Ed Cholakian, 1935–2024

[Art Director]

It is with a heavy heart I let everyone in the CLC know the passing of longtime CLC member and board of directors member Ed Cholakian. Ed was the owner of All Cadillacs of the '40s and '50s in Sylmar, CA and Las Vegas, NV, and was quite a successful businessman even before getting into Cadillacs.

At Ed's request, no services will be held. A full obit is scheduled to appear in the July issue of The Self-Starter.

August 6, 1935 – May 6, 2024

[Barry M Wheeler #2189]

I was just talking to his young lady at the shop a few days ago. The only time I could have gone to the LA shop, it was just after the earthquake and he told me that everything was on the floor.

When I was a regular seller at the Hoosier Sell and Swap meet at the Speedway, you could lay money that Ed would be my first customer, and generally he bought enough to pay for my swap space.

Years later, when I was selling my '41 type stuff, I spent a couple of weeks packaging items for his stock. We'd agree on a price, and he never complained about anything I sent. I think I still have a scrap of paper on the floor with his California address.

Opiniated? Most definitely. Was his stuff high priced? I always told prospective buyers for stuff I didn't have, to try everyone else in the country, and if all else fails, call Ed if you really, really needed the part. BUT HE ALWAYS SENT THE RIGHT PART. It might not be quite as nice as he described, but he knew what went where.

At the start, I think I sold him 1947 Cadillac tail lamp lenses. And since they are almost unbreakable, I hate to think of how many sets he must have on the shelves. He was most definitely "one of a kind."

I sent one of his famous T-shirts with a 1941 60S silk-screened on it for auction at the GN. It's still in the plastic wrapper. And I believe I bought it at the first Valley Forge GN. (Size XL) If it's too big for you, bid on it anyway and give it to your wife for a swim-suit coverup.

Ed, you will be sorely missed.

[Vince Taliano #13852]

Ed was featured on the History Channel's TV Show Counting Cars.  It was Season 6, Episode 23 titled  "Crazy Cool Cadillac" -- it aired on February 25, 2017. Danny "The Count" Koker and "Horny" Mike visited Ed, who gave them a tour of some of his nicest Cadillacs and a Rolls Royce.

View the episode online at the History Channel.

RIP, Ed.

[benx13]

Sorry to hear. I dealt with Ed a couple times and he was really friendly to me.
Thanks for your help Ed

[Jeff Hansen]

I don't recall exactly when I met Ed, but I got to know him when he and I were both on the CLC Board of Directors.  When the Las Vegas Region hosted their first Grand National in 2009, Ed held an open house at his home and business which are located together on one property in Vegas.  The invitation was for adults only, please, no children.  I was present for that Grand National with my wife and two kids (aged 9 and 14 at the time).  I had planned not to attend the event to honor Ed's request of no kids.  Ed called me and asked why I had not signed up for the event.  When I explained that I had my kids with me, Ed announced, "Jeff, your children are welcome in my home anytime."  How could I refuse?  Ed welcomed all four of us with open arms. He was a winner in my book from that experience.

And, oh my gosh, the parts!  At that open house, we were free to wander the aisles.  The parts that were present and available would rival any Cadillac dealer - and put many to shame.

Ed, thank you for the kindness you have shown me and my family over the years.  As Barry mentioned, Ed, you will be sorely missed.

Jeff

[Carfreak]

We first met Ed in Spring 1985 at a SoCal CLC show in Long Beach(?) CA.  Believe he was driving an older sedan delivery that could carry parts & a table in the back.

Would also periodically see him hauling Cadillacs around the area.

RIP Ed

[Lexi]

Dealt with him on the phone and he was always friendly and informative with me. RIP Ed and my condolences to his family and friends. Clay/Lexi

[Cadillac Jack 82]

I've bought some items from him in the past.  RIP.

[Tom Boehm]

My one experience with him many years ago was very different than the stories told here. He must have been an acquired taste.

[Carfreak]

My one experience with him many years ago was very different than the stories told here. He must have been an acquired taste.

His prices could be very substantial and he stood behind them. 

When a friend contacted Ed to purchase a coil for his pre-war Cadillac and was quoted $300 almost 25 years ago, the friend responded 'I don't want a box of them, just one'  LOL!

[Bob Hoffmann CLC#96]

My one experience with him many years ago was very different than the stories told here. He must have been an acquired taste.

I agree!!