A bespoke Cadillac for the discerning bird-watcher

Zoom in: Besides the crystal beverage glasses and "leather" made from mycelium, the Sollei concept features a unique interior accessory geared specifically for bird-watchers.

• A custom brushed metal and leather-wrapped case houses 3D-printed bird calls, a leather-bound journal with hand-painted bird illustrations, and a matching holder for writing utensils so bird enthusiasts can record their sightings.

Between the lines: Car designers are always looking for ways to incorporate the latest cultural trends into their designs, and bird-watching has exploded since the pandemic.

• About 96 million people enjoy birding, according to a 2022 survey by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Survey.
• The number of people participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count, a four-day community science event held each February, more than doubled between 2019 and 2023, according to the National Audubon Society.

Thought bubble, courtesy of my avid bird-watching husband: Real bird-watchers don't care about bespoke luxury cars costing hundreds of thousands of dollars. They're more apt to spend money on things like travel, binoculars or scopes to capture their experiences.

Reality check: The Sollei is merely meant to push the limits of what a custom coach commission could be — owners would be able to tailor their car to their own passions and interests.

What's next: The Sollei concept will be showcased at Monterey Car Week in California next month.