is stunning. This is where vision meets execution, with every detail meticulously shaped and crafted.
With Glenn in full swing, every detail of the Pan-American is being perfected before its journey to Spain. From fine-tuning to flawless finishing touches, this is where precision meets passion. The countdown to Estepona begins, and the Pan-American is shaping up to be nothing short of extraordinary.
From sanding down the aluminum body to applying the first layers of primer, Glenn’s dedication ensures that every detail of the Pan-American is perfected before the next step—craftsmanship at its finest. But he is not just a craftsman but also a true fashion icon (victim)—whether in his workshop, on the racetrack, or as a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. Style runs as deep as his passion for perfection.
Getting the final twist done in Sweden means it’s all coming together—fuel tank, tail lights, and those last perfect touches. With Glenn’s expertise, every detail falls into place like magic.
