What began as one man’s dream in northern Lithuania has evolved into an internationally recognised automotive workshop whose bespoke creations now turn heads in Hollywood and among European royals.
A native of Šiauliai, one of Lithuania’s largest cities, Gediminas Kairys once longed to own a truly unique car. That aspiration eventually led to the founding of Autogedo, a company whose customised and fully restored vehicles have appeared in music videos in Los Angeles and joined private collections in Monaco.
It all began in 2000, when Kairys was still working for a furniture company but envisioned a car that would stand out in every way – featuring a high-end sound system, custom rims and a distinctive colour.
His first success was a revamped Nissan Terrano SUV, which earned a place at Litexpo – Lithuania’s largest exhibition centre, located in the capital, Vilnius. “I realised people are drawn to uniqueness, so I started a company, and the craftsmen who helped beautify my SUV are still working with me today,” Kairys recalls.
Initially, the company – named Autogedo – focused solely on refurbishing car interiors. A decade later, it expanded to include a restoration workshop. There, a wide range of vehicles are revived – from historic classics to newer models for clients seeking exclusivity.
A Hollywood cameo
Among the most notable creations by the Šiauliai-based team is a transformed Mercedes-Benz SL500, originally intended for American actor Bruce Willis.
Although it never made it into the actor’s collection, the bespoke car still reached Hollywood, appearing in rapper Super Sako’s music video for Cake.
Eventually, the car returned to Europe and was purchased, via a Lithuanian partner in the US, by a member of Monaco’s royal family. Far from sitting idle as a collector’s item, the convertible is often spotted on the streets of Monaco.
Another standout project, a 1960 Cadillac Eldorado limousine, also earned its moment of fame. Painted a vivid blue, the vehicle appeared in the video Love You More by American rapper Snoop Dogg. The track is part of the soundtrack for the 2024 film Bosco, in which the limousine also appears on screen.
Twelve years in the making
A decade ago, Kairys relocated his expanding business to the village of Kupriai, just outside Šiauliai, transforming a series of abandoned buildings into a modern automotive workshop.
It was there that his team completed what he considers their most ambitious and valuable restoration: a 1969 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Landaulet, a limousine historically reserved for heads of state and dignitaries.
“This rare car, brought in from the United States, is truly a masterpiece,” said Kairys.
Originally produced by Mercedes-Benz between 1963 and 1981, the 600 series was the German automaker’s most prestigious model. Just 2,677 were made, with even fewer in its rarer configurations: only 304 of the four-door Pullman, 124 of the six-door version, and a mere 59 of the Landaulet model, fitted with a partially retractable roof and typically used for ceremonial purposes.
The restoration of the presidential-grade Landaulet took a full 12 years. “There can be no rush here – what matters most is quality,” Kairys explained, though he declined to reveal where the finished car was sent.
Just 2,677 vehicles were produced in the series, and even fewer in the rarer configurations: only 304 of the four-door Pullman version, 124 of the six-door variant, and just 59 units of the presidential Landaulet model, which features a foldable roof.
The full restoration of the presidential Landaulet took Kairys 12 years. “There can be no rush here – what matters most is quality,” he said, declining to disclose the destination of the rare limousine.
Many of the Šiauliai workshop’s restored vehicles are sold through partners in the US, who help find new owners across America and the United Arab Emirates.
More than a car: a piece of history
Currently, the Autogedo team is working on two unique models: a 1936 Pierce Arrow Type 42 and a 1936 Daimler E20.
The Pierce Arrow, built in the United States with a wooden frame, is a rare example of pre-war American engineering. A car of the same model was once ordered by the Lithuanian government for President Antanas Smetona, the country’s first head of state. However, due to the Soviet occupation in 1940, he never had the chance to use it.
While the Daimler E20 has no direct ties to Lithuania, its story is equally compelling.
Manufactured by a British company with an exclusive contract to supply vehicles to the royal family, it was the first car of its kind to enter the courtyard of Westminster Palace.
To ensure comfort during travel abroad, Daimler exported its cars across continents for royal use. The E20, now being restored in Lithuania, was acquired, along with other vehicles, from a bankrupt company in the US. Upon inspection, special plaques were found on the car’s body, confirming its royal past.
“It’s already confirmed that this car was once used in the US by the Queen of England’s sister,” said Kairys, referring to Princess Margaret, younger sibling of Queen Elizabeth II.
Building his own electric car
Restoring a classic vehicle demands patience. Even a simple project takes around 2,000 working hours. “That’s a significant investment – each hour costs €30,” noted Kairys.
Every car that enters the workshop is photographed daily. These images are uploaded to a private platform accessible to the client, allowing them to track the entire process and later compile a visual record of the restoration.
Currently, the Šiauliai team is also developing their own electric sports car. A prototype, the AG77, already stands in the workshop.
“It turned out too fast – the G-forces could affect health, so we’ll need to slow it down with software. After that, we’ll produce a limited batch,” says Kairys.
Looking ahead, he hopes to establish a historic car museum next to his workshop. Having already transformed a group of abandoned buildings in Kupriai into a modern automotive centre, the Šiauliai entrepreneur believes this dream, too, is within reach.
Newsletter
Every Friday morning.
