British Bulldog Mates French Poodle... [PIC]

In 1947, French arms dealer M. Edward Gadol purchased a Bentley Mk Vl 4 1/2 Liter chassis and gave it to Marius Franay who, at the time, was chairman of the association of French Coachbuilders. Franay had begun right after the war to build aero-streamlined bodies for Rolls and Talbots with an eye for drophead coupes with flamboyant curves and swooping trim. The resultant automobile was done up with the styling ala Figoni et Falaschi and Jacques Saoutchik. The cockpit has a front bench seat, a side mounted collapsible jump seat and a bar with custom glassware. In 1951, Gadol replaced the engine with a similar 4 1/2 liter with dual exhaust and replaced the single windscreen with a split angles double window that flipped forward for ventilation. After taking numerous awards at car shows, it passed through many hands until found derelict in pieces in 1979 and lovingly restored by collector Gary Wales. He restored the leather upholstery and dash cover with about 1300 frog skins, tanned in the Philippines. He calls it his French "froggy" car.  After 11 years of research and restoration, the car was won over 50 major awards. When driving the car, he replaces the winged "B" hood ornament with a winged frog.

Franklin Mint's model is pretty nice for its age and sports Gadol's original license plate in the front.