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In 1968, visionary businessman Royce Kershaw Sr. set out to design a unique blend of luxury and functionality: a mobile office-limousine hybrid on an Oldsmobile Toronado chassis. Known as the Kershaw Cruiseaire, this custom-built vehicle boasted a style and purpose years ahead of its time. With renowned designer Glenn Pray at the helm, aided by the legendary Gordon Buehrig—designer of icons like the Cord 810 and Duesenberg Model J—the Cruiseaire remains a one-of-a-kind luxury statement on wheels, still celebrated by enthusiasts today.
Fast Facts and Design Philosophy
Vehicle: 1968 Kershaw Cruiseaire Custom Oldsmobile Toronado Limousine
Design: Concept by Royce Kershaw Sr., executed by Glenn Pray with input from Gordon Buehrig
Chassis and Powertrain: 1968 Oldsmobile Toronado, powered by a 425-cubic inch V8 and automatic transmission
Luxury Features: Included a black-and-white TV, intercom, fridge, 8-track stereo, stove, and minibar
The Cruiseaire was designed to cater to the luxury needs of wealthy executives. With a spacious interior and dedicated features for work and relaxation, the vehicle was a precursor to the high-end SUVs and custom executive vans we see today. Notably, it was created during an era when limousines were standard choices for executives. The Cruiseaire, with its unique setup, served as a “rolling office” equipped for long journeys and business on the go.
Building the Cruiseaire: A Custom Masterpiece
Royce Kershaw Sr. began the project by purchasing a new Oldsmobile Toronado, a car known for its powerful V8 and front-wheel-drive setup. This drive system was integral to the Cruiseaire's design, as it removed the need for a rear driveshaft, creating a lower floor for the back compartment and giving passengers more room and a lower center of gravity.
Kershaw enlisted the expertise of Glenn Pray, famed for his work with Cord replicas, to bring his vision to life. Pray was joined by Gordon Buehrig, one of the most influential American car designers of the early 20th century, whose insights refined the car’s lines and function. Together, they crafted the Cruiseaire's sleek, low-profile body and advanced features, ensuring it was unlike any other luxury limousine at the time.
The Cruiseaire's construction involved a complete rework of the Toronado's body, adding customized elements like a wood-grain side stripe, roof rack, chrome bumpers, and unique chrome hubcaps. The vehicle's aerodynamic shape enabled it to reach speeds over 100 mph—an impressive feat for a limousine with an all-inclusive office layout.
Luxury Meets Functionality: Interior Design
Inside, the Cruiseaire showcased plush amenities: a long couch ran along one side of the cabin, complemented by a smaller rear couch and two swivel armchairs. A minibar, fridge, stove, and built-in cabinetry added to the sense of a luxurious yet practical mobile office. The vehicle was intended for chauffeured driving, with a single driver’s seat partitioned from the main cabin by a sliding glass panel. This layout offered privacy and convenience for the businessman passengers, who could communicate with the driver through an intercom system.
The interior’s final touches were completed after Kershaw Sr.'s passing, with Howard Aero Aircraft Interiors of San Antonio handling the luxury fit-out. Howard Aero was chosen for its expertise in outfitting private aircraft, an experience that translated into the Cruiseaire's plush, aircraft-grade upholstery and cabinetry, further enhancing its opulent appeal.
A Vehicle Ahead of Its Time
While the Cruiseaire concept never went into production, it stood as a bold statement in vehicle design and innovation. Its vision foreshadowed the trend of spacious, versatile luxury vehicles like the Cadillac Escalade and Rolls-Royce Cullinan. By blending functionality with style, the Cruiseaire established itself as a unique vehicle that could serve both as a limousine and a luxury recreational vehicle.
The Cruiseaire represents a compelling chapter in custom automotive history. Built in an era before high-end RVs or luxury SUVs became mainstream, it combined the power and performance of the Toronado’s 425 V8 with advanced design elements that suited high-end clientele. Its interior setup as a mobile office echoes today’s tech-enabled “work-from-anywhere” culture, making it all the more relevant as a visionary relic from a bygone era.
Auction and Legacy
After decades in storage, the Kershaw Cruiseaire surfaced in Montgomery, Alabama, as part of the Royce G. Kershaw Jr. estate sale. The vehicle was put up for auction in early 2024, generating significant interest due to its historical value and rarity. Bidders saw the Cruiseaire not just as a luxury vehicle but as a piece of automotive art—a testament to the ingenuity of Glenn Pray, Royce Kershaw Sr., and Gordon Buehrig.
With its storied history and unique design, the Cruiseaire remains a standout in custom automotive history, offering a glimpse into what luxury travel looked like through the eyes of a 1960s executive. It is a rare blend of elegance, power, and utility that makes it an enduring symbol of innovation.
View the Auction Listing
The Glenn Pray - Kershaw 1968 “Cruiseaire" Oldsmobile Toronado Custom mobile office
Lot Number:27
Completed
Start Time:1/18/2024 11:00:00 AM
End Time:2/21/2024 8:32:00 PM
Bid Count:109
High bidder:
5238 (Virginia)
Starting Bid:$1.00
Bid Increment:$250.00
Current Bid:$22,250.00
