Customs Joe Bailon & Miss Elegance II

In the early nineties, Joe Bailon started recreating his long-lost custom, "Miss Elegance." He had the original dash and a few other pieces, I believe.

There were a few small in-progress shots of the car in Rod & Custom and other magazines. Never heard anything more.

I know Joe is getting on in years. Was the car ever finished or passed on to someone else? Anyone know?

 

in early 2009

joe was working on the drivetrain (motor) last time i was there and the body still needs lots and lots of work

 

I remember when he built the first Miss Elegance. Early 1950'S. It was a 1941 Chevrolet Coupe. That was one of his first Candy Apple paint jobs. I seen him in Auburn Ca. a few years ago at his Blast From The past Car Show.

 

Bob, when you were there last year was he moved back into the house yet? BobK and I were there in 05 and he was living in a motor home.

 

Paul Kelly took these photos in the early 90's...

 

I would really like to see something like the Monster Garage segment with all the old legends getting together to finish the Miss Elegance II.

 

Anyone knows what happened to the original miss elegance?

 

Lost to the mists of time apparently.
This photo from Rikster's archive is believed to be the last known of the car.
I read that it was taken several years after Joe sold the car and snapped by a fan who recognized it. It was never seen again.

http://public.fotki.com/Rikster/11_...e_bailon/41_chevy_miss_elegance/pa090004.html

 

While looking for information on Miss Elegance, I came across another of Joe's cars.
The Freddie Martin Muntz Jet was found and restored a few years ago.
Rik also has photos of this one.

Here are some recent shots. It's for sale... bring your piggy bank:
http://www.thesandiegocollection.com/cgi-bin/showroom/detail.cgi?id=2318

 

Looked the same in 05 when I saw it

 

Custom Rodder 1992 article...

 

I agree with hot rod 1940. It would be cool to see a Monster Garage, Overhaul, Metal Meet type of deal with a couple of dozen dudes spending a few days getting the car driveable and close to ready for paint stage for Joe.

 

we were there in early 09 and he was back in the house! the car had some more work done but not much! i'll try to find my pictures

 

There was a rear 3/4 shot of it in a mid to late 60's Rod&Custom in the readers rides section, I think that was what it was called. It was in rough shape, but somebodies driver then.

 

here is how it looked in feb of 09

 

does Joe still live in the bay area? any updates on the cars progress?

 

I would love to see this get built....unfortunately it doesnt look like it will happen