Auto Design of California (United States)

Auto Design of California was an automotive company based in San Jose, California, that operated from approximately 1980 to 1985. The company specialized in creating custom automotive designs and replicas, particularly known for its variations of the Jaguar XK-120. Auto Design of California was notable for being one of the first companies to produce such replicas, offering a range of adaptations that utilized different chassis and running gear.

Among the unique modifications, Auto Design created a custom chassis that accommodated a four-cylinder Ford Pinto engine. They also adapted the XK-120 body to fit a Toyota pickup truck chassis, showcasing their versatility in design. One of their more unconventional adaptations involved using a stretched Volkswagen Beetle chassis, which was an unexpected choice for such a classic design. Additionally, the company produced a conversion for the 1979 Mustang, known as the Munich, which featured a Mercedes SL-style grille and trim.

In addition to their work on the XK-120, Auto Design of California developed the Britannia, a styling kit that transformed Cadillac Seville or Eldorado models to resemble a Rolls-Royce from the front. They also created a replica of a 1932 Ford Woody wagon, which utilized Ford running gear, further demonstrating their focus on blending classic aesthetics with modern components.