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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.
