Annie the Hot Rod Granny: Burnout Champ with 1957 Cadillac
Annie Koehler, also known as “Hot Rod Granny Annie,” first caught our attention when she reached out to us last year. In an unexpected email, she inquired about burnout contests where she could showcase her 1957 Cadillac. Intrigued by her story, we featured her on our website and shared a video of one of her impressive burnouts on Instagram, sparking a frenzy of excitement among viewers. Eager to learn more about Annie and her tire-scorching Cadillac, we made the journey to Illinois to meet her in person.
During our conversation with Ms. Koehler, she regaled us with captivating anecdotes from her past. “My sister and I became experts at identifying cars by the sound of their engines as they approached our neighborhood,” she recalled. “We could distinguish between a six-cylinder Chevy with a split manifold and a V8 Chevy. We even knew the difference between various models of Fords. Our interest in cars grew as we sought out the best vehicles to admire and maybe even drive for a short while.”
The white Cadillac coupe that Annie proudly drives today was passed down to her by her son Jamie, who runs his own engine shop. After acquiring two rundown Cadillacs in a trade, Jamie decided to transform one of them into a laid-back hot rod for his mother. The 1957 Cadillac now boasts a 489-cubic-inch Chevy V8 engine, a hydraulic roller cam, Edelbrock heads, a 700R4 transmission, MSD ignition, and retains its original interior. Describing the modifications as “standard old stuff,” Jamie modestly downplays the impressive work he put into the car.
Annie’s Cadillac embodies the essence of what we celebrate on CARISMA, our video series featuring remarkable individuals and their beloved vehicles. While it may not be the most extravagant machine on the road, this Cadillac was crafted with passion and is clearly cherished by its owner. It exudes a sense of authenticity, meant to be driven rather than simply displayed in a garage. Annie’s warmth and lifelong affinity for cars shine through, captivating audiences with her infectious enthusiasm.
If you enjoyed learning about Annie and her Cadillac, be sure to explore the rest of the CARISMA catalog for more compelling stories. From a garbage man trading up for an RWB Porsche 993 to other remarkable tales, The Drive’s YouTube channel offers a diverse array of automotive content.
Have a story to share or a tip to offer? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at tips@thedrive.com. We’re always eager to hear from our readers and feature unique car enthusiasts like Annie Koehler.
