We Love Cadillac's Past, Present And Future..,

Cadillac may consider a smaller BMW fighter

2012-01-11T11:20:00.000-08:00

Click Here to read the complete article.

Source: Internet

2012 Cadillac SRX Preview: New V-6, More Features

2011-07-27T06:46:00.000-07:00

The Cadillac SRX might not be on the top of your luxury crossover shopping list, but it should be. We rated the 2011 version 7.5 out of 10 in our overall full review scoring, but the 2012 model irons out several of the issues that caused us to dock it points, perhaps most imporantly with the substitution of GM's 3.6-liter V-6 engine in place of the preview 3.0-liter V-6 and the already-canceled 2.8-liter turbo V-6.

With the single engine offering now, the entire SRX range offers a strong 308-horsepower rating combined with smoother running and nearly the same fuel economy. That's 43 horsepower stronger than last year's 3.0-liter V-6 engine, while still managing 17/24 mpg city/highway in front-wheel drive trim and 16/23 mpg when equipped with all-wheel drive. Last year's 3.0-liter model rated a similar 17/23 mpg in all-wheel drive guise despite delivering less power.

New features for the 2012 SRX include: standard Bluetooth on all models; OnStar turn-by-turn directions; better voice recognition for phone, navigation, and radio commands; door lock switches on the doors in addition to the center console; cruise control buttons on the steering wheel; position-memory power seats; a heated steering wheel in Luxury, Performance, and Premium trims; new 20-inch alloy wheels, standard on Performance and Premium models; an optional all-ebony interior trim; and a new Xenon Blue Metallic paint option.

The best of the 2011 model's features stay on for 2012 as well, including the UltraView sunroof, a moveable cargo retainer, under-floor storage, and a programmable power liftgate.

Pricing for the dramatically-styled 2012 Cadillac SRX starts from $36,060. It arrives in dealerships next month.

Source: TheCarConnection

Cadillac Future Vehicles

2011-07-04T11:42:00.000-07:00

Cadillac ATS

2012 ATS: Cadillac is working on a new small sedan that will slot in below the current CTS in terms of size and price. It's expected to target the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class and feature a wide range of body styles.

2013 ATS: Following close on the heels of the ATS sedan will be an ATS coupe and convertible. According to sources at Cadillac, the convertible may go with a traditional soft top instead of a more complicated retractable hardtop.

2014 ATS: A wagon version of the ATS will eventually round out the lineup.

Cadillac CTS

2012 Cadillac CTS: Look for a mid cycle refresh of the CTS sedan for the 2012 model year. Since it already received an upgrade to its base engine, look for the CTS to get an upgrade to its larger, direct-injection 3.6-liter V6. Although the CTS currently has one of the best interior designs in GM's lineup, expect to see some minor upgrades to the interior as well.

Cadillac DTS

The DTS will be phased out in favor of the XTS sedan that will debut in 2012.

Cadillac Escalade

2013 Cadillac Escalade: Look for a fully redesigned Cadillac Escalade to arrive sometime in 2012 for the 2013 model year. Although Cadillac considered switching to a crossover-type platform, the current plans call for another truck-based SUV with traditional body-on-frame construction.

Cadillac SRX

2013 Cadillac SRX: Look for a midcycle refresh of the SRX for the 2013 model year.

Cadillac STS

The STS will be phased out by 2011. The XTS sedan due in 2012 will serve as its replacement.

Cadillac XTS

2012 XTS: This large sedan will replace both the DTS and STS when it arrives in 2011. A concept version was shown at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show with a V6 hybrid drivetrain. The production version may include a similar setup in addition to a turbocharged V6. Its overall size will most likely slide in between the current DTS and STS and all-wheel drive may be standard.

Source: Edmonds/Insideline

1950 Cadillac Coupe

2011-06-22T10:14:00.001-07:00

Source: Internet

1951 Cadillac Hearst

2011-06-22T10:13:00.001-07:00

1952 Cadillac Sedan Four Door

The Jones Funeral Home fleet of antique cars

Click Here for more information

Test Your Knowledge Of Automobile History

2011-05-14T13:48:00.000-07:00

Click Here to take the test. I did ad made a 97.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

Source: Internet

2011 Cadillac STS

2011-04-01T13:11:00.001-07:00

The Cadillac STS is without its V-8 compadres for the 2011 model year--it's running out the clock until it's replaced by the coming Cadillac XTS sedan, sometime in 2012.

Until then, the STS returns with a V-6 engine as its only powertrain, and with the unchanged "Art & Science" theme etched into its sheetmetal. It's a less successful look here than on the smaller CTS--the STS looks plainer and more bulky, though it's still crisp and contemporary like the larger DTS sedan. Inside the STS works much better; Cadillac has paid attention to Germany, evidenced in the STS' sober, handsome cabin. Materials aren't always as good as those in Mercedes and BMW vehicles, but the STS still presents itself in a flattering overhead light.

The STS' sole surviving powertrain combines a 3.6-liter, 302-horsepower, direct-injection V-6 with a six-speed automatic. All-wheel drive remains an option, though. Cadillac offers a handling package that adds 18-inch chrome wheels, Michelin summer tires, and Brembo four-piston brakes. The loss of the V-8 option isn't a great tragedy: the V-6 is nearly as fast as the outgoing eight-cylinder, and its fuel economy of 17/26 mpg is a considerable improvement over the 13/19 mpg the V-8 STS racked up last year. The STS has swift pickup and clean handling, with good steering feel and feedback, and good ride quality thanks to Magnetic Ride Control, which uses electromagnetic controls to adjust shock firmness constantly to provide a comfortable, smooth ride.

While it's supposed to be a size class larger than the CTS, the STS doesn't offer much more interior room than the entry-level Cadillac. The front seats are amply large and and very supportive, with plenty of surrounding room. The back seat is the disappointment: it's barely roomy enough for average-sized adults. With a decently sized trunk, the STS can at least tote the normal amount of luggage.

The STS also has been a disappointing crash-safety performer. Standard safety gear includes dual front, side, and curtain airbags; anti-lock brakes; and traction and stability control. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) has given previous versions four stars in all but side protection for rear-seat passengers (five stars), while 2011 crash results aren't available. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) is as mixed: it gives the STS "good" results in frontal-offset protection, "acceptable" results in side impact, and a "poor" grade for rear-impact tests. Safety options include a lane-departure warning system, adaptive cruise control, and a blind-spot warning system.

The latest STS still sports standard climate control; an AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system; a heated, wood-trimmed steering wheel; and metallic and wood trim on the dash. The optional technology makes it a bit more compelling--drivers can order remote start; a head-up display; and ventilated seats, as well as a navigation system.

Source: Internet/TheCarConnection

2011 Cadillac Escalade ESV

2011-04-01T12:56:00.001-07:00

While the Cadillac Escalade is a traditional, body-on-frame truck, it's tough to beat for passenger space. Thanks to such a wide cabin, the Escalade has excellent interior space, with lots of elbow and shoulder room. And the extended-length Escalade ESV model makes the most use of it for the second and third rows.
The 2011 Cadillac Escalade ESV is about 20 inches longer than the standard-length Escalade models, with most of its 14-inch-longer wheelbase going to legroom for the second and third rows, along with slightly easier access to the third row. There's a bit more cargo space behind that third row, too.

Just as in the rest of the Escalade lineup, the front (and second-row) seats are among the more comfortable and supportive we've found in a luxury SUV, while the third row remains a little difficult to access because of the big step up to get in—though the power-folding feature for the second row helps.

The rest of the driving experience—as well as the lavish interior appointments and long feature set—are basically the same as with the standard Escalade. The stout V-8 has gobs of torque, and Magnetic Ride Control reels in the body, allowing the Escalade to be whipped around with more composure than you'd ever expect from such a huge, massive vehicle. The only thing you should think about is that the added 20 inches of length might not fit in your garage so well, and it makes an already long, hard-to-park vehicle that much more difficult to maneuver.

See our full review of the 2011 Cadillac Escalade lineup for more details, pictures, and related news, along with highlights of what other sources said.

Source: Internet/TheCarConnection

2011 Cadillac Escalade EXT

2011-04-01T12:54:00.001-07:00

The EXT's name is a little deceiving; while it carries the Escalade name, and is very much part of this iconic luxury SUV family, it's a pickup. And at that, it's a pickup with a twist: A special Midgate system allows the driver to reconfigure the EXT as needed to either accommodate backseat passengers or create a larger cargo bed.
While the Escalade EXT is, to the objective eye, just a luxed-out version of the Chevrolet Avalanche, it's arguably much more. Just as the Escalade has become a glitzy, chrome-and-excess fantasy object, the same applies here. From the front doors forward, the EXT looks much like the rest of the Escalade lineup, though some won't be quite as pleased with how the pickup design fits behind that.

However, the EXT rides and drives nearly as well as the other Escalade models. The same 403-hp, 6.2-liter V-8 churns out enough torque down low to let this mammoth beast leap forward at stoplights (all-wheel drive is standard), but the consequence is a 13-mpg city EPA rating (18 highway). But it's way more refined than most pickups. Even GM's Magnetic Ride Control, which allows essentially the best of both worlds and grants the Escalade a more nimble feel than you'd guess from its massive, tall stance, is available here.

The Midgate system is novel, but it's a setup you have to see and try out to know if it's right for you. The rear seats aren't quite like those in the regular Escalade, but they're ample and comfortable for adults. A lockable, standard tonneau cover protects items in the cargo bed or can be removed entirely for added space.

The EXT isn't offered in a top-gloss Platinum version, as other Escalades, but its top Pemium trim gets power-retractable running boards, IntelliBeam headlamps, a rear DVD entertainment system, and a heated steering wheel—in addition to the great Bose sound system and all the other Escalade standard features.

For more information on the EXT—including more pictures, advice, and what others have said—see our full reviews of both the 2011 Chevrolet Escalade, as well as this review on the Escalade EXT.

Source: Internet/TheCarConnection

Hennessey CTS-V Wagon vs. Nissan GT-R

2011-03-28T11:50:00.000-07:00

Hennessey CTS-V Wagon vs. Nissan GT-R

This isn't your mom's station wagon. Check out this tuned CTS-V running alongside a stock GT-R!

Source: Streetfire

Elizabeth Taylor, Catalyst For America's Car Fever, Dies At 79

2011-03-28T11:23:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth Taylor was many things: actress, activist, friend of the disenfranchised, professional divorcee. She was also one of the great sex symbols of the 20th century -- in part, because of her longtime love of cars. She passed away early this morning at the age of 79.

By the time Taylor reached driving age, women had been behind the wheel for several decades. But Taylor hit young adulthood just as the U.S. hit its post-World War II economic boom -- when suburbs exploded (for better or worse) and as a result, America was, for the first time, truly obsessed with cars. No group was more smitten with automobiles than the rapidly growing teenage demographic, and Elizabeth Taylor's well-publicized love of driving only heightened the allure.

When we think of Taylor and cars, we usually think of two films. First, the Academy Award-winning A Place in the Sun, released in 1951, starring Taylor, Montgomery Clift, and Shelley Winters. The hero, Clift, first sees Taylor as she zooms past him on the highway in her sporty 62 Series Cadillac. She and the car are pristine, impossibly beautiful; he never forgets either of them, and neither do we.

Taylor's other great car scene -- one of many -- comes in BUtterfield 8. There, Taylor plays a reluctant call girl who's in love with a married man. In the film's climax -- SPOILER AHEAD -- she bails on a motel tryst with beau and races her sporty Sunbeam Alpine across the Tappan Zee bridge, over a cliff, and into film history. It's kind of like the "women's film" equivalent of the car chase from Bullitt.

Thanks for the memories, Ms. Taylor. Our cars are looking a little less sporty and shiny today.

Source: Internet

1930 Cadillac V16 Roadster

2011-03-01T12:34:00.001-08:00

1930 Cadillac V16 Roadster - Estimate: $375,000 - $475,000. Three-time 100-point CCCA winner.

Source: Internet

1957 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz

2011-02-01T17:04:00.000-08:00

Check out this 1957 Eldorado Biarritz as well as other restored Classic Cadillac's at
Classic Caddies.

Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept

2011-01-18T06:52:00.001-08:00

General Motors is working on a turbocharged V-6 that could see application in a wide range of vehicles, perhaps in place of a V-8 in the vein of Ford’s EcoBoost V-6.
The new 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 would be heavily based on the 3.0-liter and 3.6-liter naturally aspirated, direct-injection engines that are now quite ubiquitous in GM’s U.S. products (especially in its larger 3.6-liter guise).

The 3.6 made its debut in the Cadillac CTS many years ago while the larger smaller 3.0-liter V-6 is currently used in the 2010 Cadillac CTS and 2010 Buick LaCrosse, among others. GMInsidenews, citing engineering sources within GM who confirmed the project, is anticipating that the new engine will debut in the 2013 Cadillac XTS, as well as the Cadillac ATS and potentially the Chevrolet Camaro.

The XTS, which shows a different design direction for Cadillac, was previewed at this January's Detroit auto show as the XTS Platinum concept, with all-wheel drive and a hybrid powertrain, will likely replace the STS and DTS in the luxury brand's lineup.
Ford’s EcoBoost 3.5-liter makes up to 365 horsepower and 350 pound feet and is installed in the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT, among other products, and achieves better fuel economy ratings than larger-displacement V-8 engines while producing power and torque ratings on par with them. A version of the engine is also expected soon in the Ford F-150 pickup.

Source: Internet

2011 Cadillac STS

2011-01-18T06:46:00.000-08:00

2011 Cadillac DTS

2011-01-18T06:43:00.000-08:00

The full-size Cadillac DTS is back for the 2011 model year, though it could be the vehicle's last hurrah as GM plans a new XTS sedan with all-wheel drive as its replacement.

While it awaits retirement, the DTS still brings with it a heavy dose of luxury equipment--along with stretched versions still in use as limousines, airport shuttles and even hearses.

With its immense interior space, the large and cushy DTS is almost alone in its class, save for the similar Buick Lucerne and Ford's fleet-only Lincoln Town Car. But while the Lincoln looks dated, the Cadillac's styling has held up considerably better. The enormous egg-crate grille notwithstanding, the DTS is pleasantly handsome and very appealing inside, where details like a wood-trimmed dash, a touch-screen LCD for its navigation system, and plush leather seating give it a distinctly tasteful appearance.

The front-drive DTS weighs in at more than 4000 pounds, and since it's often pressed into black-car service, it's only sold with a durable, somewhat archaic drivetrain. The 4.6-liter V-8 spins out at least 275 horsepower--292 hp in some versions--but a four-speed automatic transmission is the only shifter found. Fuel economy drags behind at 15/23 mpg, predictably, but the DTS accelerates strongly enough for its sedate missions. Handling is about what you'd expect--it strikes a comfort-biased balance between the needs of the front passengers and the rear passengers, whether they're sitting vertically or, er, horizontally. Base versions have a well-cushioned, emotionless ride quality, while the more plush versions with Magnetic Ride Control have measurably better steering and ride response.

In either standard or long-wheelbase form, the DTS has enormous interior space. The DTS-L ups the ante with eight inches more wheelbase, which comes in handy when transporting party officials. The stock DTS has two "bucket" seats in front, but a six-seat version with a column-mounted shifter can be ordered. Flat, slippery seats at least are surrounded by lots of space--but the trunk is smaller than some less luxurious cars, like the current Ford Taurus with its massive 20-cubic-foot trunk.

Source: Internet

Indiana Classic Car Barn Find

2011-01-03T00:32:00.000-08:00

Source: Internet

Presidential Limo (The Beast)

2010-12-02T11:23:00.000-08:00

General Motors Corp. recently delivered to the U.S. Secret Service a brand new presidential limousine, replacing the 2006 model Cadillac DTS presidential limousine that President George W. Bush has used. The new limousine, dubbed the 2009 Cadillac Presidential Limousine, makes its debut on Inauguration Day. It's the first presidential limousine not to carry a specific model name, said GM spokesman David Caldwell.

GM declined to say how many it was building for the U.S. government, but it's believed to be fewer than 25.

Ed Donovan, a Secret Service spokesman, confirmed that the new Cadillac limousine would make its debut on Jan. 20 during the inauguration, but declined to elaborate on the new vehicle's improvements or specifications.

The new limousine has larger windows and better visibility for the president, Caldwell said. But it is roughly the same size and "footprint" of the previous model, he said.

Obama will use the limousine during the parade down Pennsylvania Avenue after his swearing in on the west side of the Capitol. Spy shots of a test version of the new presidential limousine made the rounds on blogs this summer, with some suggesting it was built on GM's medium-duty truck platform and had a diesel engine. But those photos didn't have GM production panels.

Another company provides heavy armor that is reportedly at least 5 inches thick for the vehicle. The limousine also has run-flat tires, bulletproof glass and a completely sealed interior to ward off a chemical attack, among many other high-tech security features. It also has electronic communications equipment.

Secret Service agents are training with the new limousine at a facility near Washington.

Caldwell said it would be a mistake to classify the new vehicle as a truck or a sedan.

"The president is not riding in a medium-duty truck, nor he is riding in a sedan," he said, adding that it is a "unique" vehicle. Caldwell said he couldn't give specifications -- even the engine size or type -- in either the current limousine or the new one. Other facts also are secret like the vehicle's curb weight, though Cadillac has disclosed in the past that the limo has a 10-disc CD player and hand-stitched leather interiors.

Both Donovan and Caldwell said they would release more information and pictures about the new limo next week.

Caldwell noted that the Secret Service would continue to use the 2006 model vehicles as well. Presidential limousines are often used for a decade or longer. They are also used by the vice president, and the Secret Service often provides transportation for visiting world leaders.

GM introduced its latest version of the presidential limousine in 2005 during Bush's second inauguration, which replaced the 2001 Cadillac DeVille presidential limousine. GM builds the vehicles to "an exacting list" of government specifications.

"This is an assignment we really treasure," Caldwell said. "We're honored again to be associated with the U.S. presidency."

The president also on occasion travels in a Chevrolet Suburban. Bush often travels in a Chevy during weekend biking trips in Washington. He owns a Ford F-250 pickup he keeps on his Texas ranch.

During the presidential campaign, Obama bought a Ford Escape Hybrid, getting rid of his less efficient Chrysler 300C. He also blasted the first car he learned to drive on: a Ford Granada, saying it may be "the worst car Detroit ever built."

GM has built the most presidential limousines since 1983, wresting the job away from Ford Motor Co., which built a series of Lincolns -- mostly Continentals -- for use by presidents starting in 1939, when it built a Lincoln V-12 for President Franklin Roosevelt.

Ford built a 1989 Lincoln Town Car limo for President George H.W. Bush that was modified from an F-250 pickup. It's on display at his presidential library.

GM has a 90-year history with presidents.

President Woodrow Wilson rode in a Cadillac during a World War I victory parade in 1919. President Calvin Coolidge used a 1928 Cadillac town car throughout his administration.

But the first government-owned vehicle was a Stanley Steamer purchased during President Theodore Roosevelt's administration. The first president to ride in a car in his inauguration was Warren Harding, who rode in a Packard Twin-Six.

In 1938, two Cadillac convertibles, dubbed the "Queen Mary" and "Queen Elizabeth," were purchased by the U.S. government. Named for ocean liners, the 21 1/2 feet, 7,660-pound vehicles were equipped with a full ammunition arsenal, two-way radios and heavy-duty generators.

They remained in use until the 1950s. President Dwight Eisenhower got one of the first production 1953 Cadillac Eldorados, which he rode in his first inaugural parade.

The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn has the largest collection of presidential limousines, including the vehicle that President John F. Kennedy rode in 1963 when he was shot.

Source: Detroit News

American Monument to the Dream

2010-11-02T01:47:00.000-07:00

Cadillac Ranch celebrates 30 years

Maybe it's those razor sharp Caddy fins slashing across the flat Panhandle horizon.

Could be it's because Bruce Springsteen immortalized it in a legendary song. Or maybe it's just a neat, kooky thing to ponder.

For three decades now, they've been lured to Cadillac Ranch, the Caddy nuts, the Route 66 worshipers or the just-plain curious.

Thirty years ago this month, Amarillo eclectic Stanley Marsh 3 and the Ant Farm crew crafted the monument - an auto icon that took on a life of its own and became a fixture on the American landscape.

But Cadillac Ranch, located just west of Amarillo on the south side of Interstate 40, originally wasn't planned as an everlasting tribute to the tail fin. When the 10 vintage Cadillacs were entombed in concrete - nose first at the same angle as Egypt's Great Pyramid - Marsh envisioned a temporary gag of sorts.

"I thought I would take them out at the end of the summer. I had promised the family that owns ranch where they are that I wouldn't leave them there just to junk things up. I thought it would be fun," he said. "Suddenly, it was just extravagantly popular. Everybody liked it ... If I knew how to do it again I would do it."

Marsh says he teamed up with the trio of undergound architects dubbed the Ant Farm. He likened the Ant Farmers to a commune of artists who didn't live together, but shared a fondness for the evolution of the American automobile. Their vision was to create an environmental earth project that anyone could get to without paying a hefty admission price.

At the time, the Cadillac was The Car. In the post World War II-era, it meant hitting the open road and freedom; no guilt about tooling around in a gas guzzler back then. Today, Marsh says Cadillacs stand for old people and luxury, but back then they were automobiles people strove for.

"They are a monument to the American dream, when we all thought we could hit the road, get a blonde, break the bank in Las Vegas and be a movie star," he said. "The wonderful thing about the Cadillac is that they were so badly made that anybody could have one that was four or five years old. The rich people had to keep buying new ones because their maids had ones that were better."

Through the Years

June 1974 - A bottle of champagne christens the lead car to celebrate Cadillac Ranch's birth.

August 1997 - Workers unearth the Cadillacs and move them 2 miles west.

June 2004 - The icon celebrates 30 years.

Donnie Smith of Amarillo, who owns nine Cadillacs, says every Caddy has a story. A couple of summers ago, a friend borrowed a couple of his Cadillac convertibles to capture a memorable photograph of Cadillac Ranch.

"They are just a work of art. Each car has something different. They just remind you of the good old days," he says. "I just love Cadillacs. The fins and all the chrome on 'em. And then they've got the horsepower. They all had big engines back then."

When the project was first spawned, Marsh began shooting Polaroid snapshots of old Cadillacs rusting away in Amarillo junkyards and back yards. Ant Farmers Doug Michels, Chip Lord and Hudson Marquez picked out the Caddys they wanted: 10 ranging from a 1949 Club Coupe to a '63 Sedan.

"It was a white-trash dream come true, buying and driving old Cadillacs on the windswept plains of the Texas Panhandle," Lord recalled in an account published on the Cadillac Ranch Web site.

After the site was picked, a backhoe hoisted the cars by their axles and gently eased them into 8-foot deep holes. A mixer truck poured in the concrete, and the ranch was born.

Since then, the ranch was moved a few miles from its original spot to escape Amarillo's encroachment. But every day, Interstate 40 travelers still come by to marvel, gawk or scribble some well-intentioned graffiti on the Ant Farm's creation.

And after all these years, Marsh still thinks it's a gas.

"It's fun to go out there and see it. I'm continually drawn to it," he said. "I've never seen a politician going there to shake hands. And that means it must be blessed."

Source: Amarillo News

Vintage Cadillac Hoarder

2010-10-04T15:27:00.000-07:00

Andrew Berfelo has quite a legacy on his hands. As the owner of CR Autos, an automotive parts repository specializing in vintage Cadillacs, he is in charge of continuing a cycle of madness started by his brother Randy. Randy Berfelo left the planet too soon, losing his life at just 32 years old, yet this was more than enough time for him to build up a most impressive collection of hundreds of Cadillacs, one that his brother is now looking to sell.

CR Autos, located in Hay Lakes, Alberta, Canada, opened its doors in 1983, when Randy Berfelo realized he could turn a hobby into a real source of income. When you need parts for a restoration, it’s sometimes cheaper to find a parts car than to buy the exact pieces you’re looking for, so Randy brought home two of them. Two quickly turned into 10, and a restoration project turned into a new business.

“My brother started a restoration on a Cadillac convertible, in the ‘70’s. He needed parts so he bought a few cars to help with the restoration,” said Andrew Berfelo. “He kept buying parts cars and people kept buying parts from him.”

Inventory began expanding at a prodigious pace. Service bays and garages gave way to warehouses until Randy ultimately acquired a large plot of farmland. His dream was to put 500 Cadillacs on that grassy hillside. Unfortunately, that dream was cut short when Randy died in 1989.

It was up to Andrew to see his legacy live on, and he did just that. The older of the Berfelo brothers, Andrew didn’t make it to 500 but he did manage to bring the total as high as 365 cars, ranging in model year from 1947 up through 1979.

When asked if he has a favorite model out of all the Cadillacs out there, he responds, “I don’t own any more of them but it would have to be the ’59 convertible. It’s the one that everyone wants to restore and the parts moved the fastest for that one.”

If you own an older Cadillac, chances are good that CR Autos has any part you need, even if that part is no longer made. Berfelo even bought up stockpiles of parts GM had discontinued. Because of this, Cadillac owners from all over the globe have turned to Berfelo and his Canadian Cadillac Ranch for support.

But Berfelo is now getting on in age and looking to retire. He is 65 and wants to spend less time staring at a sea of Cadillacs and more time with his family. The problem here is that you can’t simply walk away from a 20-year obsession. So Berfelo needs some help getting his yard cleared off and he is ready to unload the entire lot. He was able to cull the total Cadillac count down by 30 cars after crushing the undesirable 1973 to 1976 models. That leaves 335 cars, which he wants off his property in one year.

“I carried on my brother’s dream but I’m 65 years old and I can’t live someone else’s dream my whole life,” he said.

It’s not just cars for sale, as Berfelo has amassed a few shipping containers worth of miscellaneous parts. What would it take to buy the whole lot?

“I would sell it for $100,000. That’s 10 cents on the dollar,” he said.

It certainly seems a small price to pay for such a collection of vehicles and parts, however the logistics of moving the entire lot seem tough. It might be easier to simply buy the land as well, but Berfelo has not listed that for sale.

“But if someone comes in with a big wheelbarrow full of money, well, I’m not married to anything,” he said. “Money talks.”

Source: Autos AOL

Cadillac Ranch

2010-09-01T17:25:00.000-07:00

Cadillac Ranch is a public art installation and sculpture in Amarillo, Texas, U.S. It was created in 1974 by Chip Lord, Hudson Marquez and Doug Michels, who were a part of the art group Ant Farm, and it consists of what were (when originally installed during 1974) either older running used or junk Cadillac automobiles, representing a number of evolutions of the car line (most notably the birth and death of the defining feature of early Cadillacs; the tail fin) from 1949 to 1963, half-buried nose-first in the ground, at an angle corresponding to that of the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt. The piece is a statement about the paradoxical simultaneous American fascinations with both a "sense of place" — and roadside attractions, such as The Ranch itself — and the mobility and freedom of the automobile.

Cadillac Ranch

Brightly-painted Cadillacs, all in a row

Underside of a Cadillac

Relocation

Cadillac Ranch is currently located at 35°11′14″N 101°59′13.4″W / 35.18722°N 101.987056°W / 35.18722; -101.987056. It was originally located in a wheat field, but in 1997 the installation was quietly moved by a local contractor two miles (three kilometers) to the west, to a cow pasture along Interstate 40, in order to place it further from the limits of the growing city. One of the laborers on the relocation project was cult figure and Amarillo native Brian Deneke; one of many local youths who worked for Stanley Marsh 3 on various art projects at the time. Both sites belong to the local millionaire Stanley Marsh 3, the patron of the project. Marsh is well known in the city for long time patronage of artistic endeavors including the "Cadillac Ranch", Floating Mesa, "Amarillo Ramp" a work of well known land artist Robert Smithson, and a series of fake traffic signs throughout the city known collectively as the "Dynamite Museum".

Cadillac Ranch is visible from the highway, and though it is located on private land, visiting it (by driving along a frontage road and entering the pasture by walking through an unlocked gate) is tacitly encouraged. In addition, writing graffiti on or otherwise spray-painting the vehicles is also encouraged, and the vehicles, which have long since lost their original colors, are wildly decorated. The cars are periodically repainted various colors (once white for the filming of a television commercial, another time pink in honor of Stanley's wife Wendy's birthday , and yet another time all 10 cars were painted flat black to mark the passing of Ant Farm artist Doug Michels or simply to provide a fresh canvas for future visitors. The cars were briefly "restored" to their original colors by the motel chain Hampton Inn in a public relation sponsored series of Route 66 landmark restoration projects. The new paint jobs and even the plaque commemorating the project lasted less than 24 hours without fresh graffiti.

In popular culture

Cadillac Ranch has appeared in American popular culture media. A tribute to the Cadillac Ranch was featured in the Walt Disney and Pixar film Cars. The fictional town of Radiator Springs sits at the edge of an area referenced on a map as the "Cadillac Range", and throughout the movie, rock formations shaped like the upended cars can be seen as a horizon backdrop. Much of the film's plot deals with the dying towns along Route 66.

Cadillac Ranch is the name of a Bruce Springsteen song on his 1980 album The River. Cadillac Ranch is also the inspiration for a song performed by Christian Rock band Family Force 5 called "Cadillac Phunque". It can also be seen in King of the Hill in the episode Hank Gets Dusted. There is also a song called "Cadillac Ranch" by the late John Stewart, on his album "Rough Sketches", which is about Route 66. The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band also has a song called "Cadillac Ranch" in which the iconic Cadillac is praised. In 2008, Cadillac Ranch can be seen in the musical video for the song, "Ain't No Rest For The Wicked" by Cage The Elephant. All outdoor shots in the 2009 video of Brooks & Dunn's song Honky Tonk Stomp were filmed at the Cadillac Ranch. The Cadillac Ranch was also featured on Oxygen's reality show Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood as part of the family's cross-country road trip.

Source: Wikipedia

1959 Cadillac Eldorado

2010-08-15T07:54:00.000-07:00

Eldorado was a model built by Cadillac from 1953 to 2002. The name Eldorado was derived from the Spanish words "el dorado", the "gilded one"; the name was given originally to the legendary chief or "cacique" of a South American Indian tribe. Legend has it that his followers would sprinkle his body with gold dust on ceremonial occasions and he would wash it off again by diving into a lake. The name more frequently refers to a legendary city of fabulous riches, somewhere in South America, that inspired many European expeditions, including one to the Orinoco by England’s Sir Walter Raleigh.

For the 1959 model year Cadillac produced a total of 142,272 cars. 1959 therefore was Cadillac’s third-best year in the 50‘s. The 1959 Eldorado incorporated totally new styling: large tailfins, twin bullet taillamps, two distinctive rooflines and roof pillar configurations, new jewel-like grille patterns and matching deck latch lid beauty panels personified these cars. They reflected the innocence, unsophisticated excitement and self-satisfaction of America during that era. They were Rock ’n’ Roll, outer Space and color TV – wrapped up in chrome and sheet metal with wide whitewall tires. And then those fins, the most popular ones in Automotive history.

The design was 100% Cadillac but the company contracted out the assembly to Pinin Farina of Italy, with whom the division has had a long-running relationship, and these Eldorados were essentially hand-built in Italy. Their discreet, narrow taillights, nicely integrated into modest tailfins, contrasted sharply with the "rocketship" taillights and massive fins of the standard 1959 Cadillacs and were an indication of where Caddy styling would go in the next few years. However, build quality was not nearly to the standard of the Detroit hand-built 1957–1958's, and the 1959–1960 Broughams are less desirable, it seems, than the 1st generation Broughams, although their value and collectibility remain high.

Eldorado was Cadillac’s most extravagant model loaded with extra chrome and a three 2-barrel carburetor 345 horsepower version of the 390 cubic-inch V8.

Powered by a modified version of the 390 CID V-8 found in all Cadillac’s of the time, the Eldorado got a boost in power from three-two-barrel carburetors to deliver 345 horsepower. This kind of power would propel these 5,000 pound land rockets to a comfortable 130 mph top speed. Equipped with a long list of standard equipment not available as options on other cars, the Biaritz delivered luxury features such as air suspension, power vent windows, antenna and more to make this car the center of attention wherever it would go.

Source: TopSpeed

1948 Cadillac 62 Convertible

2010-08-15T07:52:00.001-07:00

Obviously inspired by the "streamline" craze of the day. this is the only year Cadillac offered this look although they continuted the "62" series of cars on into the 50's. Powered by the famous V-8 L-head with 346 cubic inches and 150 horspower. The Series 62 was now on the same wheelbase as the lowest priced line making the club coupe and sedan practically identical to similar models in the Series 61 range, except for trim and appointments. Distinguishing features included grooved, bright metal front fender gravel guards, rocker panel brightwork, chevron style chrome slashes below taillights and slightly richer interior trim. The convertible coupe was an exclusive offering in this line. A more DeLuxe interior was featured and power window lifts were standard on the convertible coupe and optional with other styles.

Source: Picsearch

REPORT: GM will build Cadillac Converj

2010-08-01T16:01:00.000-07:00

After much hemming and hawing, General Motors will reportedly build a version of the Cadillac Converj, the gorgeous but awkwardly named extended-range coupe concept first shown at last year's Detroit Auto Show. According to The Detroit News, the Converj will probably take a few years to reach dealer showrooms, as GM will first direct its efforts on launching the Chevrolet Volt, the more affordable sedan with which it is likely to share much of its Voltec drivetrain architecture.

From where we sit, the Converj seems like a natural move for GM, as Cadillac's higher margins should help offset the research, development, and production costs of everything from the Volt's lithium ion batteries to its motors and control modules. For its part, however, Cadillac is still declining to comment on the story, and the DetNews story doesn't name a source.

Either way, GM vice chairman Bob Lutz has previously gone on record as a champion of a production Converj, and he has said that a serial version would look very similar to the 2009 showcar – in much the same way that the Camaro evolved from concept to production. As the concept was gorgeous, we're down with that – we only hope it doesn't take as long to build as the Bowtie's broad-shouldered muscle car.

Source: Detroit News

Cadillac Cien Concept

2010-07-30T10:13:00.001-07:00

In keeping with the brand's role as a technology flagship for General Motors, the premium V12-powered Cadillac Cien concept car is a befitting icon to represent the brand's 100th anniversary. The striking, aerodynamic Cien holistically illustrates Cadillac's fusion of design and technology in a modern mid-engine, two-seat supercar.

The Cien's low, sleek appearance, inspired by the latest F-22 Stealth fighter aircraft, has produced a different look and proportion for Cadillac. It further demonstrates the reach of the brand's identity.

Trapezoidal air inlets are milled into the front-end surface of the Cien, graphically forming Cadillac's shield-like grille, which incorporates a centrally mounted wreath and crest insignia. These air inlets -- which feed the front-mounted radiators -- are flanked on either side by vertical headlamps, together creating the unmistakable `face' of Cadillac.

In profile, Cadillac's characteristic crisp-edged feature line runs the length of the body, suggesting tension in the surface, and also adding to the dramatic stance. Another taut line intersects the first, sweeping from the tail through the sail panel to the front of the vehicle. These main feature lines work together to give the Cien a dramatic and unique look, especially when viewed from above. The body and monocoque chassis are produced from carbon fiber composite, derived from race car technology, that is both lightweight and strong.

Electronically controlled air inlets and outlets are integrated into the Cien's body side. These active vents open and close as required for cooling. Also, air is directed to the V12 engine via intakes beneath the two characteristic sail panels.

The Cien's rear view embodies Cadillac's distinctive design heritage with fin-like vertical taillights, and a wide center high mounted stop lamp (CHMSL), which spans the rear deck, along with the characteristic centerline crease. The Cien also features an active spoiler that adjusts automatically depending upon the speed of the vehicle, and a removable targa roof panel for open-air motoring.

The blue glass on the Cien was inspired by sport-performance eyewear, enhancing the vehicle's modern, high-tech look.

Nestled between the 19-inch front and 21-inch rear wheels is a cabin featuring high-tech structural materials and Cadillac's leading-edge technologies: Night Vision, OnStar, StabiliTrak, Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist and Communiport - which integrates the car's audio, computing, navigation and wireless communication through hands-free voice activation.

Night Vision uses thermal imaging to help a driver detect potentially dangerous situations well beyond the range of the vehicle's headlamps. The image is relayed to the driver via a heads-up display projected on the windscreen.

Additionally, the interior of the Cien features a digital instrument display relaying all of the vehicle's functions, including diagnostics and satellite navigation, to the driver. LCD screens display images from the rearview cameras. A state-of-the-art entertainment system designed to match the car's unique acoustic characteristics is incorporated into the cockpit.

Dark anodized aluminum accents reflect the Cien's cool, technical appearance. The interior has a strong vertical theme, revolving around the car's center console, which houses Cien's controls, and the modern, yet classical clock - designed by Bulgari and inspired by their Rettangolo wristwatch. The interior further complements the concept's lightweight theme, utilizing carbon fiber and aluminum structural elements in a design that combines luxury and performance.

Cadillac Cien's 7.5-liter, V12 powerplant, which is visible through a clear window in the decklid, is a new concept engine from GM Powertrain named the Northstar XV12. The all-aluminum, dual overhead cam (DOHC) four-valve V12 engine generates 750 horsepower and 450 lb.-ft. of torque, yet it meets the packaging requirements and fuel economy standards of a V8.

The Northstar XV12 concept engine features several technological advancements over today's V8 engines, including: GM's Displacement on Demand technology, which allows the engine to run seamlessly on six cylinders at times to maximize fuel savings; direct injection gasoline combustion system for increased engine power, improved fuel economy and reduced emissions; and a combined starter generator.

The Cien is fitted with a semi-automatic transmission, controlled by Formula 1-inspired column-mounted electronic paddles.

Source: Serious Wheels

1959 Cadillac Cyclone Concept

2010-07-30T10:07:00.000-07:00

The Cyclone looked more like a jet aircraft than a car, its two fenders resembling rockets. The two flat door segments could be slid back. The revolutionary design was matched by the radar-sensing crash avoidance system and the Plexiglass bubble-top that automatically closed when its sensor detected rain.

Source: Internet

Cadillac Sixteen Concept Car

2010-07-30T09:54:00.000-07:00

The name speaks to the car's powerful 16-cylinder, 1000-horsepower engine and Cadillac's heritage as a maker of fine luxury automobiles. Cadillac's reputation grew exponentially during the '30s in no small part because of the development of the automotive industry's first V-16. The Cadillac Sixteen's grand exterior proportions create an unparalleled presence; its splendid interior is meticulously handcrafted and urbane.

General Motors' designers drew extensively on the traditions of the coachbuilt era in crafting the Cadillac Sixteen, employing the distinctive talents of leading artisans for the upholstery, instrumentation, interior wood and metal elements, and aluminum body panels.

As an exterior statement, the Cadillac Sixteen's proportional composition is bold. The aluminum hood is long, giving the Cadillac Sixteen tremendous dash-to-axle dimension; the wheel arches were designed to accommodate the beautiful 24-inch polished aluminum wheels. The four-door hardtop incorporates an all-glass roof and is without B-pillars. Crisp-edged lines of the midnight silver aluminum body panels accentuate the Cadillac Sixteen's striking appearance.

Even the engine compartment, with its sculpted design, has drama. With dual panels hinged about a center spine that runs the length of the expansive hood, it makes an event out of opening the engine bay. The hood panels are power-operated.

The interior theme is evocative of the posh accommodations of 1930s-era Cadillacs, but with contemporary style. For instance, the dashboard features a center-mounted Bvlgari clock.

The hand-stitched, Tuscany leather upholstered seats nestle the occupants. The right rear seat features power adjustable slope to recline like a chaise lounge. Warm, hand-woven silk carpets the floor in a light cream color that matches the leather upholstery. The dash, door panels, and front and rear consoles are trimmed with walnut burl veneer inlays.

Meanwhile, the custom-designed crystal on the cluster dials offers subtle cues of the Cadillac Sixteen's precise engineering, elegance and craftsmanship.

While GM designers drew inspiration from the ultra-luxury sedan's ancestry, the Cadillac Sixteen is thoroughly modern in its powerplant and technological content.

The Cadillac Sixteen's 32-valve V-16 concept engine displaces 13.6 liters and is mated to a four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. The engine features fuel-saving Displacement on Demand technology, debuting in 2004 on some 2005GM models, which shuts down half of the cylinders during most driving conditions and automatically and seamlessly reactivates them for more demanding conditions, such as brisk acceleration or load hauling cylinders when the driver needs the engine's full power. The engine produces 1000 horsepower and 1000 lbs.-ft. of torque.

The extensive use of aluminum components and structure provide substantial weight advantages. The aluminum-steel chassis employs high-arm SLA suspension up front and independent semi-trailing arm suspension in the rear. Four-wheel steering enhances the Cadillac Sixteen's maneuverability. The front and rear brakes are six-piston calipers with 16-inch rotors.

Electronic amenities include a rear-seat DVD information system, Bose sound system, and the fifth-generation OnStar in-vehicle safety and security communication system. The head and tail lamps feature LED technology.

Source: SeriousWheels

Can Automatic Car Washes Damage Your Car?

2010-07-01T10:39:00.001-07:00

Automatic/drive-through car washes are more popular than ever because they save time and hassle.

But are automatic car washes safe for your car? In fact, in many instances, they are the "safest" course of action for many car owners who want to keep their car clean.

In fact, automatic car washes can be safer for your car's finish than washing your car yourself because do-it-yourselfers sometimes don't use enough water to safely remove dirt; or they wash the car in direct sunlight -- which can burn spots in the paint. Or they use the wrong type of soap -- such as dishwashing detergent, which removes protective wax and leaves a chalky residue on the finish. Or any one of several common mistakes can end up doing more harm than good.

Cars by the numbers:

3 Most Popular Muscle Cars6 Cheap Cars with Great Gas Mileage10 Fastest Sports CarsKeeping your car clean and the finish looking good can also mean higher resale value when it comes time to get a new car. All else being equal, a car with faded paint and a dingy overall look sells for 10-20 percent less than an otherwise identical vehicle that just looks nicer.

So how often should you have your vehicle washed? That depends on how quickly it gets dirty -- and how dirty it gets. For some cars, once a month or so is sufficient -- especially if the car is lightly used and kept in a garage. But some cars will need a bath more often -- especially those that are parked outdoors where they're exposed to bird droppings, tree sap and so on, or driven in areas with very long/severe winters, where the roads are salted when it snows.

Here are a few important things to keep in mind when it comes to automatic car washes:

Be sure it's "brushless" -- Some older car washes still use abrasive brushes (instead of cloth), which can leave small scratches in a car's finish. On older cars with so-called "single stage" paint jobs, light scratches could usually be buffed out; but all modern cars use a "base/clear" system with a thin, transparent layer of clear coat on top of the underlying color coat to provide the shine. Once the thin clear coat is damaged, often the only way to restore the shine is to repaint the damaged area.

Another safe bet is "touchless" car washes that use only high-pressure water jets and detergents to clean the car -- without physically touching it at all. There is virtually no chance of your vehicle suffering any cosmetic damage this way. Some areas have "self-service" coin-operated hand washes, which are great for spraying away heavy dirt buildup. You'll usually need to bring your own bucket, wash cloth/sponge and dry towels, though.

Watch out for the after-wash wipe-down -- Most drive-through washes use a strong jet of heated air to force excess water off after the car goes through the wash. Many full-service car washes will then have you drive the car (or drive it for you, in some cases) away from the wash area to be hand-wiped by attendants. This is usually OK -- provided the attendants are using fresh, clean (and soft) towels to do so. Be alert on busy days, when lots of other cars have gone ahead of you. If you see the attendants using obviously dirty old rags to wipe the car down, you should say "thanks, but no thanks" -- and drive away wet. Dirt and other abrasives in the rags can scratch the finish just like sandpaper. Simply driving away from the wash and letting air flow over the car to dry any remaining water won't hurt anything -- and is the best guarantee of a no-damage experience. Any lingering streaks can easily be cleaned up at home yourself using readily available spray cleaners designed for just this purpose. (Honda Pro Spray Cleaner & Polish is excellent for this; it also provides UV protection and easily and safely cleans off bugs, tar and road grime, etc. without water.)

Hold off on the extras -- A "works" car wash can cost twice as much as the basic wash, but you may not be getting twice the wash for your money. Undercarriage rustproofing, for example, is of dubious value. Effective rustproofing is applied to brand-new metal, in order to seal it from contact with external corrosives such as road salt. Most new cars are extensively rustproofed at the factory during the assembly process; further "treatment" is superfluous -- and a money-waster.

On the other hand, if the wash offers an undercarriage bath, it may be worth the additional cost. Jets of water sprayed directly underneath the car can break loose accumulated crud that would be difficult (and unpleasant) to try to remove yourself using a garden hose. It's also important that underbody drainage holes not be obstructed by mud and other buildup; accumulated moisture can accelerate rust or (in the case of the air conditioning system) lead to the formation of mold in the system. The undercarriage bath should help keep those drain holes clear.

Do, however, think twice about spray-on wax. This typically adds at least a couple bucks to the cost of the wash and while it doesn't hurt anything, it's no substitute for hand-applied polish/wax. Spray-on "wax" may provide a short-term gloss enhancement, but doesn't protect against UV sun damage the way hand-applied wax does. Ditto the cost of having an attendant spray Armor All (or a similar protectant) on your tires to make them shiny. The cost for this extra can be equivalent to the cost of buying an entire bottle of the stuff on your own.

Wheel and tire cleaning is an exception; the heavy-duty cleaners used by the car wash do a great job of removing baked-on brake dust, etc., that can otherwise be a real chore to clean on your own, using over-the-counter cleaners, a hand brush and a hose. It's especially important to keep aluminum alloy wheels clean; brake dust can eventually permanently stain them if it's not regularly cleaned away.

Finally:

Make sure your car's OK before you leave -- While many car washes will have a disclaimer posted that they are "not responsible for any damages that may occur" as a result of running your car through their wash, that doesn't mean you should automatically absolve them of any damage their equipment or personnel may have caused. If you notice something, ask to see the manager and point it out to him; whether "legally liable" or not, he may offer to fix the problem in the interest of customer relations. And even if he does not, you can still pursue the matter with a higher-up (such as the company headquarters, if the wash is a franchise, as many associated with big-name gas stations often are). If you have a cell phone with a camera, use it to take a photo of the damage in order to support your claim. And it ought to go without saying that you should never leave your purse or other valuables in the car if you use a wash where an attendant will have access to the vehicle's interior.

Source: Autos.aol

1947 Cadillac

2010-06-24T09:55:00.001-07:00

This 1947 Cadillac originally carried a hearse/ambulance body from the A.J. Miller Co. of Bellefontaine, Ohio. It was used by a funeral home in Amarillo, Texas., but was rebuilt into this custom ash and mahogany woody wagon (with lots of oak and birch in the interior) by using the roof from a Chevrolet station wagon, the rear fenders and tail lamps from a circa-1948 Caddy, and the powertrain and other mechanical components from a 1967 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham. Sold for $52,800.

Source: Joyrides DetroitNews

1953 Cadillac's

2010-06-24T07:28:00.001-07:00

Cadillac 1953 Series 62

Cadillac 1953 Coupe de Ville

Source: Internet

Four Newest Trends For Car Thieves

2010-06-12T07:48:00.001-07:00

1. Odometer Fraud

Amid so many technological advances, the full digitization of the dashboard has had an effect on odometers. Odometer rollbacks are "back in a big way," said Christopher Basso of Carfax. "There is widespread use of digital odometers. People are getting software off the internet rather than cracking open the dash and hand-cranking back the odometer. It's harder to detect as there are no physical signs the vehicle has been tampered with."

Odometer rollbacks increased 57 percent from 2004-2008 (the last year for which data is available), with more than 450,000 cases reported annually. Over the last five years there's been a nearly 60 percent increase in the number of vehicles reported with odometer rollbacks, Basso says. The number of unreported cases -- where a consumer is unaware there is a problem -- is potentially much higher.

"It is a big and growing problem that continues to plague used-car buyers," said Basso.

But Frank Scafidi, of the National Insurance Crime Bureau, says rolling back odometers "is not as easy as it used to be."

"It happens here or there but it is not the predominant cause of auto fraud. Just like making moonshine, you're still going to find people somewhere doing it because they know how to do it. It's just now most people prefer to get their alcohol at a liquor store."

Poll
Have you been the victim of a vehicle break in?
Yes
No

2. Car Cloning

Scafidi says one of the newest auto frauds is "car cloning." Cloning occurs when multiple (usually higher-end) cars of the same model are stolen and registered with a VIN number from a legitimate vehicle.

"The thieves go get a VIN number from a showroom floor and reproduce it three or four times and attach it to the stolen vehicles and then ship them to four or five states," said Scafidi. "The multiple VIN numbers for us are the biggest red flags out there, and we go get 'em."

The FBI says that car-cloning rings -- often established for decades -- operate in most major cities nationwide. While there is no way to calculate true rates of car cloning, the FBI says it constitutes a "significant percentage" of vehicle thefts, the value of which totaled $6.4 billion in 2008. The agency recommends always buying your car from a reputable dealership and checking your car's VIN number with your state's licensing agency before you buy.

Common warning signs that you may have bought a cloned car include receiving unpaid traffic tickets you haven't sustained; a model being sold for much less than buyer's guides indicate it should be; scratches or evidence of tampering on the car's VIN number on the door frame or engine block; or a missing vehicle history report.

Terri Miller, director of Michigan's Halt Auto Theft program, says: "We're seeing a lot of cloning. They'll go to a scapyard and buy a clean title and they can then use that number on a vehicle of the same make and model."

3. Component theft and resale

With car stereos -- traditionally the item most stolen from cars -- getting harder to pilfer as a result of electronic security measures, thieves are getting more inventive.

Nationally, more than 75,000 airbags are stolen every year, according to the FBI. Thefts of GPS and DVD systems are increasing alongside the popularity of the devices among aftermarket buyers. Thefts of xenon headlights are also a growing problem. The advantage (or disadvantage) of component theft: The goods often are difficult to track and usually there's a fairly constant demand for them.

Miller says component theft is "the biggest thing. As cars are getting harder to steal, they have to steal parts of them. We're seeing easily fenced items such as tires, rims and GPS units getting stolen."

She says many items end up being sold online or on the street. In many cases buyers may think they're buying a legitimate product rather than a stolen part. She says that criminal enterprises, like legitimate businesses, mainly work on the basis of supply and demand.

"Occasionally, when, for example, Ford Taurus airbags are on back order, we'll see an increase in thefts."

4. Carjackings

You may think that carjackings had gone the way of spinning rims, but rates are holding steady in Southern California and increasing in Michigan. And there are pockets of America urban areas where the trend never really died down.

Officer Canales of the Los Angeles Police Department's Rampart Division says carjacking is still "pretty common."

"We get a few every now and then, usually a gun or knife is involved. It can be anything from high-value to low-value [cars] but we see more Hondas -- Accords and Civics -- and Toyotas."

Carjackings occur most frequently in urban areas and account for about three percent of all thefts, the Insurance Information Institute reports.

"A co-worker of my husband last week was carjacked outside a pizza parlor," Miller said. "He pointed a gun and said, 'You know what I want,' and drove off in his brand-new Mustang.

"Most carjackings involve a weapon so we always advise motorists to hand over their keys before they become a statistic," Miller says.

Where You Live Is As Important As What You Drive

A motor vehicle is stolen in the United States every 33 seconds, according to the FBI. In 2008, most vehicles -- or 37.8 percent, were stolen in the South, followed by the West at 33.9 percent, the Midwest at 18.3 percent and the Northeast at 10 percent. But thefts are decreasing by about 12 percent year on year for the last five years.

"Thefts follow technology," said Scafidi. "Smart keys or digital security devices are playing a big part in the reduction."

Source: AOL Autos

1959 Cadillac Brochure And Video

2010-06-07T10:34:00.000-07:00

Source: American Cars & Youtube

Annual Goodguys Nostalgia Nationals 1948 Caddy

2010-06-02T22:25:00.001-07:00

Source: Streetrodderweb

Cadillac Dream Cars

2010-05-26T11:30:00.000-07:00

1956 Cadillac Maharani Motorama Show Car - Estimate $150,000 – $200,000

The factory-modified, specially appointed 1956 Cadillac Maharani was one of four Cadillac Dream Cars shown during the 1956 Motorama circuit. Affectionately dubbed the ‘Kitchen Sink Cadillac’ – a moniker received based on its host of special interior fixtures – the car is equipped with a unique interior featuring a kitchen sink with running water, refrigerator, hot plate, pop-out table and storage for silverware and china. Formerly part of the Gene Zimmerman Collection, the car was sympathetically restored in 1990.

1958 Cadillac Eldorado The Raindrop Dream Car - Estimate $250,000 - $300,000

The 1958 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible ‘Raindrop’ Dream Car is another great illustration from Cadillac’s Dream Cars series. In total, five Cadillac Eldorado convertibles were pulled off the assembly line and specially modified under the forward-thinking direction of Harley Earl. The car received its name from its special, rain-activated convertible top that was programmed by special electronic sensors to snap into action the moment a drop of rain was detected, automatically lifting the three-piece special boot cover and raising the roof to its full, snug-fitting “up” position. It is equipped with special bucket seats, console and many other modifications. It also comes with the original GM build sheet. Four examples – including the one set for RM’s upcoming Arizona event – went on to tour the show circuit on a limited basis.

Wear Your Seatbelt

2010-05-03T01:44:00.001-07:00

This is the new "wear your seatbelt" ad the UK is doing - started by some
dude not hired to do it, but because the cause is important to him, he came
up with this idea, and now it's being hailed across the world as a
‘beautiful’ commercial. ...And now the video has gone “viral” (which means,
has become so popular with the general public that people are forwarding it
to friends/family on their own so quickly that it has spread all over the
world in a very short time).

Source: Youtube

New York 2010: Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon is fantasy writ large

2010-04-08T12:51:00.001-07:00

Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon

The world's automakers are introducing around 20 new vehicles this week at the 2010 New York Auto Show. Some of those cars are pretty interesting, but here's the juice: In 20 years, there is exactly one car being shown here today that people will still be whispering about. That car? The Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon. You're reading this correctly. Cadillac, former maker of landau-roofed Boca Rotan retirement sleds will soon be offering a station wagon stuffed with a 556-horsepower, supercharged and Corvette-derived 6.2-liter V8. If that's not loony enough for you, yes, you can order it with a six-speed manual. Wowza.

We first glimpsed the V Wagon last night at a fairly gala Cadillac cocktail reception, complete with GM design boss Ed Welburn and none other than Maximum Bob Lutz, the man who may have single handedly willed pistonhead fantasy into production. The CTS-V Sport Wagon took center stage flanked on either side by the plain old CTS-V and our Detroit Show favorite CTS-V Coupe. To put the spectacle in photographic terms, even though it was surrounded by some pretty desirable metal, the newest V managed to "pop."

We pressed the flesh and asked our full battery of penetrating, hard hitting questions ("Can I go to the launch?"), but the general theme from Cadillac seemed to be this: They known they're not going to sell many, and they just don't care. Sometimes doing what logic dictates you shouldn't do makes the most sense. Remember the Buick GNX? There was simply no rational reason for GM to allow that monster off a production line. Yet 23 years later, what Buick are we still talking about? To our minds, the CTS-V Sport Wagon has a similar, skull-cracking je ne sais quo about it.

But should a recently Chapter 11 company be in the business of building small volume, high-performance station wagons? Well.... yes, absolutely. Here are all the reasons why that we can think of. First, when was the last time an American luxury brand offered a full line of anything? For decades now, BMW has been happy to sell you a 3-Series coupe, sedan, wagon and convertible. Cadillac has had... the CTS four-door. Until now. Besides, having a low production halo version of your halo vehicle is the stuff that builds legends.

Or how's this, BMW sells a hopped up M3 coupe, convertible and sedan, but no wagon. Sure, BMW makes the M5 Touring (i.e. wagon), but they won't sell it to Americans. And Audi won't sell us either of its hot rod grocery haulers, the RS4 and RS6 Avants. We know Mercedes-Benz will be making an E63 AMG Wagon, but will they sell it here? Dunno.

But Cadillac will happily sell you a CTS-V Wagon for just a small premium over the Sedan. Figure about $65,000 or so. And if you haven't been reading between the lines, a bangin' five-door might help Cadillac strengthen its tenuous foothold in Europe, especially if this show car's leather/Alcantara interior and massively bolstered Recaro sport seats make it to production. Either way, Caddy just dropped a mighty big gauntlet.

Source: Autoblog

GM to Reinstate Cadillac Dealerships, Won’t Create Lexus-like Dealership Network

2010-04-05T14:51:00.001-07:00

Instead of narrowing its dealer network to mirror those of its luxury competitors, Cadillac will retain most -- if not all -- of the franchises it had scheduled for termination.

Prior to bankruptcy, GM had 1422 Cadillac dealers, but aimed to trim that figure by two-thirds. Roughly 922 showrooms were slated to close, but purging those dealers from the network would have left the brand with a sales and service network built around urban coastal regions.

“We think that GM realized terminating these dealers would leave a lot of loyal Cadillac customers orphaned and not produce a material benefit in the form of increased sales,” Ernie Manuel, president of dealer consultancy firm The Fontana Group, told Automotive News.

Although GM has said it will reinstate Cadillac dealerships across the country, it has not yet specified a finite number of restored showrooms.

Source: Motortrend

Cadillac XTS Flagship Gets Green Light, Could Get V-8 Power

2010-04-05T14:45:00.000-07:00

General Motors has given the large Cadillac XTS sedan the green light. The car will launch next year as a 2012 model. What's the big deal? After all, this car has barely been undercover since GM emerged from bankruptcy last summer as the all-wheel-drive large sedan, based on the front-drive "Super Epsilon" platform, culminating in a "concept" reveal last January at the Detroit show.

While such projects might seem natural for production to those outside the company, especially considering the age of the DTS and STS this model will replace, corporate approval always is much more arcane and conservative. While a source says GM has given the big Caddy a stamp of approval, there are probably a few more formal approvals to occur before Cadillac confirms it officially.

Designers are working on a production car that looks very much like the XTS Platinum concept, inside and out. And GM accountants are said to be working on assuring that the XTS Platinum concept's Audi-like interior makes it to production virtually unedited.

As this car was being approved, GM was pulling the plug on its handsome Cadillac Converj project. The reason? GM is unsure there's enough demand for extended-range electrics to support the Converj as well as the Chevrolet Volt and the Chevy's European twin, the Opel Ampera. Even with a sticker some $15,000 north of the Volt's, the Converj simply didn't pencil out.

Cadillac instead figures there's profit and green image to be had in the plug-in XTS, which would combine the 3.6-liter gas direct-injection V-6 with the plug-in system originally developed for the Saturn Vue. We also hear of a twin-turbo 3.6 in the works. However, to compete with large German sedans like the Mercedes S-Class and Audi A8 in this category and establish the right image, Cadillac may have to shoehorn a small-block V-8 transversely under the hood. On the other hand, Cadillac could become a bold leader in engine downsizing and offer the XTS only with V-6s.

Source: Motortrend

You Shouldn't Brake Into A Pothole

2010-03-02T14:26:00.000-08:00

Next to an actual fender bender, the sound of your ride making a direct hit on a pothole is one of the most spine-jolting noises you’ll ever hear in your car.

But if you think your nervous system is rattled by running your 3,000-pound ride into an enormous road abyss, think about your car’s tires, chassis, suspension and rims, all of which can be compromised after a particularly vicious encounter with a pothole. We've recently talked to a few experts about winter's worst car threat and got some pretty interesting -- if unlikely -- advice.

“Potholes are a big issue, especially at the end of winter when the ground expands and new craters appear,” said Matt Edmonds, VP of The Tire Rack.

He told us that drivers shouldn’t assume they're in the clear if immediate symptoms don’t appear.

“A lot of times, a driver will hit a pothole straight on and assume since they didn’t get a flat that there’s been no damage to the tire, rim or suspension,” Edmonds said.

He recommends getting the car aligned or at least inspected during the next oil change following a severe pothole hit.

“If something has been damaged in the suspension after smacking a pothole, you need to find that out rather that than waiting for a breakdown when you’ll pay towing fees in addition to having to fix the problem," Edmonds said.

Rich White, Executive director of the Car Care Council, says drivers should heed warning signs if they’ve recently hit a crater.

“If your car pulls in one direction instead of maintaining a straight path after you strike a pothole, that indicates an alignment problem,” he says. “You have the get that checked out because your alignment ensures safe handling of the car as well as keeping your tires in good condition over time. Also, if you feel a loss of control, if you feel the car bottoming out or bouncing excessively on rough roads, those are indicators that the steering and suspension may have been damaged---and that’s something you need to pay attention to, because both are key safety-related systems that determine your car’s ride and handling.”

Of course, it’s best not to hit a pothole in the first place.

Here's the advice White provided to help you avoid them, or minimize damage if you strike one.

Don’t tailgate
“If the driver in front of you hits a pothole, you’ll have a better chance to take evasive action if you’re not riding their rear bumper,” said White.

Slow down
Don't believe in the old wives tale that you could, in theory, "fly" over the pothole if you're going really fast. That might work in a movie but not in the real world. Most potholes are big enough to do damage even if you're traveling at highway speeds.

“When you hit a pothole at faster speeds, the damage can be far worse,” said White.

Puddles Contain Hidden Dangers
Use extreme caution when driving over puddles.

“They can conceal massive potholes,” said White.

This one rings especially true for me. Two years ago, one water-concealed pothole on a ramp took out both front and rear tires on the right side of my car.

The only benefit of the winter weather in this case is that sometimes a puddle can freeze to fill in a pothole temporarily. But don't count on it.

Hold the steering wheel tightly
Make sure you're holding the wheel so you don't lose control. A tight, two-handed grip is recommended.

“Hitting a pothole when you’ve got a loose grip on the wheel can snap the wheel left or right, and you into another car, or off the road,” White says.

If you’re going to hit a pothole, don’t brake into it
This is probably the most unorthodox piece of advice we've received about potholes so far, but it stands to reason.

“It can actually increase damage," said White. "Get off the brakes the moment before you hit and let the car absorb the blow.”

When you brake heavily, your car tends to nose dive. When you let off the brake, the car rocks back and you have more suspension travel over the front wheels. This is a good thing when you're going to do some crater exploring on your favorite road.

Alignments, Potholes Or Not
Tire Rack's Edmonds says it’s a good idea to get your car aligned after a severe winter regardless of whether or not you’ve struck a pothole.

“This winter has been brutal for drivers in the Midwest and northeast,” said Edmonds. “And your car may look fine at spring thaw. But when you drive faster in summer, that’s when you’ve really got to make sure your car is up to the task and has no post-winter alignment or tire issues.”

Source

New Cadillac Limousine Prepared for Obama Administration

2010-02-22T12:55:00.001-08:00

In 1919, Woodrow Wilson was the first American President to be seen in a Cadillac limousine. Ninety years later, President Barack Obama will continue the tradition.

With Obama’s inauguration approaching, GM has released photos and information on the new Presidential Limo President Obama will ride in. The new Presidential Limo has been updated to reflect Cadillac’s current design theme and reflect styling seen on the STS and DTS sedans. In addition to adding visual depth to the car, the design updates give the car a more upright profile to help with outward visibility.

While most aspects of the car are confidential, Cadillac has pointed out how to identify if the president is in the vehicle and where the presidential seals are located. If the president is in the vehicle, an onlooker can see the presidential flag (or standard) flown on the left front fender – assuming, of course, the onlooker can see past the president’s motor convoy. The presidential seals are affixed to the exterior rear doors on each door panel trim piece, and one in the center of the rear seat back panel.

Details are thin on anything else related to the Presidential Limo, but we’re told the passenger compartment is equipped with all the luxury and communication features one could ever need. We also believe the car to use a large gasoline V-8 engine: with the Caddy packing on tremendous weight from extensive armor plating (we’re told the doors are almost eight inches thick), it’ll need all the power the engine can muster.

Source

GM Plans at Least Two Volt Spinoffs

2010-02-22T12:52:00.001-08:00

GM has submitted a new request for government loans to spur development of hybrids, revealing that it plans to develop at least two other variants off its Voltec technology.

The General asked for $2.6 billion in low interest government loans to support the development of three hybrid vehicles, the 2011 Chevrolet Volt and two spinoffs using the Voltec technology that underpins the Volt. GM has now requested a total of $10.3 billion from the Energy Department to aid in the research and development of more fuel efficient vehicles.

GM has said previously that it plans to use the Voltec technology in other vehicles, but until now there has been no mention of how many vehicles could possibly see the technology. The announcement seemingly solidifies the future of a production Cadillac Converj, if GM survives its current predicament, and brings into question whether Buick or GMC will see an EV in the future.

So far, no money has been distributed from the $25 billion the Energy Department was granted to encourage development of fuel efficient vehicles. Until the Energy Department finishes its loan application reviews, it is unknown which companies will receive funds.

Source

Cadillac Converj Likely to Reach Production?

2010-02-22T12:49:00.001-08:00

Remember the Cadillac Converj concept shown earlier this year at the 2009 Detroit auto show? It seems as if the slinky hybrid Caddy may be destined for production in a few years' time.

According to The Detroit News, the extended-range electric Converj would closely resemble the concept car, which shared the powertrain and lithium-ion battery pack used in the upcoming Chevrolet Volt. The shared underpinnings would help General Motors amortize the cost of expensive system. Vice chairman Bob Lutz has said a premium offering with the same technology could allow a higher price tag, further recouping the cost of the batteries.

Cadillac has no official comment on whether the Converj is destined for production, but seeing as GM needs to spread this technology as widely as it can in order to make money -- to say nothing of new eco-friendly compact offerings from Lexus and Audi -- it doesn't seem that unlikely. If the News is correct, expect Converj production to start sometime after Volt assembly begins in late 2010.

Source

Cadillac Cuts CTS Sport Wagon Pricing by $1300

2010-02-22T12:47:00.001-08:00

As part of its new pricing strategy, Cadillac has cut nearly $1300 off the window sticker of the CTS Sport Wagon, bringing its base price to $39,150.

This means that those interested in Cadillac's new wagon can consider one without crossing over the $40,000 psychological barrier. That improved price is still about $3000 more than a base 2010 CTS sedan and about $5000 above a base SRX crossover, which is now Cadillac's least expensive vehicle.

Although both the SRX and CTS wagon are five-door Cadillacs, Cadillac spokesman David Caldwell said the SRX has little to do with the lowered pricing.

"This move is really just about making some adjustments to our marketing approach - to strengthen our position with CTS in its competitive class," Caldwell said.

Since the latest generation CTS went on sale in model year 2008, pricing has risen about $7000, Caldwell said. Higher average transaction and base prices means the CTS is moving into a clearer pricing position as a BMW 5 Series and Audi A6 fighter, making room for the smaller rear-wheel drive entry-level sedan on the way.

The SRX crossover needs no price cut to move off dealer lots, but earlier this month, Cadillac had a five-month supply of the CTS. A price reduction like this should help maintain the brand's momentum, as should the $1000 incentives on the CTS sedan and wagon currently being offered.

"We hope to extend the momentum of strong Cadillac sales in the latter stages of 2009, combined with some optimism that the general marketplace is recovering," Caldwell said.

It's difficult to believe too much cannibalization of sales resulting from CTS wagon shoppers choosing the cheaper SRX crossover instead, but lowering the price and adding incentives should help. USA Today reports that GM expects a majority of SRX crossovers to be bought by women and the CTS wagon to attract men. The price adjustment should enhance leasing conditions, as well.

Source

Suppliers Suggest Cadillac XTS Could Be Built in 2012

2010-02-22T12:45:00.001-08:00

Cadillac has yet to unveil its new concept at the 2010 Detroit auto show, but folks in Canada claim the so-called XTS will be built in Oshawa, Ontario come 2012.

CTV claims a group of suppliers, known as the Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association, reportedly received word that the Oshawa facility would ultimately become the birthplace of the XTS. To accommodate the extra production, a third shift of roughly 1000 workers would be needed.

A Cadillac spokesman declined to confirm or deny the report, but did indicate the memo was "pure speculation."

Although the details surrounding Cadillac's future flagship (and its assembly location) are still murky at this point, it's safe to bet that Oshawa will see some increase in its workforce. The plant is already home to the Chevrolet Impala and Camaro (the latter still witnessing tremendous consumer demand), and will manufacture the new 2011 Buick Regal when production is relocated from Germany.

Source

Cadillac Boasts Awe-Inspiring Powerplant

2010-02-05T00:50:00.001-08:00

Low-slung and linearly striking, the Cadillac CTS Coupe was one of the standouts at the LA Auto Show with its sharp silhouette and substantial presence. The only thing the slick Caddy lacked was an impressive powerplant. Well, that missing link will have its official reveal at the 2010 North American International Auto Show—the 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe.

The V-series sits on the same short-overhang architecture as the pedestrian Coupe. But the performance-boosted variant boasts special front and rear fascias, twin-outlet exhausts, and a mean hood bulge to accommodate an intercooled supercharger. The rear track is nearly an inch wider than even the Cadillac CTS-V sedan's, so this car is certain to have some serious stance on the road.

The powertrain is the same as the CTS-V sedan with an Eaton blower feeding the 6.2-liter V8 which pumps out 556 horsepower. It inhales atmosphere through a bigger front grille that enables double the amount of air intake volume, according to Caddy. A Hydra-Matic 6L90 six-speed automatic gets paddle shifters and sport mode Cadillac calls "Performance Algorithm Shifting," while a Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual should appease old school three pedal enthusiasts—especially those who enjoy tire-torturing with 551 lb-ft of torque on tap.

Thanks to its slightly lower curb weight, the CTS-V Coupe is expected to yield a 0-60 mph time of only 3.9 seconds. The CTS-V sedan's record setting Nürburging time might just be eclipsed by the new Coupe. Lap times should be aided with six-piston front and four-piston rear slotted and vented Brembo brakes, as well as the standard equipment Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 summer tires wrapped around 19-inch cast aluminum wheels. Magnetic Ride Control will come standard on the CTS-V Coupe, and offer two selectable levels of magneto-rheologically (MR) controlled damping: "Tour" and "Sport."

The CTS-V Coupe's cabin will come equipped with a 40-gig hard drive, an advanced navigation system, and Bose digital surround sound, as well as an exclusive Saffron color option. That's great, but the feature sure to fire up Motor City enthusiasts will be the supercharged powerplant resting beneath that domed hood. We can't wait to roast some rubber.

Source: Popular Mechanics

Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept at 2010 Detroit Auto Show

2010-02-05T00:45:00.001-08:00

The 21st century has proven that eco-friendly drivetrains can peacefully coexist with high-end design: witness the E85-compatible Bentley Continental Supersport, the Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid, and the fact that Rolls-Royce is even considering an all-electric version of the imposing Phantom.

Riffing on the not-so-outlandish concept of a luxurious alt-fuels future, Cadillac's XTS combines plug-in hybrid technology and plush, modern design. The XTS Platinum Concept is powered by Cadillac's direct injected, 3.6 liter V6, which works in conjunction with a plug-in hybrid system to deliver an estimated 350 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels. When plugged in to a standard electrical outlet, its lithium-ion battery is capable of fully recharging in about five hours. During urban commutes, Cadillac reckons this powertrain arrangement could achieve double the efficiency of a conventional hybrid.

On-road performance is aided by a magneto-rheological Magnetic Ride Control system that adjusts damping based on road conditions. The concept also incorporates four-channel ABS, StabiliTrak stability control, and adaptive LED headlamps.

The XTS's exterior design is windswept and muscular, with an aerodynamically inspired short, high deck lid. We're guessing, however, that the flared fenders wrapped around 20 inch, 11 spoke wheels don't do much for slipperiness. Incidentally, those plus-sized rims are mounted with Bridgestone tires specifically designed for the concept.

The XTS Platinum Concept's interior takes handmade details from STS and DTS Platinum sedans and applies a futuristic twist, using the layered petals of an orchid as inspiration. The light cream interior is set off by darker components like the steering wheel and overhead console constructed of wood, which incorporates lighting elements. A laser-etched suede surface trims the door panels and center sections of the leather seats. And like Caddies of yore, the interior is roomy.

The flowing instrument panel design is also noteworthy in its attempts to eliminate as many old-school buttons and switches as possible. Several Organic Light-Emitting Diode (O-LED) screens have a so-called "dead front" design, which means that they are blacked out until the car is started and they come to life.

Though only a concept, the XTS Platinum proves that Cadillac is ready to face the future with equal doses of efficiency and luxury.

Source: Popular Mechanics

2010 Cadillac CTS Overview

2010-01-05T06:58:00.001-08:00

Introduction

New for 2010 the Cadillac CTS is now available as a Sport Wagon as well as an award winning sedan. A first for Cadillac, the Sport Wagon includes nearly double the interior space of the sedan, an integrated roof load management system, and a power liftgate. Both models offer optional all-wheel-drive, an impressively finished benchmark interior and a large dose of style.

Available in two trims the 2010 CTS comes standard with either 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels. 19-inch polished alloy wheels are optional. The standard engine is a four-cam, 3.0-liter V6 with direct injection and variable valve-timing generating 255 horsepower. A direct injected 3.6-liter V6, with 304 horsepower is also available. Transmission choices include a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual, and a variable-torque full-time all-wheel-drive system can be added to either engine. Feature highlights include a standard Bose audio system with XM Satellite radio, eight speakers and auxiliary input jack. A power UltraView double-sized sunroof and an upgraded radio with DVD-Audio, Bose 5.1 Cabin Surround Sound, 40 gB Hard Drive, and a USB port are available.

For 2010, the CTS Sport Wagon is new, the CTS sedan carries over from 2009.

2011 Future Cars

2009-12-05T00:24:00.000-08:00

The Future Car Files, Part 2: More of the Coolest, Most Interesting, and Most Significant New Cars Coming in the Near Future

April 20, 2009 / By Editors of Motor TrendThe economy's still in the proverbial dumpster. The fate of two of the Detroit Three is hanging on by a lug nut that's almost off the thread. No one who builds cars has been unscathed by the carnage. As John Krafcik, U.S. CEO of Hyundai -- one of the few automakers who have managed to keep its head just above a sea of red ink -- remarked recently: "flat is the new up."

And as if there isn't already enough for board members and CEOs to fret over already, pressure continues to build to deliver ever greener, stratospherically high mileage machines with technologically advanced alternative powertrains, and oh yeah, do it like yesterday.

It's in this incredibly challenging and dynamically changing automotive landscape that the world's automakers, despite the myriad challenges confronting them, continue to forge ahead with plans for their next generation of four-wheeled offerings.

Despite it all, there's still a lot to look forward to in the near future. So we've went ahead assembled another list of more than two dozen vehicles that are on the way to showrooms within the next two years or so as a follow-up to our recent 2010 Future Cars roundup.

From high dollar exotics (Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, Aston Martin Rapide) to fuel-sipping econoboxes (Chevrolet Spark, Scion iQ), to hyper green machines (Honda CR-Z, Chevrolet Volt) and everything in between, the group of vehicles assembled represents the beginnings of a seismic shift in automotive transportation.

Here's hoping that once the economy finally climbs out of its doldrums that what remains of the automotive industry emerges stronger and better equipped to build cars like the ones you'll find on the following pages.

Read more: Motortrend

Scoop! Cadillac Epsilon Will Slot Below CTS

2009-12-05T00:20:00.001-08:00

General Motors CEO and President Fritz Henderson admitted in his reorganization press conference Monday morning that his company doesn't have the money to make Cadillac a competitive luxury brand in Europe. The 4.5L turbodiesel V-8, the 2.9L VM Motori turbodiesel V-6 and the Alpha 3 Series-fighter platform all are on hold, and are unlikely to be revived while GM tries to avoid bankruptcy. The Standard of the World will have to get by with the North American markets and parts of Asia, Eastern Europe and the Middle East, for now.

Cadillac needs sedans beyond the CTS, though, and Motor Trend has learned that GM will supply it with an Epsilon front-drive and AWD sedan, codenamed GM 166, slotting between the 2010 Buick LaCrosse and the rear-drive CTS.

Since the DT7 -- the planned RWD combo of the STS and DTS -- also is on-hold and likely to be killed, the implications are that the next-generation CTS would grow in size and fill both CTS and DT7 slots. GM 166 will be the largest car on the Epsilon II platform, which includes the LaCrosse and Opel Insignia. Gen I Epsilons include everything from the Chevy Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura to the Saab 9-3 and Cadillac BLS. (NOTE: The European-market BLS is pictured at top)

The Caddy 166 is being scheduled for calendar year '11 as a 2012 model, and will continue evolution of the brand's design language, jumpstarted with the 2008 CTS. Early designs have been described as "spectacular," with particular attention to interior detail and exterior jewelry.

As for product placement, pricing presumably would start where the '10 Buick LaCrosse leaves off. Unlike previous GM models sharing platforms, Buick has equipped the LaCrosse so it actually is priced well above Chevy's Epsilon, the Malibu, and the lame duck Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura. Base pricing for the '10 LaCrosse ranges from $27,835 to $33,765. The 166 should start at $34,000-$35,000 in '09 dollars, and compete directly with the front-drive Lexus ES 350. This also should push up pricing on the CTS -- that car is still available with the 263-horsepower 3.6L V-6 without gas direct-injection, simply to provide a sub-$40k price point model. The next CTS should be a 2013 model, although virtually all GM projects have been slipping under current financial problems.

Bad news is that with advent of the 166, the Alpha rear-drive compact Cadillac is probably dead. To make a viable business case, GM needed to use the RWD platform in at least one higher-volume brand, and is rumored to have considered everything from small Chevy, Pontiac or Buick sedans, as well as a smaller next-generation Camaro or possibly a new Pontiac Firebird Trans Am. Pontiac has been scratched from GM's future lineup, and the Alpha platform needed a good deal of high-strength steel to be lightweight, and that proved too expensive for a Chevrolet.

Read more: Motortrend

GM Stock Offering: Worth It?

2009-11-06T03:51:00.000-08:00

Sometime next year, you may be able to invest in General Motors again. Should investors even consider doing that? Let's first look at some recent history.

If we believe that the New GM is leaner, more efficient, and better managed -- and there are reasons to believe just that -- I would suggest one financial number to watch before investing in the company. That number is revenue. If revenue is rising, there is hope. If revenue plummets, there isn't.

Sometime next year, you may be able to invest in General Motors again. Should investors even consider doing that? Let’s first look at some recent history.

Last July, a newly formed company called NGMCO bought the brands and business we knew as General Motors in a bankruptcy sale. NGMCO promptly changed its name to New General Motors Company. The creditors and stockholders--bag holders might be a better term--found themselves looking to Motors Liquidation Company, another new entity which holds those GM assets not transferred to NGMCO, for satisfaction. There won‘t be much of that.

Motors Liquidation Company shares are valued at 65 cents but are not available for sale to the public, nor are shares in the New General Motors Company.

New GM Stock

Would you buy stock in the new GM?

Yes
No
Not sure

All of that was part of what we call the bailout of General Motors, and depending on whose figures you use, it cost taxpayers here and in Canada about $60 billion. The new GM will set performance targets in December of this year and if it shows signs of meeting those targets, it may issue stock to raise capital on which to operate and with which to reduce the approximate $48 billion in debt that the new company has.

A first-time issuance of stock to the public is called an Initial Public Offering or IPO and should GM do one, it will not likely occur before mid-2010.

Once, when Masters of the Universe roamed the earth, investors fought over the right to be first in line to buy shares in an IPO. An IPO share back in the day could rocket from $10.00at mid-morning coffee break to $75.00 at lunchtime.

During the recent unpleasantness which began spreading over the financial world in the closing days of the Bush administration, IPO activity all but ceased, and in any case shares are now allocated using a complicated formula aimed at reducing rampant speculation.

Let’s assume that the New GM Company announces that it’s pressed the button on a 2010 IPO and that you can now buy into it. Should you?

We asked Eddie Guillot, a wealth management and syndication specialist with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney how an investor should evaluate an IPO opportunity. “You’re evaluating a company, not a stock issue,” he said. “You look at the overall health of the company, its earnings record, debt service obligations and whether it has a clean balance sheet.” Excellent advice, and we can apply it to the new GM.

The overall health of the company has been improved by reducing its number of divisions from eight to four: Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac and GMC. Pontiac, Saturn, Hummer and Saab have or are in the process of following Oldsmobile into history.

Among other factors that a broker will examine before recommending an IPO investment to a client are demand for the product, future prospects and the price/earnings ratio (P/E).

Demand for the product is down, despite a remarkably good product lineup. At the end of September, GM had sold 1.5 million vehicles, a year-over-year drop of 36 percent. The industry, meanwhile, dropped 27 percent. It is therefore difficult to argue that GM is on tap to pace the industry.

Future prospects depend in large measure on the future of the entire industry, which still looks gloomy.

We don’t know what the New GM Company’s market capitalization is. Market cap is arrived at by multiplying the outstanding stock shares by the stock price. Since there are no shares and no price, we’re left wondering about the perceived value of the company.

Toyota‘s market cap is $135 billion, and there are discreet rumors among the New York investment community that the New GM IPO could be as large as $10 billion. Assume that the company issues 100 million shares at an offering price of $100 (equaling the $10 billion), those shares would have to rise by a factor of 13.5 to equal Toyota’s market cap.

But market cap does not matter as much as market share and profits. That is, will the new company work?

The U.S. government now owns 60.8 percent of the new GM; Canadian and Ontario governments together have 12 percent; the United Auto Workers health care trust fund owns 17.5 percent, and the remaining 10 percent is owned by unsecured creditors, mostly bondholders. These creditors also hold warrants for an additional 15 percent, which will probably come out of the government’s share. The percentages are approximate.

The New GM board has almost no holdovers, and the company has a new chairman, former AT&T boss Ed Whitacre Jr., and an experienced president, Fritz Henderson. Whitacre and Henderson are capable men. As is Bob Lutz, the former product guru now in charge of marketing and advertising. But can they smite the side of the Renaissance Center and bring forth profits? Perhaps someday but with the automotive industry in the trough its in, and with the buying public nailing its collective billfold to the floor, the situation looks anything but festive.

I am admittedly skeptical of any entity controlled by the government turning a profit or even breaking even. It did not help my attitude when Ron Bloom, the Obama Administration’s car czar, told the 6th annual Distressed Investing Forum in 2008 that the free market system was “nonsense” and added, “We kinda agree with Mao. Political power comes largely from the barrel of a gun.” Do sentiments like those sound as if profits are high on the czar’s priority list?

And it doesn’t end there. Steve Rattner, the original car czar who helmed the bailout of GM and Chrysler, told Automotive News that he was astounded by the poor quality of management at the automakers. GM had “perhaps the weakest finance operation any of us had ever seen in a major company." He later elaborated on this theme in an article he wrote for Fortune.

GM would like to capture and hold about 19 percent of the U.S. market (its share was once as high as 54 percent), but some pundits, including Rattner, think that 16 percent might be more realistic. Whatever the share, the company’s ultimate profitability depends upon the size of the total market, which is now about 10 million vehicles per year as opposed to 16 million a couple of years ago.

If we believe that the New GM is leaner, more efficient, and better managed--and there are reasons to believe just that--I would suggest one financial number to watch before investing in the company. That number is revenue. If revenue is rising, there is hope. If revenue plummets, there isn’t.

Oversimplification perhaps, but it works for me.

Source: Autos AOL

Look What's New From Cadillac

2009-10-15T20:38:00.001-07:00

Cadillacs and Dinosaurs (TV series)

2009-09-01T05:05:00.001-07:00

Cadillacs and Dinosaurs DVD cover.

Cadillacs and Dinosaurs is an American Saturday morning animated television series which aired on CBS Kids in the United States from 1993 to 1994. It is the brainchild of Mark Schultz, who originally created the series in comic book format under the title Xenozoic Tales in 1986. The television series came to be through the marketing of Marvel Comics, when (years later) the company had acquired the rights to the property and attempted a revival of the popularity it once held in comic format.

Plot

The series followed the exploits of survival-savvy garage mechanic Jack Tenrec (who has a passion for restoring classic car shells, mainly those of Cadillacs which the Mechanics use as their main form of transportation) and his often-reluctant companion, the foreign ambassador Hannah Dundee. She hires Jack as a liaison while she attempts to create clear communication between her land and the modern civilization. Together they confront the serious issues facing the futuristic environment that humanity has come to inhabit after nature spun wildly out of control causing the cities to fall into ruins and dinosaurs to be revived to roam the Earth once more.

Jack and his crew of ecological freedom fighters known as the Mechanics, square off against opposition including the Council of Governors, the tyrannical Wilhelmina Scharnhorst and her nefarious henchmen.

Jack also has Hermes, a juvenile cutter (Allosaurus) that Jack hand reared. Gentle with Jack and Hannah, he can still be rather fierce when angered.

The show dealt with many strong ecologicial and political issues that were central to the plot development. One major focus was the question of how the dinosaurs managed to re-emerge after they were thought to be extinct.

In total, Cadillacs and Dinosaurs lasted for one full season (13 episodes) and was never considered for renewal.

All 13 episodes currently air on HBO Family in Latin America, and have continually done so for many years. They can be viewed dubbed in Spanish or in their original English.

1952 Cadillac Series 60S Fleetwood Sedan

2009-08-17T01:57:00.000-07:00

This is a rare and beautiful, unmolested classic 1952 Cadillac Series 60S Fleetwood Sedan from Florida. It is stock and has been in storage for many years. But don’t think this car represents a project! It is in excellent shape and just made a 700 miles trip with no problems. Though not quite a perfect show car, it wouldn’t take much to make it one. It is unknown if the speedometer (it works) represents the true mileage (see photo) though, looking at its condition including the paint, seats, pedal rubber and tires it is not hard to believe that the 3301 miles is possible.

BODY: The body is hole, rust and dent free. To my knowledge the panels have never been worked on and you can look down the side and not see a ripple. You can look at the underside and it is clean as well; no oil leaks or rust other than the usual surface rust. The chrome is actually in great shape. There are a couple scraps and scratches as you would expect with a car of this year. There is pitting on some of the cast iron pieces but, even that is not too bad and the stainless trim is dent free. The front grille and headlight rims are clouded and could be re-chromed. There no broken lens though, in one taillight lens you can see some surface stress cracks. But, hey, the car is 55 years old. The trunk has no patches or rust holes and the carpeting is in beautiful condition.

PAINT: The paint is in remarkably good shape. It is pale and Forest green in color with only a few chips/scratcjes to be touched up.

INTERIOR: Interior is Forest green. The dash is beautiful. The seats are covered in the original velour and are in perfect shape especially for an un-restored original. The seat springs are still firm and comfortable.

ACCESSORIES: There is power steering, power brakes, power antenna & windows. And all accessories work including radio, clock & heater.

ENGINE: The engine compartment is not detailed but is cleaner than many 4 year old cars in Michigan. The car starts easily and the engine is quiet with a smoothly shifting transmission.

This rare and lovely Caddy is ready to drive. It is not quite a show car but, it is not far from it and attracts a lot of attention as it is. I know of no problems with this car. It starts easily and recently made a 700 mile trip. This car could sell for more here if the local Michigan economy were not in the dumpers. I am selling this for an older gentleman who recently lost his wife. Look around and you will not find a nicer one for less. Heck, you won’t find a nicer un-restored one period!

Source: Hotrod Hotline

'56 Cadillac 2 Door Hardtop

2009-08-17T01:52:00.000-07:00

Mild Kustom Satin black-mint green interior. Top chopped / pan-caked 2-1/2" Nosed, decked, frenched hood trim, tinted glass, sectioned and stretched skirts, custom rear bumper with shotgun exhaust tips. Pinstriped hood and trunk, sunken headlights. 365 V-8 Holly carb, hydromatic trans. Air ride suspension in front, 2" blocks in rear. Full Kustom interior with 3 way adjustable bucket seats, center console, Kustom S/S steering wheel, mint green roll & pleat with custom stainless trim.

Source: Hotrod Hotline

1953 Cadillac Convertible

2009-08-17T01:48:00.001-07:00

Just restored, almost all original to factory spec. New parts like transmission, windshield, wiring harness, all leather interior. All new paint. Drive it home and look very good.

Source: Hotrod Hotline

1962 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible

2009-08-17T01:40:00.000-07:00

1962 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible, red leather interior, power seats, windows, top, rebuilt motor less than 1000 miles, rebuilt tranny, all new glass and frames, new Mercedes top, rubber seals, all new lens, shocks, dual Flowmaster’s, Harrison radiator, new 20 inch billet w/Goodyear's, almost everything re-chromed. Body bead blasted and painted in PPG Deltron.

Car has been in the Seattle King County area for many years. Until I purchased the car in September of 2007 and had it transported to Minnesota. While in Seattle the car under went a body – on pro restoration completed in August of 2007. Is restored to professional restoration industry standards. Is an original 62 Series Convertible w/Fleetwood body. Engine has been re-build has less than 1000 miles. Hydra-Matic transmission has been rebuilt at the same time as the engine. Has Upgrades to include; Custom Two-Tone Paint in Inferno Red= Chr 102 Red, with Variant Prime, PPG, Basecoat version of Tri-coat, Deltron (DBU) & second color: Black PPG # 9700.

Excellent B. Blasted body prep w/finish considered Excellent, & body straight Doors, hood & trunk fit Excellent. Has original door latches & equipment. New interior. New black German Top & Boot. 8/07. Is upgraded/modify. Body is excellent, solid, straight, ripple free. Chrome/Molding/ Trim: All chrome and stainless moldings, Bumpers, and trim are in “Very Good “condition. Emblems/Insignias: Are all original in Very Good condition.

Glass: all glass has been replaced and frames are re-chromed. Accessories: Has remote control drivers door side rearview mirrors, remote trunk release and head light dimmer. Most other features on the exterior, considered accessories on most cars, are standard equipment with Cadillac. All power equipment was inspected. Power windows, seats, lights, top are in good working condition. The Car is professional appraised and comes with an 8 page detailed appraisal. When I purchased the car I went through the entire car and re-chromed most of the interior the door handles replaced all the glass and all the lens this car is ready for Cruising.

Source: Hotrod Hotline

1958 Cadillac Commercial

2009-08-01T04:06:00.001-07:00

25 Ways To Jump Start The Automotive Business

2009-07-13T14:22:00.000-07:00

The debate about the declining state of the American auto business has played out like the world's worst sitcom. Stock characters such as the clueless dads (the Big Three CEOs) and wacky neighbors (faux populist Congressmen), spout tired lines that you could see coming from a mile away. And the plots? Ugh. This week, the Dads slash overhead. Tune in next week: Hijinks ensue when the Dads decide to stop flying in their corporate jets. Let me guess: Everyone learns something and hugs in the end but nothing really changes.

The discussion about what to do about the American auto business has been limited almost exclusively to "saving Detroit" and preserving GM, Ford, and Chrysler rather than inventing the 21st Century transportation economy. It's very hard to adapt for the future without radical ideas that come from outside the establishment. "The train companies of the 19th century did not become the car companies of the 20th," says Chris Paine, director of the documentary Who Killed the Electric Car?, offering some much-needed perspective.

Paine is but one of the "precocious kids," if you will, that we assembled to offer up innovative ideas for revving up the American car business. We asked more than 60 people with some connection to the broader automotive economy for their best ideas, looking for both short- and long-term solutions to the crisis. These are their answers. With no further ado, and with limited commercial interruption, we present this very special episode, 25 Ways to Jump-Start the Auto Business.

Life-saving ideas from genomics whiz J. Craig Venter, Pimp My Ride star Xzibit, the GEICO gecko guy, the founder of Zipcar, Cisco's smart-garage guru, and more. 1. Let President Obama Take the Wheel
$4 Gas

Giorgio Rizzoni, director, Ohio State University's Center for Automotive Research

"Impose a floor on gas prices, a flexible tax that keeps the price at the pump at least $4 a gallon. In other parts of the world, that strategy has been proven to lead consumers to purchase fuel-efficient vehicles, and it lets automakers plan for the long term."

Nationalize Health Care

Tim O'Toole, managing director, London Underground

"The auto companies are unfunded benefit plans that make cars on the side. The government must institute a national health plan that frees the Big Three (and others) from current and retiree medical costs; it must also assume responsibility for pension obligations in exchange for equity."

Buy Electric

Chris Paine, film director, Who Killed the Electric Car?

"The government should use the bailout money to buy plug-in electric and hybrid vehicles for the government fleet. Some of the money should go to startups such as Tesla Motors and Fisker Automotive. They're innovative, more efficient, and don't have high overhead."

Cash for Clunkers

Annette Sykora, former chairman, National Automobile Dealers Association

"I'd love to see a nationwide cash-for-clunkers stimulus, which would incentivize people to trade in less-fuel-efficient cars. Because automotive is 20% of retail, restoring confidence could move the entire economy in a positive direction."

Put a Cap on Carbon

John DeCicco, senior fellow, Environmental Defense Fund

"A carbon cap would regulate the petrol industry and not put additional constraints on automakers. It's an incredible waste for automakers to chase ideas like electric cars. They might be important in the future, but a few years ago, it was ethanol; before that, hydrogen. Current automotive tech can take us pretty far without these unproven technologies. A carbon market will motivate the private sector to figure this out."

Pay by the Mile

Jason Bordoff, policy director, the Brookings Institution

"Let's change fixed-rate auto insurance to per-mile pricing. With no limit on driving, people tend to drive more. We estimate an 8% reduction in overall miles driven. It would take about a dollar-per-gallon tax increase on fuel to produce the same result. Two-thirds of households would save money, and it would make it easier to buy a second or third car."

Fake a Bankruptcy

Maryann Keller, analyst and principal, Maryann Keller and Associates; board member, Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group

"The industry needs to go through a restructuring. A legal bankruptcy could be long and messy. A prepackaged bankruptcy where the process is expedited and structural changes are negotiated ahead of time would be the best outcome."

Courtesy: Peapod Mobility

2. The iPhone Solution

Dave Bieselin, director of unified communications, Cisco Systems

"The trick is to motivate people to buy a whole new set of vehicles, the way the iPhone changed the cell-phone market. If you look at the typical garage, it's where the home, transportation, and power supply meet. Traditionally, all three operate independently. What if we were to link them, with the garage being the point of intersection? Now the garage wouldn't just be a place for storage anymore but a power conduit, where you could charge your car and manage energy consumption. What if the car had a network that could connect to your home computer? Suddenly, you can download your playlist off your stereo, program your DVR, and adjust your home thermostat from the road. There's a way to do cool, innovative things with technology, with connectivity, that could revolutionize how we think of cars -- as something more than just another mode of transportation."

Introducing the Ultimate App

Peter Arnell is chairman and chief creative officer of product innovation firm Arnell, as well as Chrysler's chief innovation officer. His latest venture is Peapod Mobility: "On Earth Day, we're unveiling the Peapod, a $12,500, 25-mph 'neighborhood electric vehicle' not allowed on highways." Here's how this 21st-century love bug borrows from the past and piggybacks on our Apple-obsessed future.

"The Peapod takes design cues from charming small vehicles from the 1950s and 1960s and looks futuristic from the front."
"It's made of 95% recycled and recyclable materials and costs between 2 and 2.5 cents per mile to operate."
"Instead of a key, it starts by plugging your iPhone or iPod into the docking station on the dashboard. Eventually, it will record and display your energy efficiency and your carbon footprint."

3. Get Sexy

More than any other reason -- even legacy overhead costs -- the experts we contacted singled out poor design as the root cause for people turning away from American cars. "Unfortunately for Ford, its products aren't exciting," says David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports' auto-test division, by way of example. "Their style and interior fit and finish don't make them got-to-have. Ford needs to focus on design."

Professional car buffs see a return to the attitude of the swaggering 1960s as the answer. "There's a reason why, when you ask people, 'What's your favorite car?' it's always the cars of the '60s and '70s," says Justin Lin, director of street-racing flick Fast & Furious (fourth in the series, out this month). "It comes down to their sensibility and boldness."

One option: Don't water down the sexy concepts that get people's attention. "The new Cadillac concept, Converj, is one of the most beautiful cars I've ever seen," says Jesse Boyer, a young designer who has received acclaim for his Mazda concept vehicle, Hyoryu. "I would push those concepts into production to make the final product as close to the original idea as possible." What that would accomplish is what Henrik Fisker has tried to do with his electric Karma sports car. "We need to inject emotion into vehicles and capture people's love for cars again," Fisker says.

Can we add that kind of sex appeal to lower-cost hybrids and electrics? Car customizer George Barris, who designed the original Batmobile, and rapper Xzibit, host of MTV's Pimp My Ride, sure think so. "Look at the Prius. It's a nerd car," Xzibit says. "Yeah, you're being environmentally friendly, but your dating life is gonna suck. That's where the bailout money should go: making cheap, efficient hybrid cars that look good. Automakers just got $17 billion. Give me $1 billion. I'll turn that shit around."

Pimp My Prius

Longtime car customizer George Barris has converted pickup trucks and dowdy Lincolns into hot rods. Here's how he spruced up a 2005 Toyota Prius Hybrid -- while keeping it in warranty.

"The headlights retained their uniform position, but the outer rim was painted with gold-leaf fingertip swirls and pin-striped around the outer edge."
"Right- and left-slanted scoops were used as air intakes."
"The lower front pan has a wide horizontal air intake, plus stock directional lights."
"The overall design is more aerodynamic, including the paint variations."
"The frontal design is meant to be simple, dramatic, and free-flowing."
"Vertical doors on the right and left can be moved up and out."
"The design for the top has 2-inch drip moldings to lower the height of the bubble impression and give a unique streamlined effect."
"Dual rear spoilers were installed to give you the 'upstream' air-dam look. The rear roll pan was molded into one piece."
"All four wheel wells were flared out to compensate for 19-inch wheels and larger tires. We installed an adapter on the wheel drums for the wider tread to offer better cornering."

Courtesy: Zipcar

4. "If I Were CEO of a Big-Three Car Company..."

Robin Chase, founder of Zipcar (the largest car-sharing company in the world) and GoLoco.org (an online ride-sharing community)

"Let's assume the bailout solves the immediate cash crisis. Now what? First, I'm going to ask Congress to raise the price of gasoline. I need to be assured that there will be enough demand out there to merit an investment in more fuel-efficient cars. If our gas prices are in line with those of other countries we like to sell cars to (perhaps starting in 2011 when my new cars will be coming off the line), I'll be confident that consumers will embrace these new cars.

Next, I'm going to start experimenting with new product and service models. We recently passed the tipping point of 50% of the world's population living in urban areas. 'One adult, one car' doesn't work in congested and parking-scarce urban environments. Let's expand beyond manufacturing and selling cars to selling transportation as a service.

I'd take 10% of my current R&D budget and put it into a venture fund. I'd finance startups, experimenting in areas where I lack core competency: truly alternative vehicles; services that relate to car maintenance and in-car experience; services that conceive of the car as one node in the larger transportation network; and ideas that leverage my cars and my consumers as a means of collecting data or marketing other in-car services. This is a smart use of my money because I would be investing alongside others instead of financing all the R&D in-house. In the process, I'd gain firsthand insight into a whole realm of business models that might be my future.

Third, I'd definitely stop fiddling with closed, proprietary wireless technology inside my cars and immediately introduce a generic wireless platform into every new car. A standard feature of this platform is the ability for owners to access critical car information remotely. I'd send owners text and email updates telling them about their fuel and battery levels, when it's time to change the oil, and when the car received an unusual bump while parked. This would tie car owners to my company, provide dealers an ongoing revenue stream for maintenance and repair, and give me insight into exactly how consumers use (and abuse) my vehicles. I'd also develop a device that could be easily installed into cars already on the road so I'd have more owners participating.

This wireless platform lets me farm for ideas. As an open system, it would attract the minds, money, and efforts of thousands of innovators to think up desirable applications that a person with a screen in a car might find useful. This platform would be like my PC: Car owners could download any apps they find useful. I'd let the loser applications or those with no revenue model muddle along, and I'd buy up the winners.

By mitigating our investment risk and placing lots of low-cost and low-risk bets, we'd bring the Big Three into the future."

5. Why Geckos Can't Solve the Problem

Mike Hughes, president and creative director, The Martin Agency

"I've gotten at least a half-dozen messages from concerned citizens asking, 'Why don't you guys do for the American car industry what you've done for GEICO and Wal-Mart?'

As powerful as advertising and marketing are, they're not going to save the American car industry. What the industry needs is a vision. The kind Bill Gates had for software, Steve Jobs has for Apple, and, yes, Henry Ford had for automobiles. Don't just give us what you think we want; give us what we should want.

Don't keep telling us your cars are every bit as good now as Toyotas or Hondas. That's probably true today, but you've been trying to sell us that line for far too long. Tell us why we should want your cars. If you can't figure out what makes your product special, then it's probably not special. When you do have something to say, market the hell out of it. Boy, would I love to do that campaign."

6. Respect Dirty Work

Mike Rowe, star and executive producer of Dirty Jobs With Mike Rowe; CEO of mikeroweWORKS.com; spokesperson for Ford Trucks

"I've got too little expertise and too much bias to weigh in with a straight face about the Big Three. (Trust me, that new F-150 really does kick ass.) However, after 200 Dirty Jobs and five years of unintended social anthropology, I do have a theory regarding our overall relationship with manufacturing.

I believe the majority of people in this country are deeply disconnected from the Americans who still make our stuff. Forty years ago, it was easy to buy American. Not just because our stuff was better than theirs. We bought American goods because we actually knew the people who were making them. It was a powerful and personal connection that tied us to the products we bought.

The seismic shift from manufacturing to services has not only changed the composition of our gross domestic product, but also changed our national mind-set toward work. We no longer celebrate the way things get made. We are more interested in the way things get bought. In this global economy, we focus only on the finished product, which makes the Americans who still make them largely invisible.

Much has been written about the drama between management and organized labor, but the bigger struggle is our own dysfunctional relationship with work. The symptoms may be in Detroit, but the problem is everywhere."

7. The Facebook Solution

John McElroy, host of the Speed network's Autoline Detroit

"Almost 100% of the value created with a new car comes from design and engineering. But 60% to 70% of the time spent on product creation is a waste -- you've got thousands of people at different companies working on the same problems. I would create an information portal for the entire industry. If there's a small job shop now that's stamping out a panel of steel and it's tearing, it could take weeks or months to figure out. With access to the best minds, they could get it solved in a day. Imagine combining the best aspects of social networks like Facebook and Twitter. We have to break down these silos and share info. It's product creation 2.0."

8. Urban Outfitters

Car-free living is Detroit's worst nightmare, but it also may be its greatest opportunity to reinvent itself. "The auto industry could reframe itself as a transportation industry," says Katie Alvord, author of Divorce Your Car, "in the same way some of the oil companies have started talking about themselves as energy companies." What other products could the car companies make? "It's imperative that we restore passenger rail service, and we will need someone to build the equipment," says James Howard Kunstler, author of The Long Emergency. But our favorite vision of the future has to be Sharon Roerty's: "Imagine a young professional driving her GM car from her suburban home to a well-maintained train station, taking her GM collapsible bike from the trunk, boarding the GM train to the city, unfolding the bike in 15 seconds, and riding to work," says the director of the National Center for Bicycling and Walking. "Now is the time."

9. Bet on Biology

J. Craig Venter, founder and chairman, J. Craig Venter Institute; founder and CEO, Synthetic Genomics; board member, X Prize Foundation (the Avion will compete for the Progressive Auto X Prize in 2010)

"I remember auto shows as a little kid, all the cars of the future that the auto industry promised that it bailed on over and over again. It was all electric cars or cars that got 100 to 200 miles per gallon -- these innovations have been around for decades. Yet not much has changed. That's not a failure of science; it's a failure to implement the tools and technology that have been around for a long time.

Biology is emerging as the science that will most likely contribute to the positive disruptive technologies to mitigate climate change. The material that we use today --oil and coal -- is ancient biology. It's biology compressed over eons, converted into coal or oil. Biology can produce any molecule we want, including existing gasoline molecules or diesel or jet fuel. The question is, Can it produce the billions of gallons we continually use? We need something that is infinitely scalable, and that's what biology is.

Most people don't realize that the air they breathe is the result of biology -- mostly microorganisms in the ocean, but also plants, providing all the oxygen in the atmosphere. Just by looking in the oceans, new organisms -- and all these new genes -- are providing some of the raw materials for discoveries that can make it possible to create fuel out of carbon dioxide. These are not processes that are 20 to 30 years away; they're 5 to 10.

We don't need radical new technologies to use the tools that come out of biology. We need a push to make it happen."

10. Make Sci-fi Reality

Palle R. Jensen, CEO, RUF International, a Danish startup combining electric-car and monorail technology

"The concept of dual-mode e-guideways, of which RUF is one example, has great potential. The electric cars have small batteries because they only need to drive a few kilometers to get to the monorail. The user is automatically guided to enter the monorail, and information about his destination is transferred to the system, which will now move his vehicle through the network at an average speed of about 80 mph. The battery is recharged on the monorail, so that he never has to recharge at home. The energy needed for moving the vehicle is much lower than for a comparable electric car because both rolling resistance and air resistance are reduced. We've tested this on a test track in Denmark, and the Los Angeles MTA, among others, is interested in seeing its development. This system would create an attractive global market for car manufacturers."

11. What Would Google Do?
Bill Weihl, head of green energy, Google

"The problem is not just about the auto industry. Ninety-nine point nine, nine, nine--I don't know how many nines--percent of what moves our cars is oil. The most important thing for us to do is move away from that dependence and start using more electricity, which is much more efficient in terms of mileage and produces lower emissions. In addition, electricity can come from many different sources, coal, nuclear, hydro, so that as the grid gets cleaner, the emissions for electric cars will also go down.

There are a number of things that Google has done that can serve as useful lessons. Most importantly, we have converted eight cars in our fleet--Toyota Priuses and Ford Hybrid Escapes--to plug-in electric hybrids and set them up as a demo fleet that's part of our car share program for our employees. There are a lot of reasons why after-market conversions of these cars has been good for Google's bottom line--productivity, energy costs, everything. We've put monitoring boxes on the cars to measure mileage, gas, and electricity levels, and we've seen interesting and useful data that's really shining a spotlight on the potential for this kind of technology.

Another thing we're doing that could be helpful to the auto industry is having individual companies make a strategic decision to commit to higher efficiency standards. This is something that we actually did with a number of IT companies on energy efficiency related to computers. We co-founded Climate Savers Computing with Intel in 2007, and the goal is to basically reduce the hardware efficiency of computers and raise the capacity of computers to use smart technologies. We set a standard where all of the companies--Microsoft, HP, Dell, and others--agreed on adopting this fairly aggressive efficiency standard. Then we are working to get people who buy computers to commit to buying these more efficient models when they're available.

The car industry could do something similar to this. They could get together and say something like, 'By 2015, we'll have hybrid cars that will get at least 75 miles per gallon.' These changes don't have to be implemented across their entire fleet, but any amount of commitment to research and development is a good step. That's something car makers could do beyond the government-mandated fuel economy requirements. But the main priority should be to make more effective vehicles so that we can transition from using only gasoline to power our cars to a combination of gas and electricity and, eventually, once battery technology takes off, we may see a lot of people with electric cars that use no gasoline at all."

12. Customers First

Sarah Fisher, CEO/President/Owner of Sarah Fisher Racing, IndyCar series driver

"The best way that I can look at (the auto industry) is through the eyes of my race team and what we do here, on a much smaller proportion. We have a very streamlined approach to our team and our driving, by focusing our biggest efforts on staying close to our consumer, which in my world is the racing fan.

When you compare that to the world of auto manufacturing, they can also benefit from the same type of streamlined approach: who their customers are, what they want, when they want it. They can examine their older models and leverage the technology they have to consolidate product offerings to best match where the demand is. You just have to find and cultivate where their needs are and continue to make them hungry for a new story, a new product. Right now, it's more of a mass appeal that they're going after. Instead it should be, 'Here are some specifics we're doing, and let's consolidate 5 or 6 offerings, maybe down to 1 or 2, so we can better serve them and bring all those technologies together in one piece.'"

13. Deal or No Deal

Even though the experience of buying and selling cars has already changed radically in the Internet age, the lingering stench of going to the dealer remains and many experts see room for improvement. "We need to allow manufacturers to sell cars over the Internet," says Jack Gillis, author of The Car Book. "Linking the purchase process to 'just-in-time production' will start to remove the tremendous inefficiencies in the distribution channel and increase their ability to estimate demand." And it might also make buying a car, dare we say it, fun. "At Ridemakerz, kids customize their own toy cars, and we bring them to life," says Larry Andreini, CEO of Ridemakerz, a Build-A-Bear-like experience for racecars. "Why can't U.S. automakers do the same thing?"

14. Change How Cars Get Made

Eric Noble, president, The CarLab, an Orange City, California consultancy that offers product planning and design advice for automakers

"Big, giant automakers need to start thinking in niche markets and niche vehicles, at least in volume terms. They need to free themselves from the delusion that they're going to sell 120,000 units a year. One way to do this is to change auto-manufacturing platform from "unibody" construction to "space form." The average car built in North America is built on unibody, which means the whole vehicle structure and outside body panels are made from several hundred pieces of stamped sheet metal welded together. Every one of those stampings requires male/female dies, every pair of those dies get loaded on a press that's often two stories tall. All of this is incredibly capital intensive--above half a billion dollars for the average vehicle investment. At the volumes cars now sell at now, about 40,000 or 50,000 (because there are so many new competitors), you simply can't pay off that investment. The space-frame model is reserved for Corvettes, the Pontiac Solstice, the Fisker Karma, and racecars. Tooling investment for the frame itself is an order of magnitude lower than that for the unibody. The bottom line: Building unibody cars is something that has been the rule and in fact today it should be the exception."

15. Surprise Us

Craig Jackson, CEO, Barrett-Jackson Auction Co., which operates sales for car collectors and enthusiasts

"I understand why Detroit shares its concept car designs; they're testing the waters to see what people like and then tweaking the designs. But it takes away that wow factor from the September unveiling like we used to have with products like the Ford Mustang. I've been seeing the new Corvette model for three years, and it's still not out yet. Detroit needs to get that excitement and surprise back when it can translate into sales."

16. Look to Europe

Robert L. Kanode, President & CEO, Valence Technology

"The U.S. auto industry will need to follow a model similar to what we see in Europe, with the planned rollout of pure electric vehicles for everyday and commuting needs, and of super fuel efficient turbo-diesels for long distance driving, in order to meet the needs of the average family. In addition, the US government will need to play an active role in encouraging increased battery manufacturing by investing in commercially viable technologies and in providing incentives to consumers to purchase electric cars."

17. Think Like a PC

Lionel Bony, senior consultant, Rocky Mountain Institute

"Automakers are going to have to change their business models, which means rethinking what it means to be efficient, and also reorganizing themselves and really focusing on hardware-software integration because software is going to become a lot more important once we start moving to electric cars."

18. Make a House Call

Ron Harbour, partner, Oliver Wyman's automotive consultancy

"One of the things the government could do is just give the car companies $50 billion to foot their medical bills. The government is going to end up paying for it in other ways anyway, through Medicare or Medicaid and other social programs."

Associates assemble Accord engines on one of three engine assembly lines at Honda's Anna Engine Plant in Marysville, Ohio where more than one million V-6 and four-cylinder engines are produced each year.

19. Fix the Weak Link in the (Supply) Chain

Casey Kozlowski, former quality systems auditor for Visteon, a major auto-parts supplier

"There should be a more collaborative approach all the way down the supply chain between American auto companies, their suppliers, their suppliers, and their suppliers. Old-school automotives have old-school confrontational attitudes toward those who supply them. Many of our teams worked with companies like Honda, and they're very collaborative. That made developing new products easier because the environment isn't confrontational. Everyone is working on a design and manufacturing parts. The probability of that turning out better is higher when more people have input."

Ray Evernham, right, at the Daytona 500.

20. Leadership Matters

Ray Evernham, former championship NASCAR crew chief, former NASCAR winning team owner and analyst for ESPN/ABC

"Put someone in charge who's gonna last more than three years."

21. Combine the Asphalt Highway with the Information Highway

Scott Griffith, CEO, Zipcar

"Auto companies have built an entire business model where the car is the unit of value. The experience is the unit of value they're missing. GPS navigation is a bunt compared to where the industry can go. Think diagnostic information, entertainment, weather, congestion, emergencies, upcoming tolls. What if you could say, I'm going from point A to point B, tell me where the cheapest and easiest place to park my car is when I get within 10 minutes. And while I'm driving, give me the latest entertainment news? Or use a social network, so your car could tell you which friends are nearby and you could get together? The company that figures that out can become for the auto industry what Google did for the Internet, what Apple did for the computer industry."

22. Think Globally, Act Nimbly

Lauren Fix, editor-in-chief of CarZen.com, CNN correspondent, and author of three automotive books

"One of the biggest problems is not getting the product to market quickly enough, and the only way to do that is to use world platforms. Ford is just starting to figure that out: If the Audeo sells well in Australia and New Zealand, bring it over here. That'll save them a ton of money across the world, rather than saying of each car, 'This is just for Japan' or 'This is just for the U.S. market.' Look at Toyota, Kia, Honda, Audi--they're all incredibly nimble."

23. Sell Your Car

Jane Holtz Kay, author, Asphalt Nation: How the Automobile Took Over America and How We Can Take it Back

"I sold my car when I wrote Asphalt Nation, so for me, saving the auto industry is not a high priority. I'm more interested in promoting cleaner, friendlier mobility, like bikes and public transportation."

24. Stay the Course

Lorraine Schultz, founder, Women's Automotive Association International

"I would actually do what they are doing right now. I'm not going to go back on any mistakes that were made. They (auto manufacturers) actually have been working on saving the industry; it just hasn't been brought out until the pressure hit. But they are trying to get the electric car, trying to observe better fuel efficiency, something we've needed for a long time. We're on the right track now, and I do believe it will bring the auto industry back into the fold. I believe the bailout they got is going to keep them afloat, and if they can make those major changes that they have plans to do, we will do very well. We've gone through this before."

25. Buy American

Alonzo Bodden, stand-up comic and host of SPEED network's "101 Cars You Must Drive"

"Let's be real: If U.S. automakers really want to sell big, they have to convince people that buying Toyota will support the terrorists, and that "Honda" is actually Japanese for 'Al Qaeda.'"

Source: FastCompany

1948 Cadillac's

2009-07-03T04:22:00.000-07:00

1948 Cadillac Slantback

1948 Cadillac Model 6267X 2Dr Convertible Coupe

1953 Cadillac's

2009-07-03T04:09:00.000-07:00

1953 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible

331 cid V8 rated at 210 horsepower, automatic transmission, independent front suspension with coil springs and live axle rear suspension, four-wheel drum brakes; wheelbase: 126"

Finished in a lovely Pastoral Blue which matches the paint code, this Caddy is ready to ride or be admired by anyone nearby. The Azure and Tunis blue two-tone interior appears to be mostly original with the exception of the front seat which probably saw more use as can be attested by the almost 95,000 miles on the clock. The dash is very presentable and features options including the Autronic Eye, signal seeking radio and power windows. To match, the trunk compartment is very neat and orderly with a full spare. The exterior may be partially or completely original but has at least been touched up over the years. The engine compartment is mostly original including the batwing air cleaner, original power steering option and Cadillac Identification Card showing this car being sold on January 31, 1953, to a gentleman in Calgary, Alberta. As the beloved automobiles of yesteryear age, history and use come into question. This Cadillac proudly displays signs of consistent use and care throughout its life that are now becoming highly sought after as vehicles with undocumented history enter the marketplace.

1953 Cadillac Coupe De Ville

The 1953 model year Cadillacs have become on of the most recognizable and iconic body styles of the Harley Earl design era. This Coupe De Ville is presented in factory-correct Artisan Ochre (pale yellow) for a fabulous 50's look. IT was the recipient of a high-quality restoration in the late 90's and it still presents superbly throughout with acres of glistening chrome, excellent paint and body, correct leather upholstery and even the original California Black Plates.

1953 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible

V8 with an automatic, power everything, wire wheels and Continental kit. Beautifully restored.

Cadillac Allanté

2009-06-19T15:06:00.000-07:00

1987–1993

The Allanté was Cadillac's first venture into the ultra-luxury roadster market. The vehicle was sold from 1987 through 1993, with roughly 21,000 models built over its 7-year model run. Allanté's production was planned at 6,000 units per year, however, sales figures show Cadillac only built about half as many. Despite the accent over the "e", the name is pronounced "ah-lon-tay".

Development and production

Originally designed under the code name "Callisto", the Allanté was intended to restore Cadillac to its position as a premium luxury automobile builder. Allanté's direct competitor was the very successful Mercedes-Benz SL, and to a smaller degree, the Jaguar XJS. Allanté's 4.1 liter V8 was shared with other Cadillacs across the line, but when specified to the Allanté, several changes were made. Unlike Buick's Reatta, which shared powertrain and underpinnings from the Riviera and the Oldsmobile Toronado, Cadillac borrowed very little from the Eldorado and Seville for Allanté.

The body of the Allanté was designed and built in Italy by Pininfarina (of Ferrari fame). The completed bodies were shipped 3,300 miles from Italy in specially-equipped Boeing 747s, 56 at a time, to Cadillac's assembly plant in Hamtramck, Michigan. The bodies were then mated to the chassis. This led to a few interesting nicknames, such as "The Flying Italian Cadillac" and "The world's longest assembly line."
The Allanté was initially priced at US$54,700, far above the price of any other contemporary Cadillac. Today's Cadillac XLR, also a convertible roadster, at roughly $70,000 is similarly priced. The high performance Cadillac XLR-V at $100,000 has regained the cachet of being the most expensive Cadillac product, when adjusting for inflation.

The car's front-wheel drive (FWD) powertrain was unique in its class, and brought the car in for serious criticism. FWD is rare among high-priced sports and touring cars, as the configuration's frequent tendency toward understeer under heavy cornering, torque steer under heavy acceleration, and a poor front-rear weight balance is not desirable. The Mercedes 560SL — along with the rest of the Allanté's competitors — was rear-wheel drive. Many car magazines and auto enthusiasts argued that no sports car, let alone one at the Allanté's price, should have been FWD. Early reviews cited Pininfarina and not Cadillac as the source of this decision, saying they felt it would make the car more versatile. Additionally, poor power-to-weight ratio in the early years also made the car perform sedately. This led the target market to conclude that by offering an underpowered car at over $50,000 with no engine upgrade option, Cadillac was not serious in competing in the performance roadster market. This initial impression gave the Allanté an image ("all show, no go") from which it was never able to recover.

Specifications

The 1987 Allanté, with its removable aluminum hardtop and the industry's first power retractable AM/FM/Cellular Telephone antenna, debuted with a multi-port fuel injected version of Cadillac's aluminum 4.1 L HT-4100 V8, along with roller valve lifters, high-flow cylinder heads, and a tuned intake manifold. The new roadster also showcased an independent strut-based suspension system front and rear. Bosch ABS III four-wheel disc brakes were also standard. Unique to Allanté was a complex lamp-out module that substituted a burned-out bulb in the exterior lighting system with an adjacent lamp until the problem is corrected. The Delco-GM/Bose Symphony Sound System - a $905 option on other Cadillacs - was standard on Allanté. The only option was the available cellular telephone, installed in a lockable center console.

For 1988, changes were minimal, and the base price was raised slightly to $56,533.

In 1989, prices again rose slightly, now at $57,183. Allanté's engine, the new 4.5 L V8, produced 200 horsepower, and with 270 lbs.-ft., it provided the most torque from any front-wheel-drive automobile in the world. Unlocking the trunk now also unlocked the side doors - similar to Mercedes. Analog instruments, in place of the standard digital dash cluster, were now available as a no-charge option. As a theft-deterrent, Allanté added GM's PASS KEY system - which renders the fuel system and starter inopertaive if an incorrect ignition key is used. Allanté also received a new speed-sensitive damper system called Speed Dependent Damping Control, or SD²C. This system firmed up the suspension at 25 mph (40 km/h) and again at 60 mph (97 km/h). The firmest setting was also used when starting from a standstill until 5 mph (8 km/h). Another change was a variable-assist steering system.

1993 Cadillac Allanté with single-piece windows and revised seats

1990 brought about a second model, a lower-priced ($53,050) companion model that did not come with the removable aluminum hardtop, just the cloth convertible roof. The Allanté sticker price (with hardtop) was now $58,638. By mid-year, prices were dropped to $57,813 for the hardtop/convertible and $51,500 for the convertible - and this included a $650 gas guzzler tax along with $550 destination charge. Allanté's fully-integrated cellular telephone was $1,195. Allanté's bumper-to-bumper new car warranty, 7 years and 100,000 miles, was three years longer than other Cadillacs, and an additional 50,000 miles of coverage. Allanté owner's also received a special toll-free number to call for service or concerns. Headlamp washers and dual 10-way Recaro seating remained standard, among other niceties. In addition to a new driver's side airbag (which meant the loss of the telescopic steering wheel - although the tilt steering column feature was retained), the analog instrument cluster introduced last year was standard on the convertible, and available at no extra cost on the hardtop/convertible. Technological news was the addition of traction control - the first front-wheel drive automobile in the world to be equipped as such. The elaborate system was able to cut fuel to up to four cylinders to reduce power and optimize traction. The electronically-controlled shock absorbers were retuned to remain in "soft" mode for up to 40 mph. Previously, they entered "normal" mode after just 25 mph. A revised audio system allowed a compact disc player to be added as standard equipment, along with the cassette player.

1991 added a power-latching mechanism for the convertible top, and the digital instrument cluster was now a $495 option for the convertible model, priced at $57,260. A mid-year price drop brought the Allante convertible down to $55,900, and the hardtop/convertible down to $61,450 (from $62,810). Allanté still boasted the most luggage room in its class; an astonishing 16.3 cubit feet of storage, when utilizing the pass-through compartment into the cabin area - more than twice the 7.9 cubic foot trunk of a Mercedes SL.

The Allanté for 1992 was priced at $58,470 for the convertible, and $64,090 for the hardtop/convertible. Both prices included the mandated gas guzzler tax, which was nw at $1,300. As it had been the custom for a few years now, price drops were announced mid-year, $57,170 for the convertible, and $62,790 with the removable hardtop. Again, the digital cluster (available at no extra cost on the hardtop) was optional on the convertible, priced at $495. 1992 was the last year of the multi-adjustable Recaro seating design, as 1993 would go into production with less expensive Lear-designed 8-way dual power seats. Also available on the convertible at extra-cost, a pearl white paint group priced at $700.

Introduced in early 1992 for the 1993 model year, Allanté was scaled down to just one model this year, the soft-top convertible priced at $59,975 (not including a mandatory $1,700 gas guzzler tax for vehicles sold in the United States). The removable 60.5 lb. aluminum hardtop was now a separate option, as well as the $495 LCD digital instrument cluster in place of the standard analog instruments. The available $700 pearlcoat paint option (in Flax or White) returned. Also available, chrome squeeze-cast aluminum wheels. For its final outing, Allanté received the 4.6 L Northstar DOHC V8. This engine was initially rated at 290 hp (216 kW), but Cadillac upped the rating to 295 hp (220 kW) at 5600 rpm by the time the first models were sold. Torque output was 290 ft·lbf (393 N·m) at 4400 rpm. A new unequal-length control arm rear suspension, shared with the Seville and Eldorado, was also introduced that year, improving handling. Also new for the small Cadillacs was Road Sensing Suspension, an active damper management system, and improved disc brakes. The Bose name was no longer associated with Allanté's sound system, as the '93 model went into production using GM's Delco Electronics "Premium Symphony Sound System". Other changes for the Allanté included a revised variable-assist power steering rack, deeper front spoiler, and single-piece side windows, which did away with the stationary forward vent window.

A 1992 comparison test of the Northstar-powered Allanté by Car and Driver placed it above the Jaguar XJS V12 convertible and the Mercedes-Benz 300SL in North America. Although the Cadillac roadster got big points for its new engine, Allanté was criticized for its handling, which was an inherent result of the front wheel drive layout. Ultimately, it was the rapid rise in the retail price of its competitors due to changes in exchange rates that won the test for Cadillac. At that time, the Allanté's price seemed a bargain compared with the $71,888 Jaguar and $90,335 Mercedes-Benz.

GM Premium V engine

2009-06-19T14:47:00.000-07:00

The Premium V family of automobile engines is General Motors' modern 90° v engine architecture. The family is most associated with Cadillac's Northstar V8, but the family has also seen use at Oldsmobile (as the Aurora L47 V8 and "Shortstar" LX5). The Oldsmobile variants are no longer in production, but the Northstar family has expanded with new longitudinal and 4.4 L supercharged versions. The Northstar name is now used outside Cadillac as well, with the Pontiac and Buick versions now carrying that moniker. Alfa Romeo is rumored to be another future user of the Premium V in the US-market Kamal.

Development and features

The Premium V design was initiated as a response to the advanced dual overhead cam V8engines introduced by European and Japanese competitors of Cadillac in the late 1980s. At that time, Cadillac was using the aluminum HT Overhead Valve (OHV) V8 which had been pushed hastily into production after the failure of the V8-6-4 of 1981.

Cadillac was developing new models like the Allanté and updated Eldorado and Seville STS which they hoped would compete against the best from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, and Infiniti. They developed a laundry list of items that must be included in these new models, including sophisticated steering, braking, and suspension technologies, which became known as the Northstar System. One key element was a high-tech V8 engine with all of the features and performance of the competitors' offerings.

The "Northstar" V8, as it was then known, was an evolution of the Lotus-designed Chevrolet LT5 all-aluminum DOHC 32-valve V8 used in the Corvette ZR-1. Archrival Ford Motor Company was developing a similar engine at that time as well, and Ford's Modular engine would precede the Northstar into production with its introduction on the 1991 Lincoln Town Car. Both continue in production at 4.6 L of displacement.

Capable of producing 300 hp (224 kW), the Northstar featured a cast aluminum 90° V8 block with 102 mm (4 in) bore spacing split into unitary upper and lower halves. The lower crankcase assembly supported the crankshaft without conventional main bearing caps. An oil manifold plate with an integrated silicon gasket forms the oil gallery under this. A typical oil change used 7.5-8 quarts of oil.

Cast-iron cylinder liners were specified and the forged aluminum pistons included valve clearance, making Northstar a non-interference engine, with bronze pin bushings and free-floating piston pins used.

cast aluminum cylinder heads were used featuring 4 valves per cylender. The heads used dual overhead cams which are driven through the "maintenance-free" cam-drive chain case. The cams act directly on hydraulic lifters on the ends of the valves and are fed with a lubrication passage drilled through the cylinder head lengthwise. The intake valves are inclined at 25°, while the exhaust valves are canted to 7° with center-mounted platinum-tipped spark plugs. The cam covers were fabricated from magnesium for light weight.

Eight thermoplastic tubes were used in the induction system, leading to sequential fuel injection. The engine uses a direct ignition system with a single coil per cylender and no distributor. The PCM controls spark and fuel injection timing as well as the shift points for the new 4T80-E transmission.

One notable feature, advertised at the time, was the fail-safe cooling mode which allowed the engine to continue running for a limited time without any coolant at all. It alternated banks of cylinders, basically "air cooling" the inside of the cylinders, to maintain cool temperatures, allowing a Northstar-equipped car to be driven with no coolant for about 100 mi (161 km) with no damage.

Another unusual feature of some Northstar-equipped cars is a liquid-cooled alternator used on Cadillac's Seville, DeVille, and Eldorado. The liquid-cooling helped prolong the life of the alternator in these electronic-laden models, though GM reverted to a traditional air-cooled setup for 2001 to eliminate potential leak points and extraneous tubing.

All engines of this family share the same Northstar bellhousing pattern.

Later developments included variable valve timing, which can vary intake by up to 40°and the exhaust by up to 50°. This system was devised for the longitudinal LH2 version, and has not, to date, been used on the transverse front wheel drive engines due to packaging considerations.

Northstar

The engine was introduced in mid-1992 in the 1993 Cadillac Allanté and continues to be used in most Cadillac models. The original Northstar Allanté also introduced the Northstar System which included traction control, adaptive suspension, and antilock brakes. Early Northstar had no knock sensors, and required premium grade gasoline to run safely.

The Northstar was sold exclusively by Cadillac for over a decade before being introduced in the 2004 Pontiac Bonneville and 2006 Buick Lucerne. However, the 4.0L L47 V8 variant was used in the Oldsmobile Aurora and the 3.5L LX5 V6 in the Oldsmobile Intrigue. The engine received a forged steel crankshaft in 2003. Cadillac had planned to introduce a V12 Northstar this decade, likely for use in the Escalade, but economics and new CAFE standards have killed this idea.

Most Northstar engines produce 275 hp (205 kW) to 315 hp (235 kW). The engines were revised for 2000 with coil-on-plug ignition and roller follower valvegear for improved fuel economy and reduced emissions. Though power output did not change, this update eliminated the need for premium fuel.

All but the supercharged Northstar displace 4.6 L (279 cu in) with a 93 mm (3.7 in) bore and 84 mm (3.3 in) stroke. For better head gasket sealing between cylinders, the supercharged version is de-bored to 91 mm (3.6 in) for a total displacement of 4.4 L (266 cu in) . The block is said[who?] to be capable of expansion up to 5.4 L, though no such engine has been produced.

The Northstar was on the Ward's 10 Best Engines list for 1995, 1996, and 1997.

L37

The L37 (VIN "9") was the original Northstar. It is tuned for responsiveness and power, while the later LD8 is designed for more sedate use. The L37 code has been used on all high-output transverse Northstars, even as the exact engine specifications evolved. Compression ratio for the L37 is 10:1, shared with the LD8.

The original L37 was specified at 290 hp (216 kW), but 1993 production examples were rated at 295 hp (220 kW). The engine topped out at 300 hp (224 kW) from 1996 through 2004 on the STS, DTS and ETC models, making these some of the most powerful domestic front wheel drive cars ever built, the most powerful title still belonging to the 1970 Cadillac Eldorado 500 cu in (8.2 L) with 400 hp (298 kW) (although the latter's rating is in the older SAE gross horsepower system, figured without accessories or muffler, where the current engine outputs are as-installed, net ratings). For 2005 the high output Northstar became Northstar NHP, and was downrated to 290 horsepower (220 kW) under the new SAE certified horsepower rating system. In 2006, the updated DTS "Performance Package" model got a slight bump to 292 hp (218 kW).

LD8

The LD8 (VIN "Y") is a transverse V8 for front-wheel drive cars. Introduced in 1994, it is designed to provide more torque than the high-revving L37. The LD8 code has been used on all torque-tuned transverse Northstars, even as the exact engine specifications evolved. Compression ratio is 10:1.

The 1998 revision is quieter than previous Northstar engines, due to hydraulic engine mounts, and performs better due to a tuned intake system.

Most LD8 Northstars are rated at 275 hp (205 kW) and 300 lb·ft (407 N·m).

LH2

The Northstar was designed originally for transverse front-wheel drive applications. It was modified substantially in 2004 for longitudinal rear- and all-wheel drive use in the SRX and XLR, as well as receiving variable valve timing. The RWD (LH2) Northstar produces 320 hp (239 kW) and 315 lb·ft (427 N·m). An increased compression ratio of 10.5:1 enables most of the increase in power from the L37 and LD8 Northstars.

Supercharged LC3

A 4.4 L (266 cu in) supercharged Northstar is used in the 2006 Cadillac STS-V and Cadillac XLR-V. The bore was reduced for increased strength and improved head gasket sealing. Variable valve timing is used on both the intake and exhaust sides. The STS-V engine produces 469 hp (350 kW) at 6400 rpm and 439 lb·ft (595 N·m) at 3900 rpm with 9:1 compression and the XLR-V engine produces 443 hp (330 kW) at 6400 rpm and 414 lb·ft (561 N·m) at 3900 rpm.

L47

A L47 inside an Aurora's engine bay

The L47 Aurora engine was a special V8 designed for the Oldsmobile Aurora, based on the Northstar engine. It is a DOHC 4 L (3995 cc, 244 cu in) V8 which produced 250 horsepower (186 kW) and 260 ft·lbf (353 N·m) of torque. The bore is 87 mm (3.4 in) and the stroke is 84 mm (3.3 in). The L47 has a 10.3:1 compression ratio and uses premium fuel.

Although most of the Northstar's features, including the coolant loss system, remained intact, the decreased bore increased weight unacceptably. To reduce it, Oldsmobile used a one-piece glass-filled thermoplastic intake manifold and simplified AC Rochester sequential fuel injection. A new die-cast structural aluminum oil pan incorporated baffling to reduce oil starvation in hard driving. A starter interlock prevents the starter from engaging if the quiet L47 is already running.

A highly modified version of this engine was used by General Motors racing division initially for Indy Racing League competition starting in 1995, then was later used in the Cadillac Northstar LMP program in 2000. Both engines retained the 4.0 L capacity, but the Northstar LMP version was twin-turbocharged.

The Aurora was also used in the Shelby Series 1 car.

The Aurora engine was introduced in 1994 for the 1995 model year, and General Motors has not used this engine since the demise of the marque in 2004.

LX5

A "Shortstar" LX5 inside an Intrigue's engine bay

The LX5 V6 is a DOHC engine from Oldsmobile, introduced in 1999 with the Oldsmobile Intrigue. It was produced by the Premium engine group at GM and was thus called the Premium V6, or PV6, while it was being developed. It is based on the L47 Aurora V8, which is itself based on the Northstar engine, so engineers called it the Short North, though Oldsmobile fans have taken to calling it the Shortstar.

It is not a simple cut-down V8. Although it has a 90° vee-angle like the Northstar and Aurora, the engine block was engineered from scratch, so bore centers are different. It has chain-driven dual overhead cams and 4 valves per cylinder, but is an even-firing design with a split-pin crankshaft similar to the modern GM 3800 engines. The LX5 displaced 3.5 L (3473 cc, 212 cu in) and produced 215 hp (160 kW) and 230 ft·lbf (312 N·m). Bore is 89.5 mm (3.52 in) and stroke is 92 mm (3.6 in). Compression ratio is 9.3:1.

The cost of building this engine was high, and it was not used in many vehicles. It was said at the time that a family of premium V6s would follow, with displacements ranging from 3.3 L to 3.7 L, but only the LX5 was ever produced. It was entirely different from any other V6 in the GM inventory, and as with the Aurora V8, production stopped with the demise of Oldsmobile.

This engine was used in the following:

1999-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue
2001-2002 Oldsmobile Aurora

The 3.5L LX5 was on the Ward's 10 Best Engines list for 1999 and 2000.

Speed Camera's Appearing On U.S. Roads

2009-06-03T08:42:00.000-07:00

Coming Soon to a Freeway Near You?

by Craig Howie | AOL Autos [Source]

You may already have seen an ominous looking radar and camera perched atop a traffic light in your neighborhood. And almost all drivers have seen a patrol car cruising a freeway looking for speeders, or a law-enforcement officer standing at the side of a road wielding a radar gun. But most have yet to see a freeway speed camera, which are common in Europe but currently are operated in just two U.S. states. Opponents and backers of speed cameras both suggest that eventually speed cameras will become the norm on US freeways. But just how likely is a nationwide roll-out? And what factors stand in the way? We take a look.

Sponsoring Legislation In Maryland

Maryland's governor, Martin O'Malley, signed into law on May 19 Senate Bill 277, allowing the use of speed cameras in highway work zones and within a half-mile radius of schools, which means that they can be placed on freeways under these conditions. Maryland is only the second state behind Arizona to codify the use of freeway speed cameras into law. Hawaii piloted a program but dropped it, and similar programs near San Jose, Calif., and in southern Florida were dismantled after they were found to be operating outside of state law. Maryland's law takes effect from Oct. 1.

Sean Adamec, the governor's spokesman, responded to our inquiries.

"Maryland is in a unique position," Adamec said. "A pilot program in Montgomery shows it worked; it lowered incidences of fatalities, crashing and speeding and made neighborhoods safer. It's safer for kids, road workers and it's been shown to work based on evidence. The point of them isn't to raise money but to catch speeders and that in turn makes neighborhoods safer.

"We wouldn't propose any tax on motorists traveling at safe speeds. If it was revenue rising we would've done it years ago, [but cameras] slow people down so they don't need to levy so many fines. Of course there is a financial impact to make roads safer with less fatalities, but in the end you can't put a price on the life of a child."

Fighting Legislation In Arizona

Sam Crump, an Arizona assemblyman who is opposed to the speed cameras and has backed legislation to have them removed from the state's freeways in 2010, says the main backing for speed cameras within Arizona has come from "senior citizens groups," but there has been a surprising agreement between his core conservative followers and college students over privacy concerns.

"It's been the subject of some debate since we introduced it and some legislators have been surprised by the controversy," Crump said. "We expect it to come up for a vote in the next couple weeks. If it fails, we'll say more power to the people. But every time [a freeway speed-camera initiative] has been up for a vote in any place it has failed."

Arizona's former governor, Janet Napolitano, predicted Arizona's freeway camera system would generate $90 million in profit for the state in 2009, and $34 million for the private company that runs it. Crump, however says the system's total profit has been in the range of "$20 to $25 million a year," which leads him to suggest that speed camera detractors who say it's only a device to make money could be wrong.

"I caution people that it really is technology in the hands of Big Brother," Crump said. "We've got 70 or so [freeway speed cameras] right now, and they're looking at [a total of] 200."

Safety At Issue

Russ Rader, at the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, says that, outside of freeways, speed cameras are used in 48 communities nationwide, including in Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, Washington, and Washington DC. The group's research shows that photo enforcement "works to slow drivers down. Cameras do what police officers can't -- enforce speed limit laws 24/7. Speeding is a major safety problem on our roads. It contributes to one-third of all crash deaths."

The IIHS found that speed cameras "can substantially reduce speeding on a wide range of roadway types. Six months after implementation of speed cameras on residential streets and school zones in Montgomery County, Maryland, in 2007, the proportion of drivers exceeding speed limits by more than 10 mph declined by about 70 percent. Implementation of a 9-month pilot program using fixed speed cameras on a busy urban freeway in Scottsdale, Arizona, in 2006 was associated with up to a 95 percent decrease in the odds that drivers would travel more than 10 mph above the posted 65 mph speed limit."

"The main argument opponents use against camera enforcement is that it can be a cash cow for local governments," Rader said. "If you don't like the idea of sending revenue to your local government, don't break the law. It's hardly unreasonable to expect drivers to stay within 10 mph of the speed limit. I have an elementary school in my neighborhood, which is bisected by a major commuter road where drivers regularly speed like banshees. I want those drivers ticketed. Period. There aren't enough police officers to do that everywhere."

Nationwide Rollout?

Newspaper.com's Richard Diamond, an opponent of speed cameras, says it's hard at times to weigh which "side" -- opponents of the cameras, or their detractors -- is "winning."

"There are places where cameras are advancing, and places where they're retreating," said Diamond. "For politicians, the desire is on increase, but whether they can get away with it, that level has gone down."

He says lawmakers in Wisconsin, Ohio, Montana and Mississippi failed to get a freeway speed camera measure onto a ballot, but points to Maryland as an example of lawmakers' success. He says 13 states have specific laws banning freeway cameras, but he sees a natural progression from states using red-light cameras to using freeway speed cameras.

"The biggest issue opponents have is it creates a legal system where you're presumed guilty without a trial," Diamond said. "If a database says you're a criminal, you are. Once you let in the cameras it opens the door that this is OK."

He says protesting freeway speed cameras can be an arduous task.

"Somebody willing to go to the effort for 30 days and grab 20,000 signatures takes dedication."

Grassroots Activism

Todd Kandaris, at www.Camerafraud.com, says his Arizona-based group's campaign against freeway cameras started late in 2008 and his group's member numbers have swelled from 100 to about 1500. He says the group works to bring attention to the issue through protests and publicity stunts.

"Early on we concentrated on raising awareness and getting attention, [with] groups of people getting out there and protesting," said Kandaris. "We find that highway overpasses work well. Thousands [of motorists] go by in a given hour, and [it gets] lots of media attention. We demo'd in front of the manufacturer's headquarters. Earlier this year we introduced a citizen's initiative with the secretary of state, attempting to put the issue on the ballot, to let citizens vote on it in 2010."

He says the group must collect more than 150,000 signatures by July 2010 to place the issue on the statewide ballot, and is working with groups in Virginia, Louisiana, D.C., Texas and Ohio. "Cameras have never withstood a vote of the public, which tells you this is a device used by politicians and corporations to make money. It's not like we're a bunch of evil speeding people, we want traffic control as much as everyone else. We just think this is just a device to bilk money out of the public."

Legal Standpoint

Sherman Ellison, a California lawyer who fights regular speeding and traffic tickets, says that a key legal issue is the data-gathering system by which driver information is collected by companies and then distributed to law-enforcement agencies, who then issue the citation to the car's driver, or owner (which varies by state).

"If you were driving down the street and ran a red light and an officer pulled you over he'd write a ticket for failing to stop," Ellison said. "He would have visually observed [the offense] and you'd either plead or go to trial, where you'd be able to ask him for proof of that. In the photo context there is no officer, it's just a camera connected to a laptop, and that system sends that information to a company, whether that's Redflex or another, that sends data digitally to the contractor.

"The difficulty in this process is they will crop or enhance these photos or whatever they feel they have to do, for the determination of whether they broke the law. I demand that they prove this is a true and correct photograph and rarely they'll go through that process."

Redflex Responds

Cristine Weeks, a spokeswoman for Redflex, an Australian company headquartered near Phoenix that works in tandem with seven other vendors enforcing speed limits nationwide and operates Arizona's freeway speed-camera system, says several studies -- including those of the IIHS, Arizona State University and the Arizona Department of Transportation -- have demonstrated camera "efficacy and accident reductions."

She says the Redflex infrastructure was set up without any additional taxpayer funds and that the company contracts with various state and city departments in the same way as a waste-management company would. The company reported $88.2 million in revenue for its global operations in 2008 -- and an annual increase of 43 percent in U.S. traffic revenues from $44.3 million to $63.3 million -- and an operating profit of $10.6 million.

She says the company's data-gathering process involves analyzing digital still images as well as streaming video, and that the company performs a quality check of any images before sending them to law-enforcement officers, who review all of the evidence before authorizing any citation.

"Nothing is changed on the image. They are not 'Photoshopped,'" Weeks said. "It is impossible to 'shop in a light system. In the early days it was a question many wanted to know. [But] the agencies are walked through to see how the process works, and a violator can view their own video."

She says radars similar to mobile-police devices measure a motorist's time over distance and any breach of the speed limit results in a camera image of the front of the car, including the driver, and the car's rear license plate. She says although Arizona freeway drivers are not levied points on their license for any breach of the law, that as drivers are forced to pay more fines, they become "more aware" of their driving patterns, and modify their driving accordingly.

1961 CADILLAC DEVILLE

2009-06-01T14:18:00.000-07:00

1961 CADILLAC DEVILLE

390V8, Automatic Transmission, 4-Door, 2WD, 5K Miles, Flat Black Paint job, Green Interior, Power Steering, Power Brakes, Power Windows, Power front seat. Has the original tube radio that works. This is a rare short deck Cadillac. It is 7 inches shorter than any others. This is a definite collector's car. Car was a daily driver. It runs great. It has a rebuilt tranny with less than 5k miles on it. I have converted generator to an alternator, and added electronic ignition to eliminate the points. The Body is straight and has all chrome. It has lake pipes and glass paks for exhaust. It is painted flat black and has gangster white wall bias ply tires.

1961 CADILLAC COUPE DEVILLE BUBBLE TOP

Very seldom does an original 31K original mile car come onto the market and here is one that has obviously been extremmely well taken care of over the years. Polar Blue with matching Polar Blue Leather interior with eldorado power bucket seats. Factory AC works great and has been converted over to R134. Upgrades include new gas tank,fuel lines, fuel pmp, rebuilt Carburetor, new wires, rotor, cap, points. The brake booster and brake system is new as well as the exhaust. The tires are 80 good and all the windows work and the glass is all in good shape.

1961 Cadillac Convertible

Exterior Color: RED
Interior Color: WHITE
Cylinders: 8
Transmission: 4-SPEED AUTOMATIC

This car is a 1961 Cadillac convertible with a new white top and boot. It also has new white leather upholstery, red carpet, battery and dual exhaust system. The car has power steering, power windows, turn signals, radio with cassette player, spoked wheels with white wall tires, and a full car cover. The 8-cylinder engine is in good condition and the car has been garage kept.

1960 CADILLAC SERIES 62 CONVERTIBLE

2009-05-30T03:15:00.000-07:00

This is one of the finest examples of the 1960 Cadillac series 62 I have ever seen. A two owner car that the 2nd owner brought up to the standard that it is today. The car was showing 57k miles when it underwent the restoration that included a repaint which was the first since new. At that time, they turned the odometer back to zero. All miles showing were put on the car after the restoration. Everything has been done so that the car needs absolutely nothing except to be taken care of and enjoyed by whoever is lucky enough to own and enjoy this icon of American automobilia. Enjoy the pictures and then give me a call to discuss how you can own this classic big fin Cadillac.

1960 CADILLAC ELDORADO BIARRITZ

This car was produced a 62 series convertible. Someone along the way added the Biarritz trim package. This car is a driver that needs a little work to bring it up to speed, but for the person that wants a driver and would like to drive without the worry of a little nick or chip along the way, this is your car. Loaded and beautiful. These cars are going up and not down as time goes along so here is a great chance to own a beauty at an entry level price. Please give me a call to discuss.

1959 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible

2009-05-30T03:04:00.000-07:00

1959 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible

Color: red.
Interior: red and white.

Purchased from a private collection with 10,700 documented miles. Restored with every nut and bolt turned and a painted frame. Matching numbers original V8 engine with powdercoated dress-up kit, "Y" coated manifold and automatic transmission. Both engine and transmission rebuilt at restoration. All new hoses and netls. Rebuilt carburetor, generator, radiator and cleaned gas tank. Factory power top, windows, seat and steering. Factory cold air conditioning changed over to 134R. Original chrome and stainless trim refinished. New or refurbished interior. Factory radio, fender skirts and sitting on original powdercoated wheels with wide white wall tires. Spare and jack intact. Original wheel covers. New rubber moldings. Come look this show car over with pictures and receipts of restoration. Less than 200 miles since restoration. Clock refurbished and quartz converted. Odometer refurbished. Both by Instrument Service. Radio refurbished by Hans Kleeman. Steering wheel refurbished by Quality Restoration Inc. Dash leather set in place by Classic Interior.

1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible Coupe

1958 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham

2009-05-30T02:54:00.000-07:00

1958 Cadillac Eldorado Biarrtiz Convertible

Estimate: $60,000-$90,000 US
Chassis No. 58E036499
AUCTION RESULTS: Lot was Sold at a price of $79,200

335hp 365 cu. in. overhead valve eight-cylinder engine, three two-barrel carburetors, four-speed Hydramatic transmission, independent front suspension with coil springs, live axle rear suspension with coil springs and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 129.5"

1958 marked the last year before Harley Earl went over the top with Cadillac tail fins. More elegant and subdued, the 1958 tail fins carry the horizontal body line as the trunk deck begins to slope down creating a sense of motion and careful aim. At 221.8 inches from nose to tail, (that is eighteen feet, five and 4/5 inches) the Eldorado Biarritz is nearly two feet longer than a current Cadillac Escalade SUV.

Supreme among the chrome monsters of the 1950s was the 1958 Eldorado Biarritz Convertible. Its ferocity was more than suggested by the styling, under its solid steel hood was 335 horsepower from Cadillac's 365 cubic inch engine topped with three two-barrel carburetors. Inside the Eldorado Biarritz no sublimation of luxury was necessary. It had the finest materials and its options included every comfort and convenience feature Cadillac could conceive, including air conditioning, air suspension, E-Z Eye tinted windshield, automatic headlight dimmer, and gold finish radiator grille (at no extra cost)!

Nowhere today is there a combination of power and presence like this 1958 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible. The example offered here is in the rare and beautiful color combination of Persian sand with silver metallic Cape Buffalo grained leather. Like all Eldorado Biarritz models, it is lavishly equipped with conveniences, including the fiberglass "parade" top boot cover, E-Z Eye, automatic headlight dimmer, and air conditioning.

As a virtual timewarp example, the leather interior is all original and the exterior has been given what appears to be a single repaint in its original beautiful Persian sand color. This stunning car is suitable for use as is and we encourage close examination as these convertibles, along with their four door siblings, the stately Brougham, continue to rise in both popularity and value at an accelerated rate. Whether it is used as a show car or as a stunning weekend driver, this Eldorado Biarritz's presence is unmistakable and it draws even more admiring stares today than when it was new nearly a half century ago.

1958 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible

Exterior Color: BLACK
Interior color" RED/WHITE
Cylinders 8
Transmission AUTOMATIC

Completely restored. An absolutely perfect Grand National winner. This car has received the Cadillac Senior Certificate and wears the Cadillac LaSalle Club Incorporated Senior Gold Badge received in Rhode Island.

1957 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible

2009-05-30T02:35:00.001-07:00

Elvis Presley Automobile Museum Graceland, Memphis, TN

1957 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible

365cid/325hp V8 with an automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes and air conditioning. A California car with no rust, continental wheel carrier and wire wheels. A matching numbers car. Original Color: Mountain Laurel.

1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham Hardtop Sedan

1957 Cadillac Series 62 2-Door Hardtop

Exterior Color: PASTEL GREEN
Interior Color: GREY

365cid/300hp V8 with an automatic transmission. An unrestored original with new tires, exhaust and ownership history.

All original car owned by the same individual from 1957 'til 1983, then stored inside til 2001 when purchased by present owner. Series 62 2 door, hardtop, original paint, engine and interior. New radial tires, exhaust system, period battery, period wire wheels.

1957 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible

Exterior Color: GREEN/WHITE
Interior Color: GREEN

Summary 365cid/325hp V8 with an automatic transmission, power steering, brakes, windows and top. Restored to original specifications.

1957 Cadillac Fleetwood Series 75 9-Passenger Limo

Absolutely beautiful, original General Motors factory-built 1957 Cadillac 75 Series Fleetwood 9-passenger sedan. 1 of 1,010 built. This 365cid/300hp engine had a base coat of $7,348 in 1957 dollars. This is an original car with the original interior still. Older repaint. Runs and functions fantastic. New tires, tune up, etc. Drive anywhere in comfort. Factory air conditioning, remote driver's outside rear view mirror, power windows, power steering, power brakes, etc. No divider window.

1956 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible - Elvis Presley

2009-05-30T02:05:00.000-07:00

This Cadillac is a great example of the indiviuallity that established Elvis as a cultural icon. Bought in 1956, the car was originally white. Elvis had it painted purple and had the interior customized to his taste.

1956 Cadillac Fleetwood Series 75

Two owners, 20,376 actual miles. In 1981 Roy G. Wild purchased this elegant Series 75 Cadillac from its original owner. At the time of his purchase, the car had traveled 20,255 miles. Only 1095 cars were made in 1956. It is an all original car with one code correct repaint. The interior welcomes its lucky occupants with luxury and jump seats for any over flow. It is so original that when the thermostat was removed when the water pump was replaced it was date coded 3-56. The car includes the GM tags which instructed the owner in the operation of the autronic eye and radio. Prior to offering the car for sale the carburetor was rebuilt, water pump replaced, fuel pump replaced, fuel tank was removed and cleaned and new tires installed. This is as fresh as you will find and new to the market.

1956 Cadillac Fleetwood Limousine

Exterior Color: Arlington Green
Interior Color Tan
365cid/285hp V8 with an automatic transmission and all power options.

1956 Cadillac Fleetwood 7 passenger limousine. 100% original with only 41,771 miles. Purchased at original owners estate auction in July 2005. Original owner was Elmer Kamm of Kamm Brewery in Mishawaka, IN. Less than 1000 produced, very rare car in excellent condition with complete documentation.

1956 CADILLAC ELDORADO

Original only once, and this still is!!!!!!!!!! This is a very unusual and incredible find. I have never seen a car quite like this one. It is completely original in every way down to the paint. It has only 50K miles on the odometer and I have no reason to believe it is anything but original... the way it was when it came off the production line. The most unusual feature of this car is the rear bumper. I have never seen one like it and I think it may be a factory bumper. But, I do not know enough about these cars to even venture a guess. Please call to discuss this car as I would be typing all night to describe this awsome car.

1956 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz

The 1956 Cadillac Eldorado convertible returned with the name Biarritz for 1956 (Body Series #62675X). The name was taken from the historic and, of course, prestigious European city of Biarritz, France. Styling changes for '56 included the addition of a smart, twin-bladed hood ornament suitable for impaling unsuspecting pedestrians and a pair of ribbed chrome "saddles" on the door tops. This Eldorado convertible is 1 of 2,150 available to the World. They were gobbled up by celebrities such as Elvis Presley, Reza Pahlavi, the Shah of Iran and the most affluent people. There weren't many left for the public. Under the hood, the Cadillac V8 was enlarged to 365cid. Compression was 9.75:1. Horsepower was rated at 305. The engine has 2 Carter WCFB 4-barrel carburetor, Model #23715. The engine number and frame numbers all match. The stunning Chantilly paint and two tone white and black interior match the numbers from the factory. The speedometer read only 850 since the restoration was complete. It is loaded with standard items for the '56 Eldorado such as power windows, 6-way power seats, Wonder Bar radio, EZ-eye glass, auto trunk lock-release, Sabre Gold aluminum wheels, gold grille, automatic eye, Tri-color package, fog lamps and Continental Kit. This is one of very few 1956 Cadillac Eldorado convertibles to ever cross the block at the Barrett-Jackson auction.

1956 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible Coupe

Chassis No. 5662138041
Sold at a price of $71,500

331 cu. in. V8, 240bhp at 4,400rpm, three-speed Hydramatic automatic transmission with independent front and rear coil springs and semi-elliptic leaf springs and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 129"

The Series 62 Cadillac Convertible offered here is a wonderful example across the board. Finished in a handsome black with a luxuriously appointed red and white leather interior it also sports a black power soft top with matching hard parade boot. The assortment of factory options includes power windows, the Autronic Eye, clock, radio, power steering, and the optional wire wheels and whitewall tires.

The excellent condition of this car is the result of a recent restoration by its Midwest owner, who notably also owned a 1957 convertible and 1959 convertible. Overall, the brightwork, engine and bay, interior and paintwork show virtually no wear. The underbody is exceptionally tidy displaying only minor signs of road use. Accordingly, with minimal preparation and just a routine service this Cadillac would be suitable for weekend cruising or shows. In 1956 this was the car to own and the same statement stands true even today.

1955 Cadillac Fleetwood - Elvis Presley

2009-05-30T01:47:00.000-07:00

Perhaps the most famous of the Elvis cars, the pink Cadillac was one of the few cars that Elvis kept throughout his entire career. He often referred to to it as "Gladys' car" even though she did not drive, but because it was her favorite.

1955 CADILLAC FLEETWOOD

Engine Size: 331-250 H.P.
Transmission: AUTOMATIC
Exterior Color: MIST GREEN /ARLINGTON GREEN
Interior Color: GREEN

YOU CAN NOW BID YOUR PRICE! TELL US WHAT YOU WOULD PAY. 24 HOUR A DAY BIDDING AT VOLOCARS.COM OR CALL JAY OR BRIAN AT 815 385 3644. ALL REASONABLE BIDS ARE CONSIDERED. NOW IS THE TIME FOR GREAT DEALS!

THIS MASSIVE FLEETWOOD IS A TURN KEY GET IN AND DRIVE CAR. THE OWNER IS A CADILLAC LASALE CLUB MEMBER. HAS HAS BRAGGED ABOUT HOW NICELY THIS CAR OPERATES. THE POWER WINDOWS GLIDE EFFORTLESSLY. IT HAS NEW PAINT ON A VERY STRAIGHT SOLID BODY. THE CHROME IS STRAIGHT AND SHINY. THE INTERIOR IS IMMACULATE. THE UPHOLSTERY,HEADLINER, DOOR PANELS, CARPET ETC ARE IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. THE TRUNK HAS A NEW CORRECT LINER KIT INSTALLED. IT HAS 5 NEW WHITE WALL TIRES. RECENTLY TUNED AND SERVICED. NOW IT IS YOUR TURN TO ENJOY THIS 50'S CLASSIC.

Options and Accessories:

POWER WINDOWS
POWER 4 WAY SEAT
POWER STEERING
POWER BRAKES
WONDER BAR RADIO
AUTO HEADLIGHT DIMMER
PADDED DASH
5 WHITE WALLS

1955 Cadillac Coupe DeVille

1955 Cadillac Coupe DeVille

Meticulously restored to factory standards, this Cadillac boasts its original matching numbers engine and a flawless paint and body restoration in its original Arlington Green metallic paint. Featuring a mostly original light green interior, this Cadillac has factory power windows, power seat, AM radio, Auto-tronic eye headlamp dimmer, power brakes and newer radial wide white wall tires. Weighing in at just over 4400lbs, this is one classic that runs and drives as flawlessly today as it did in 1955. With just over 36,000 original miles showing, its no wonder why this beauty performs so well. Always garaged and very well cared for, this icon of the 1950's retains much of its original mechanical and body components making it much more valuable and collectible.

1955 Cadillac Fleetwood Sedan

1954 CADILLAC COUPE

2009-05-30T01:37:00.000-07:00

ABSOLUTELY STUNNING AUTOMOBILE. GROUND UP RESTORED, $8,000 IN CHROME! PURCHASED NEW IN BEVERLY HILLS. BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN OWNED BY BETTY DAVIS. RUST FREE SOUTHWESTERN CAR, LIVED IN CALIFORNIA, NEW MEXICO AND ARIZONA. FROM THE FAMOUS PHIL MALOOF COLLECTION (OWNER OF THE SAN DIEGO PADERS AND A CASINO WITH CAR COLLECTION). THIS CAR IS IMPRESSIVE, WITH CLASS AND ELEGANCE! RUST FREE BODY IS ARROW STRAIGHT AND HAS A BEAUTIFUL MIRROR FINISH, WET SANDED PAINT. OVER $8,000 IN RE-CHROMING REALLY SETS THIS CAR OFF. THE GOLD PLATED EMBLEMS AND STAINLESS TRIM HAVE BEEN RESTORED. NEW RADIAL WHITE WALLS. THE CAR FLOATS DOWN THE ROAD. WHISPER QUIET ENGINE. ENGINE COMPARTMENT IS DETAILED. INTERIOR IS ALSO RESTORED BEAUTIFULLY. TRUNK COMPARTMENT IS FINISHED AS WELL. LOOKS LIKE A $100,000 CAR FOR THE PRICE OF AN AVERAGE CAMARO! PRECEDING INFORMATION IS TO THE BEST OF OUR KNOWLEDGE.

1954 CADILLAC FLEETWOOD

1954 Cadillac Fleetwood ID# 546048876 This Car was purchased new by the late Maurice Guerry of Castleford,ID in 1954. One year later it was sold to Phil Cargill who owned and operated the Yellow Cab Co. and Limousine service in Twin Falls, ID. The car was used to Chauffer celebrities traveling between Sun Valley and the Twin Falls Airport. Janet Leigh, Ann Sheridan and Lydia Du Pont were among the many that were reported to have been chauffeured in the car while vacationing in Sun Valley, ID. Additionally Marilyn Monroe used the car many times during filming of the movie "Bus Stop" in the mid fifties in Sun Valley. Bing Crosby is also reported to have used the car to transport his hunting parties from Sun Valley to a favorite pleasant hunting area near Burley in Southern Idaho. This car is preserved in original condition with the exception of a paint job, the odometer shows 63,750 miles which is believed to be original. This is a great 50's Cadillac with an amazing history! Price: $75,000

1953 Cadillac Coupe De Ville

2009-05-30T01:23:00.000-07:00

1953 Cadillac Coupe De Ville

The 1953 model year Cadillacs have become on of the most recognizable and iconic body styles of the Harley Earl design era. This Coupe De Ville is presented in factory-correct Artisan Ochre (pale yellow) for a fabulous 50's look. IT was the recipient of a high-quality restoration in the late 90's and it still presents superbly throughout with acres of glistening chrome, excellent paint and body, correct leather upholstery and even the original California Black Plates.

1953 CADILLAC SERIES 62 2 DOOR HARDTOP

SOLD FOR $59,400
Color: GRAY
Transmission: AUTO
Cylinders: V8
Engine Size: 331
Horsepower: 210

Recent restoration and garage kept. Rust free, great driving car. This car is mechanically fine, the paint is in great condition and the interior is perfect.

1953 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible

Exterior Color: WHITE
Interior Color: RED

V8 with an automatic, power everything, wire wheels and Continental kit. Beautifully restored. Runs and drives as new. Power everything.

1950 Cadillac Series 62 2-Door Hardtop

2009-05-30T01:19:00.000-07:00

Exterior Color: GREY
Interior Color: GREY

Summary 331cid/160hp V8 with an automatic and well optioned with a rare hardtop.
Description Rare series '62 two door hardtop. Complete professional restoration to show quality. No expense spared. Rebuilt engine, transmission and suspension. Very correct with rare factory color. Judged "best Cadillac" dealer award in 2006. One of the nicest examples in the country.

1948 CADILLAC MODEL 6267X 2 DR CONVERTIBLE COUPE

2009-05-30T01:16:00.001-07:00

Mileage: 54391
Engine Size: L HEAD V-8
Transmission: 4 SPEED AUTO
Exterior Color: MADERA MAROON
Interior Color: RED LEATHER

THIS IS A STUNNING 1948 MODEL 62 CADILLAC CONVERTIBLE. THIS CAR HAS ALMOST EVERY OPTION THAT CADILLAC OFFERED. THE RED LEATHER INTERIOR IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. THE CUSTOM DIENOK TRANSFER RAINBOW DASH IS STRIKING. VERY SOLID STRAIGHT CAR WITH EXCELLENT CHROME AND PAINT. CADILLAC LASALLE CLUB GRAND NATIONAL MEET FIRST PLACE WINNER. COMPLETE VIDEO OF THIS VEHICLE AVAILABLE FOR $50, REFUNDED WITH VEHICLE PURCHASE, AND INCLUDES OVERNIGHT SHIPPING OF VIDEO. CALL OUR CLASSIC CAR DIVISION AT 815-385-8408 FOR VIDEO AND/OR VEHICLE INFORMATION.

Options and Accessories:

CUSTOM DIENOK TRANSFER DASH - 4 SPEED AUTO TRANSMISSION - POWER STEERING - POWER BRAKES - POWER TOP - POWER WINDOWS - POWER SEATS - CUSTOM TRUNK LINER - DRIVERS SIDE SPOT LIGHT - RADIO - DASH CLOCK - CADILLAC SCRIPT EXHAUST TIP - WIDE WHITEWALL TIRES - FENDER SKIRTS

1941 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible

2009-05-30T01:10:00.000-07:00

1942 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible Coupe

2009-05-30T01:05:00.000-07:00

1942 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible Coupe

Chassis No. 5426611
Sold at a price of $36,300

150hp 346 cu. in. L-head Eight with three main bearings, eight-cylinder engine, four-bbl carburetor, Twin-Turbine Variable Pitch DynaFlow automatic transmission, four-wheel leaf springs and four-wheel drum brakes. Wheelbase: 129"

The 1942 40th Anniversary Cadillac models were very dramatically restyled. The Harley Earl 1941 models had been runaway best sellers in their field, yet the improvements were substantial. The grille had more massive bars but fewer of them and housed rectangular fog lamps. The parking lights were now round. The front end styling with its dazzling combination of paint and chrome was complemented by the graceful contours of the hood. The front and rear fenders were extended into the doors, or in the case of the two door models, into the body. Although this had first been seen on the 1941 60 Special, the shape was far more dramatic with its radius flowing forward into the lower surface.

The 1942 Series 62 had a more generous trunk, larger seats, additional floor space and an electrically powered convertible top. Chrome bullet shapes appeared on the substantial front and rear bumpers along with heavy moldings along the sides of the body. It also incorporated quarter windows in its design for the very first time. This older restored Cadillac still catches everyone's attention despite the slight patina it now bears. Its red paint and black convertible top are a stunning combination. Although some minor pitting can be found on its classic egg crate grille, the chrome bumpers and trim are excellent. Inside the contrasting navy blue leather seats and panels show minimal wear, as do the rich-looking dark blue carpets.

Because this rare Cadillac was popular as a "wedding" car it has been fitted with a modern sound system that operates from a separate, hidden 12 volt system. If so desired, this can easily be removed, as it in no way compromised this 62's original six volt electrical system as no modifications were necessary. The vendor reports the engine runs well and requires only fresh detailing, not servicing. For future concours events this rare open Cadillac likely requires only minor cosmetic restoration.

A total of 4,961 Series 62 Cadillacs were built before the start of World War II halted production. Cadillac V8 engines, like the one found in the Series 62, would eventually be fitted in the Patton tanks. Very few Series 62 convertibles such as we have offered here today were built.

1941 Cadillac Sixty Special

2009-05-30T00:59:00.000-07:00

1940 Cadillac Bohman & Schwartz Convertible Coupe Victoria

2009-05-30T00:55:00.000-07:00

Cadillac Eldorado

2009-05-07T08:56:00.000-07:00

Cadillac Eldorado

Manufacturer

Cadillac

Parent company

General Motors

Production

1953–2002

Class

Full-size personal luxury car

The Eldorado model was part of the Cadillac line from 1953 to 2002. The Cadillac Eldorado was the longest running American personal luxury car as it was the only one sold after the 1999 model year. Its main competitors included the Lincoln Mark Series and the lower-priced Buick Riviera.[citation needed]

Although cars bearing the name varied considerably in bodystyle and mechanical layout during this long period, the Eldorado models were always near the top of the Cadillac line. Nevertheless, and except for the Eldorado Brougham models of 1957–1960, the most expensive models were always the opulent, long wheel-based Series 75 sedans and limousines, not the Eldorado.

The Name "Eldorado"

The name was proposed for a special show car built in 1952 to mark Cadillac's Golden Anniversary; it was the result of an in-house competition won by Mary-Ann Zukosky (married name = Marini), a secretary in the company's merchandising department. Another source, Palm Springs Life magazine, attributes the name to a resort destination in California's Coachella Valley that was a favorite of General Motors executives, the Eldorado Country Club. In any case, the name was adopted by the company for a new, limited-edition convertible that was added to the line in 1953.

The name Eldorado was derived from the Spanish words "el dorado", "the gilded one" or "the golden one"; the name was given originally to the legendary chief or "cacique" of a South American Indian tribe. Legend has it that his followers would sprinkle his body with gold dust on ceremonial occasions and he would wash it off again by diving into a lake. The name more frequently refers to a legendary city of fabulous riches, somewhere in South America, that inspired many European expeditions, including one to the Orinoco by England's Sir Walter Raleigh.

1953-54

1954 Cadillac Eldorado

First generation

Production

1953-1954

Assembly

Detroit, Michigan, USA

Body style(s)

2-door convertible

Layout

FR layout

Engine(s)

331 ci 210 hp (160 kW) V8

Wheelbase 126 in (3,200 mm)

Length

220.8 in (5,610 mm) (1953)
223.4 in (5,670 mm) (1954)

The 1953 Eldorado was a special-bodied, low-production convertible (532 units in total). It was the production version of the 1952 El Dorado "Golden Anniversary" concept car. Available in four unique colors (Aztec Red, Alpine White, Azure Blue and Artisan Ochre — the latter is a yellow hue, although it was shown erroneously as black in the color folder issued on this rare model). Convertible tops were available in either black or white Orlon. There was no special badging on the car, other than the "Eldorado" nameplate, in "gold", in the center of the dash. A hard tonneau cover, flush with the rear deck, hid the top in the open car version. Although it was based on the regular Series 62 convertible and shared its engine, it was nearly twice as expensive at US$7,750. This car was 221 inches (5,600 mm) long and 79 inches (2,000 mm) wide.

This first Eldorado had a wraparound windshield and a cut-down beltline, the latter signifying a dip in the sheetmetal at the bottom of the side windows. These two touches were especially beloved by General Motors Styling Chief Harley Earl and subsequently were widely copied by other marques. In fact, throughout 1950s, Eldorado was General Motors' styling leader, and since GM led the industry, where the Eldorado went, everyone else would tend to follow.

In 1954, Eldorado lost its unique sheet metal, sharing its basic body shell with standard Cadillacs. Distinguished now mainly by trim pieces, this allowed GM to lower the price and they were rewarded with a substantial jump in sales.

1955-1958

Second generation

Production

1955-1958

Assembly

Detroit, Michigan, USA

Body style(s)

2-door coupe
2-door convertible

Layout FR layout

Engine(s)

365 ci 310 hp (230 kW) V8
331 ci 270 hp (200 kW) V8

Wheelbase

126 in (3,200 mm) (SWB)
129.5 in (3,290 mm) (1957-58 LWB)
129 in (3,300 mm) (1955-56)

Length

223.4 in (5,670 mm) (1958 LWB)
216.3 in (5,490 mm) (1957-58 SWB)
222.1 in (5,640 mm) (1957 LWB)
222.2 in (5,640 mm) (1956)
223.2 in (5,670 mm) (1955)

For 1955, the Eldorado's body gained its own rear end styling with high, slender, pointed tailfins. These contrasted with the rather thick, bulbous fins which were common at the time and were an example of Eldorado once again pointing the way forward.

For 1956, a two-door hardtop coupe version appeared, called the Eldorado Seville.

1957

Eldorado (in both Biarritz convertible and Seville hardtop bodystyles) with a revised rear-end design featuring a low, downswept fenderline capped by a pointed, in-board fin. The rear fenders were commonly referred to as "chipmunk cheeks". This concept was used for two years, but did not spawn any imitators.

1957 was chiefly notable, for the introduction of one of GM's most memorable designs, the Eldorado Brougham. This four-door hardtop with rear-hinged rear doors was an ultra-luxury car that cost an astonishing $13,074 — more than the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud of the same year. It featured a stainless steel roof, air suspension, the first memory power seats, and every other comfort and convenience feature available at GM at the time.

1959-1966

Third generation

Production

1959-1966

Assembly

Detroit, Michigan, USA

Body style(s)

2-door coupe
2-door convertible

Layout FR layout

Engine(s)

390 ci 340 hp (250 kW) V8

Wheelbase

129.5 in (3,290 mm) (1963-68)
130 in (3,300 mm) (1959-62)

Length

224.5 in (5,700 mm) (1966)
224 in (5,700 mm) (1965)
223.5 in (5,680 mm) (1964)
223 in (5,700 mm) (1963)
222 in (5,600 mm) (1961-62)
225 in (5,700 mm) (1959-60)

A different Eldorado Brougham was sold for 1959 and 1960. These cars were not quite so extravagantly styled but were very unusual pieces in themselves. Priced at $13,075, they cost $1 more, each, than their older siblings. The design was 100% Cadillac but the company contracted out the assembly to Pininfarina of Italy, with whom the division has had a long-running relationship, and these Eldorados were essentially hand-built in Italy. Discreet, narrow taillights - were integrated into modest tailfins, and a squared-off rear roof line allowed the Brougham to contrast sharply to the "rocketship" taillights, flamboyant fins, and rounded roof lines of the standard 1959 Cadillacs. However, the Brougham's styling cues would prove to indicate where Cadillac styling would head in the early-mid 1960s. Build quality was not nearly to the standard of the Detroit hand-built 1957–1958 models, and the 1959–1960 Broughams did not sell as well as their forebears. However, collector interest and values remain high.

The last Eldorado Seville was built in 1960. After that, the Eldorado convertible became essentially a more luxuriously trimmed version of the Cadillac Series 62 convertible (using trim pieces reserved only for the Fleetwood Sixty Special).

An Eldorado convertible would remain in the Cadillac line through 1966, but its differences from the rest of the line were generally modest. In 1964, probably the most distinctive year during this period, the main visual cue indicating an Eldorado was simply the lack of fender skirts.

1967-1970

Cadillac Eldorado

1968 Eldorado

Fourth Generation

Production

1967-1970

Assembly

Detroit, Michigan, USA

Body style(s)

2-door coupe

Layout FF layout

Platform E-body

Engine(s)

500 in³ V8

Transmission(s)

3-speed automatic

Wheelbase 120 in (3,000 mm)

Length 221 in (5,600 mm)

Related

Oldsmobile Toronado

The Eldorado was radically redesigned for 1967.

Intended for the burgeoning personal luxury car market, it was a "personal" Cadillac sharing the E-body with the Oldsmobile Toronado, which had been introduced the previous year. Cadillac adopted the Toronado's Unified Powerplant Package and front-wheel drive. The Eldorado used a standard Cadillac 429 V8 with a modified Turbo-Hydramatic automatic transmission (THM425, based on the Turbo-Hydramatic 400) with the torque converter mounted next to the planetary gearbox, driving it through a metal chain.

Despite sharing underpinnings with the Toronado, the Eldorado's crisp styling, initiated by GM styling chief Bill Mitchell, was distinctive and unique, appearing more angluar than the rounded Toronado. Performance was 0–60 mph (0–96 km/h) in less than nine seconds and a top speed of 120 mph (192 km/h). Roadability and handling were highly praised by contemporary reviews. Disc brakes were optional in 1967 and became standard in 1968. The new Eldorado was a great departure from the previous generation, which has become little more than a dressed-up version of Cadillac's Series 62. Sales were excellent despite high list prices.

For 1968 the Eldorado gained slight exterior changes to comply with new federal safety and emissions legislation, and as with the rest of the Cadillac lineup, a new 472 cu in (7.7 L) V8 engine rated at 375 hp (280 kW) (SAE gross). In 1969 it lost its hidden headlamps and picked up as options a halo vinyl roof and later in the model year a power sunroof option. For the 1970 model year, this body style Eldorado introduced the new 500 in³ (8.2 L) V8 engine, the largest-ever production V8 [rated SAE gross 400 hp (298 kW) / 550 ft · lbf (746 N · m) in 1970] that would be an Eldorado exclusive until it became standard on all full size Caddies for model year 1975.

1971-1978

1972 Eldorado

Fifth generation

Production

1971-1978

Assembly

Linden, New Jersey, USA
Detroit, Michigan, USA

Body style(s)

2-door coupe
2-door convertible

Layout FF layout

Platform E-body

Engine(s)

500 in³ V8 (1971-76)
425 in³ V8 (1977-78)

Transmission(s)

3-speed automatic

Wheelbase 126.3 in (3,210 mm)

Length

224 in (5,700 mm) (1977-78)
224.1 in (5,690 mm) (1974-76)
223 in (5,700 mm) (1971-73)

Width 79.8 in (2,030 mm)

Height 54.2 in (1,380 mm)

Related

Oldsmobile Toronado
Buick Riviera (1971-76)

When GM's full-size cars were redesigned for 1971, the Eldorado regained both a convertible model and its fender skirts. The 126.3-inch (3,210 mm) wheelbase version of the Eldorado would run through 1978, receiving facelifts in 1973 and 1975.

The Cadillac Eldorado was chosen as the pace car for the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race in 1973. All in all, Cadillac produced 566 of these special pace car convertibles. 33were used at the track during the race week and the remaining 513 cars were distributed to the U.S. Cadillac dealers (one for each dealership), which were then sold to the general public.

A redesigned instrument cluster was phased in during the 1974 model year (known as the 'space age' instrument panel from Cadillac literature), also shared with Calais, DeVilles and Fleetwoods.

For 1977, the Eldorado received a new grille with a finer crosshatch pattern. The convertible was canceled (although Custom Coach of Lima, Ohio took a few brand-new 1977 and 1978 Eldorados into their coachbuilder facilities and converted into convertibles using salvaged parts from 1971-76 Eldorados; Cadillac did not produce convertibles after 1976). The 8.2L V8 of 1970-76 gave way to a new 7L V8 with 180 bhp (134 kW). Minor changes followed in 1978.

This generation of Eldorados produced between 1971 and 1978 were sometimes customized (as stereotyped "pimpmobiles") (bro cars) and seen in blaxploitation films like Dolemite, Superfly, The Mack, Willie Dynamite, (the pimped-out Eldorado seen in Willie Dynamite is similar to the one seen in Magnum Force) and even the James Bond film Live and Let Die. An Eldorado was also used in Rob Zombie's second film, The Devil's Rejects as the car that the character Charlie, also a pimp, drove. Customizers such as Les Dunham Coachworks have modified brand-new Eldorados with headlight covers (commonly known as Superfly headlights), grille caps, a 1941 goddess hood ornament, lake pipes, and thick-padded vinyl tops, usually with circular porthole windows.

Eldorado Convertible for 1976

In 1976, when all other domestic convertibles had vanished, GM heavily promoted the American industry's only remaining convertible as "the last American convertible". 14,000 would be sold, many purchased as investments. The final 200 convertibles produced were designated as "Bicentennial Edition" commemorating America's 200th birthday. These cars were white with a dual-color red/blue pinstripe along the upper bodyside. In 1983, when GM reintroduced convertibles, 1976 Eldorado owners, who felt they had been deceived, launched an unsuccessful class action lawsuit.

Eldorado Biarritz

Unlike the Fleetwood and de Ville models, Eldorado didn't have a unique luxury package to provide it with a title change (such as the "d'Elegance" package). This was rectified in mid-year 1976 with the "Biarritz" package. The most unique feature of "Biarritz", a name that hadn't been used since 1960, was a brushed aluminum roof covering the front passenger compartment for model years 1979-1985. This was a styling cue reminiscent of the 1957/58 Eldorado Brougham. The rear half of the roof was covered with a heavily padded landau vinyl top accented with large "opera" lights. The interior featured "pillowed"-style velour or leather seating. A few options were included with this package as well. The Biarritz option stayed with the Eldorado through the 1991 model year. Some of the original styling cues vanished after the 1985 model year, such as the brushed aluminum roofing and the interior seating designs, but "Biarritz" remained unique just the same.

1971 Eldorado Convertible

1973 Eldorado Convertible

1974 Eldorado Convertible

1976 Eldorado Biarritz

Eldorado "Cabriolet" "Custom Biarritz" and "Custom Biarritz Classic" With Power T-Tops

The 1978 Cadillac Fleetwood Eldorado also was the only American luxury car in its luxury class (or any car class) to be offered with Power T-Tops. In this regard, only 7 Eldorados were known to have been produced with Power T-Tops customized by American Sunroof Company under the direction of the Cadillac Motor Division. There currently exists 1 Carmine Red Eldorado Cabriolet; 1 Colonial Yellow "Eldorado Custom Biarritz"; 1 Black Eldorado Cabriolet; 1 Two-Tone Arizona Beige and Demitasse Brown Eldorado Custom Biarritz Classic; and 3 Cotillion White "Eldorado Custom Biarritz" examples remaining 30 years later.

1979-1985

Sixth generation

Production

1979-1985

Assembly

Linden, New Jersey, USA
Detroit, Michigan, USA

Body style(s)

2-door coupe
2-door convertible

Layout FF layout

Platform E-body

Engine(s)

4.1 L V8
4.5 L V8
5.7 L V8
6.0 L V8

Transmission(s)

3-speed automatic

Wheelbase

114 in (2,900 mm)

Length

204.5 in (5,190 mm) (1982-85)
204 in (5,200 mm) (1979-1981)

Width

71.4 in (1,810 mm) (1979-1981)
71.5 in (1,820 mm) (1982-83)
70.6 in (1,790 mm) (1984-85)

Height

54.3 in (1,380 mm) (1982-85)
54.2 in (1,380 mm) (1979-1981)

Related

Buick Riviera
Oldsmobile Toronado

1983 Cadillac Eldorado.

For 1979, a new, trimmer Eldorado was introduced, and for the first time the car shared its chassis with the Buick Riviera as well as the Toronado. Smaller 350 and 368 in³ (5.7 and 6.0 L) V8's replaced the 500 and 425 in³ (8.2 and 7.0 L) of the preceding model, giving better fuel efficiency. For 1979, it was offered only with the Oldsmobile 350 as standard, then in 1980 this was replaced with the Cadillac 368 (see below for this engine's origins). For California only, the Olds 350 was retained for 1980. In both the 1980 Seville and Eldorado (which shared their frames), the 368s in 1980 came with DEFI, whereas for the larger RWD Cadillacs, the 368 only came with a 4-barrel Quadrjet carburetor. Independent rear suspension was adopted, helping retain rear-seat and trunk room in the smaller body. The most notable styling touch was an extreme notchback roofline, making the rear window almost vertical. The Eldorado Biarritz model resurrected the stainless-steel roof concept from the first Brougham. Although downsized, these Eldorados were still substantial-sized cars with good room and power.

In 1984, Cadillac also introduced a convertible version of Eldorado Biarritz. It was 200 pounds (91 kg) heavier, but featured the same interior as other Biarritz versions. The model year of 1985 was the last year for the AMC, Inc. aftermarket conversion Eldorado convertible was ever produced. Because of its limited edition (around 3000 total), the convertible models are now highly sought after by numerous collectors.

Prior to the 'official' 1984 and 1985 Eldorado convertibles marketed by Cadillac, some 1979-83 Eldorados were made into convertibles by independent coachbuilders e.g. American Sunroof Corporation, Custom Coach (Lima, Ohio), Hess & Eisenhardt. The same coachbuilders also converted the Oldsmobile Toronado into a ragtop.

Of all Eldorados, this generation can claim to be the best suited to the market and the times.

Powertrain anomalies

An unfortunate interlude occurred in 1981, when Cadillac offered three unpopular engines. The first was the V8-6-4 variable displacement engine, which was designed to deactivate some cylinders when full power was not needed, helping meet GM's obligations under the government fuel economy ("CAFE") standards. Unfortunately it did not work as planned, and sometimes did not work at all. It was a reduced bore version of the 1968 model-year 472, sharing that engine's stroke and also that of the model-year 1977–1979 425. The engine itself was extremely rugged and durable, but its complex electronics were the source of customer complaints. (note: the new small 1979 Eldorado did not use the 425, only the Oldsmobile-sourced 350).

Another problem with the 1981 model year was an unexplained balancing problem that affected the vehicle's overall handling. GM corrected this by installing a large, heavy metal plate under the driver's seat. This issue with the vehicle was brought to light in the 1995 movie Casino, where Robert DeNiro's character survives a bomb planted under the driver's seat of his Cadillac Eldorado, and the plate is credited with saving his life after the explosion. This was based on an actual incident that happened to Frank Rosenthal, upon whose life story the film was based.

Another disastrous engine option was the 350 in³ (5.7 L) Oldsmobile Diesel V8, first offered in 1979. Designed as a specific block, rather than a sleeved gasoline conversion, the engine was plagued with problems: drivers were unfamiliar with diesel vehicles (e.g. not waiting for glow plug warmup), and the head bolts were inadequate for the 22:1 compression design, leading to frequent head gasket failures. Subsequent revisions to the block and heads improved things, and the engine was de-rated from 120 hp (89 kW) to 105 hp (78 kW) by 1981. The history of these multiple failures frequently resulted in dealer-provided gasoline-conversions of those vehicles, and the option was dropped by 1985.

The third engine, the HT-4100 was an in-house design that mated cast-iron heads to an aluminum block. HT-4100s failed in large numbers; many were replaced under warranty.

Nevertheless, the Eldorado's reputation was not permanently hurt, and sales rose to unprecedented heights, nearly 100,000 units by 1984, an astonishing volume for one of the most expensive models available.

1986-1991

Seventh generation

Production

1986-1991

Assembly

Hamtramck, Michigan, USA

Body style(s)

2-door coupe

Layout FF layout

Platform E-body

Engine(s)

4.1 L V8 1986-1987
4.5 L V8 1988-1990
4.9 L V8 1991

Transmission(s)

4-speed THM440-T4 automatic

Wheelbase 108 in (2,700 mm)

Length

191.4 in (4,860 mm) (1989-1991)
191.2 in (4,860 mm) (1986-88)

Width

72.4 in (1,840 mm) (1989-1991)
71.7 in (1,820 mm) (1986-88)

Height

53.2 in (1,350 mm) (1989-1991)
53.7 in (1,360 mm) (1986-88)

Related

Buick Riviera
Oldsmobile Toronado

For 1986, yet another downsizing occurred, and it was fairly extreme. In fact, the costly Eldorado was now the same size that GM's own compact cars had been only a few years earlier, and much smaller than Lincoln's competing Mark VII. Its styling seemed stubby, and in a final unfortunate flourish, for the first time the Eldorado abandoned its hardtop heritage and had sedan frames around its windows. News reports later indicated that GM had been led astray by a consultant's prediction that gasoline would be at $3 per US gallon in the U.S. by 1986 and that very small luxury cars would be in demand. In fact, gasoline prices were less than half that. Seldom has any model experienced a more precipitous fall. Sales were only about a fifth of what they had been two years earlier. The model received a slight facelift in 1988 and saw a slight sales recovery through 1991.

1990-1991 Eldorado Touring Coupe

1991 Eldorado Touring Coupe

Although a touring suspension option had been available since 1988, in 1990, the Eldorado Touring Coupe (ETC), the 2-door version of the Seville Touring Sedan (STS), debuted. The car had a special handling and suspension package, quicker steering than the standard Eldorado, and a higher final drive ratio of 3.33:1 in contrast to the base model's 2.97:1. Badging was restricted to ETC badges on both C pillars, a Cadillac crest on the grille along with the Cadillac script logo and a special "Cadillac Motor Car Company" badge on the trunk, which it shared with the STS. By 1991 it was available in black, navy, white, polo green, silver and bright red, all with a special beechwood interior and some exterior reveal trim done in black. The model also featured body-colored door handles, wider side rocker panels and dual rectangular exhausts. The split rear taillights were amber above red.

Total Eldorado production in 1991 was 16,212 including 2,249 touring coupes.

1992-2002

Eighth generation

Production

1992-2002

Assembly

Hamtramck, Michigan, USA
Lansing, Michigan, USA

Body style(s)

2-door coupe

Layout FF layout

Platform E-body

Engine(s)

4.9 L L26 V8 (1992-1993)
4.6 L Northstar V8 (1993-2002)

Transmission(s)

4-speed 4T60-E automatic
4-speed 4T80-E automatic

Wheelbase 108 in (2,700 mm)

Length

202.2 in (5,140 mm) (1992-94)
200.6 in (5,100 mm) (1995-2002)

Width 75.5 in (1,920 mm)

Height 54.0 in (1,370 mm)

Related

Buick Park Avenue
Buick Riviera
Cadillac Seville
Oldsmobile Aurora

For 1992, a new Eldorado appeared. It was in fact only slightly bigger than its predecessor, but it was so much more adroitly styled that it seemed greatly so. Window glass was once again frameless, and shortly after introduction Cadillac's new Northstar V8 became available in both 270 and 295 hp variants, replacing the 200 hp 4.9 L. The combination of sleek styling and increased power seemed more like the great Eldorados of the past, and reviews were generally good. Sales were up, though never again at record heights. Buyers were seemingly turning against two-door bodies, as illustrated by the fact that the Eldorado's very similar four-door relative, the Cadillac Seville, consistently outsold it.

The Eldorado continued for the rest of the decade with incremental changes and gradually tapering sales. In the wake of declining sales, circulating reports that the Eldorado would get a redesign for 1999 — similar to that which its Seville platform mate underwent for 1998 — would prove false as the car soldiered on largely unchanged into the new millennium.

2002 Cadillac Eldorado ETC

Having lost its only remaining 2-door platform mate, the Buick Riviera, after the 1999 model year, rumors of the Eldorado's imminent demise began to circulate. GM showed a lowered, customized Eldorado-based concept at the 2000 North American International Auto Show, which was called EldoRODo, to little media or public interest.

Not long after, GM announced that the Eldorado's 50th model the best car year, 2002, would be its last. To mark the end of the historic name, a limited production run 1,596 of cars in red or white - the colors available on the original 1953 convertible - were produced in three batches of 532, signifying the Eldorado's first year of production. The last cars had exhausts that were specially tuned to imitate the note of their illustrious forerunners from a half-century earlier and dash-mounted plaques indicating each car's sequence in production. Production ended on April 22, 2002 retooling the Lansing Craft Centre to build the Chevrolet SSR.

Cadillac Allanté

2009-05-07T08:38:00.000-07:00

Manufacturer General Motors, Pininfarina

Production

1987–1993

Successor

Cadillac XLR

Class

Luxury roadster

Body style(s)

2-door convertible

Platform

FF V-body

Engine(s)

4.1 L HT-4100 V8
4.5 L HT-4500 V8
4.6 L Northstar V8

Transmission(s)

4-speed 4T60 automatic
4-speed 4T80 automatic

Wheelbase 99.4 in (2525 mm)

Length 178.7 in (4539 mm)

Width 73.4 in (1864 mm)

Height 51.5 in (1308 mm)

Curb weight 3720 lb (1687 kg)

Related

Buick Reatta
Buick Riviera
Cadillac Eldorado
Oldsmobile Toronado

The Allanté was Cadillac's first venture into the ultra-luxury roadster market. The vehicle was sold from 1987 through 1993, with roughly 21,000 models built over its 7-year model run. Allanté's production was planned at 6,000 units per year, however, sales figures show Cadillac only built about half as many. Despite the accent over the "e", the name is pronounced "ah-lon-tay".

Development and production

Originally designed under the code name "Callisto", the Allanté was intended to restore Cadillac to its position as a premium luxury automobile builder. Allanté's direct competitor was the very successful Mercedes-Benz SL, and to a smaller degree, the Jaguar XJS. Allanté's 4.1 liter V8 was shared with other Cadillacs across the line, but when specified to the Allanté, several changes were made. Unlike Buick's Reatta, which shared powertrain and underpinnings from the Riviera and the Oldsmobile Toronado, Cadillac borrowed very little from the Eldorado and Seville for Allanté.

The body of the Allanté was designed and built in Italy by Pininfarina (of Ferrari fame). The completed bodies were shipped 3,300 miles from Italy in specially-equipped Boeing 747s, 56 at a time, to Cadillac's assembly plant in Hamtramck, Michigan. The bodies were then mated to the chassis. This led to a few interesting nicknames, such as "The Flying Italian Cadillac" and "The world's longest assembly line."

The Allanté was initially priced at US$54,700, far above the price of any other contemporary Cadillac. Today's Cadillac XLR, also a convertible roadster, at roughly $70,000 is similarly priced. The high performance Cadillac XLR-V at $100,000 has regained the cachet of being the most expensive Cadillac product, when adjusting for inflation.

The car's front-wheel drive (FWD) powertrain was unique in its class, and brought the car in for serious criticism. FWD is rare among high-priced sports and touring cars, as the configuration's frequent tendency toward understeer under heavy cornering, torque steer under heavy acceleration, and a poor front-rear weight balance is not desirable. The Mercedes 560SL — along with the rest of the Allanté's competitors — was rear-wheel drive. Many car magazines and auto enthusiasts argued that no sports car, let alone one at the Allanté's price, should have been FWD.

Early reviews cited Pininfarina and not Cadillac as the source of this decision, saying they felt it would make the car more versatile. Additionally, poor power-to-weight ratio in the early years also made the car perform sedately. This led the target market to conclude that by offering an underpowered car at over $50,000 with no engine upgrade option, Cadillac was not serious in competing in the performance roadster market. This initial impression gave the Allanté an image ("all show, no go") from which it was never able to recover.

Specifications

The 1987 Allanté, with its removable aluminum hardtop and the industry's first power retractable AM/FM/Cellular Telephone antenna, debuted with a multi-port fuel injected version of Cadillac's aluminum 4.1 L HT-4100 V8, along with roller valve lifters, high-flow cylinder heads, and a tuned intake manifold. The new roaster also showcased an independent strut-based suspension system front and rear. Bosch ABS III four-wheel disc brakes were also standard. Unique to Allanté was a complex lamp-out module that substituted a burned-out bulb in the exterior lighting system with an adjacent lamp until the problem is corrected. The Delco-GM/Bose Symphony Sound System - a $905 option on other Cadillacs - was standard on Allanté. The only option was the available cellular telephone, installed in a lockable center console.

For 1988, changes were minimal, and the base price was raised slightly to $56,533.

In 1989, prices again rose slightly, now at $57,183. Allanté's engine, the new 4.5 L V8, produced 200 horsepower, and with 270 lbs.-ft., it provided the most torque from any front-wheel-drive automobile in the world. Unlocking the trunk now also unlocked the side doors - similar to Mercedes. Analog instruments, in place of the standard digital dash cluster, were now available as a no-charge option. As a theft-deterrent, Allanté added GM's PASS KEY system - which renders the fuel system and starter inopertaive if an incorrect ignition key is used. Allanté also received a new speed-sensitive damper system called Speed Dependent Damping Control, or SD²C. This system firmed up the suspension at 25 mph (40 km/h) and again at 60 mph (97 km/h). The firmest setting was also used when starting from a standstill until 5 mph (8 km/h). Another change was a variable-assist steering system.

1993 Cadillac Allanté with single-piece windows and revised seats

1990 brought about a second model, a lower-priced ($53,050) companion model that did not come with the removable aluminum hardtop, just the cloth convertible roof. The Allanté sticker price (with hardtop) was now $58,638. By mid-year, prices were dropped to $57,813 for the hardtop/convertible and $51,500 for the convertible - and this included a $650 gas guzzler tax along with $550 destination charge. Allanté's fully-integrated cellular telephone was $1,195. Allanté's bumper-to-bumper new car warranty, 7 years and 100,000 miles, was three years longer than other Cadillacs, and an additional 50,000 miles of coverage. Allanté owner's also received a special toll-free number to call for service or concerns. Headlamp washers and dual 10-way Recaro seating remained standard, among other niceties. In addition to a new driver's side airbag (which meant the loss of the telescopic steering wheel - although the tilt steering column feature was retained), the analog instrument cluster introduced last year was standard on the convertible, and available at no extra cost on the hardtop/convertible. Technological news was the addition of traction control - the first front-wheel drive automobile in the world to be equipped as such. The elaborate system was able to cut fuel to up to four cylinders to reduce power and optimize traction. The electronically-controlled shock absorbers were retuned to remain in "soft" mode for up to 40 mph. Previously, they entered "normal" mode after just 25 mph. A revised audio system allowed a compact disc player to be added as standard equipment, along with the cassette player.

1991 added a power-latching mechanism for the convertible top, and the digital instrument cluster was now a $495 option for the convertible model, priced at $57,260. A mid-year price drop brought the Allante convertible down to $55,900, and the hardtop/convertible down to $61,450 (from $62,810). Allanté still boasted the most luggage room in its class; an astonishing 16.3 cubit feet of storage, when utilizing the pass-through compartment into the cabin area - more than twice the 7.9 cubic foot trunk of a Mercedes SL.

The Allanté for 1992 was priced at $58,470 for the convertible, and $64,090 for the hardtop/convertible. Both prices included the mandated gas guzzler tax, which was nw at $1,300. As it had been the custom for a few years now, price drops were announced mid-year, $57,170 for the convertible, and $62,790 with the removable hardtop. Again, the digital cluster (available at no extra cost on the hardtop) was optional on the convertible, priced at $495. 1992 was the last year of the multi-adjustable Recaro seating design, as 1993 would go into production with less expensive Lear-designed 8-way dual power seats. Also available on the convertible at extra-cost, a pearl white paint group priced at $700.

Introduced in early 1992 for the 1993 model year, Allanté was scaled down to just one model this year, the soft-top convertible priced at $59,975 (not including a mandatory $1,700 gas guzzler tax for vehicles sold in the United States). The removable 60.5 lb. aluminum hardtop was now a separate option, as well as the $495 LCD digital instrument cluster in place of the standard analog instruments. The available $700 pearlcoat paint option (in Flax or White) returned. Also available, chrome squeeze-cast aluminum wheels. For its final outing, Allanté received the 4.6 L Northstar DOHC V8. This engine was initially rated at 290 hp (216 kW), but Cadillac upped the rating to 295 hp (220 kW) at 5600 rpm by the time the first models were sold. Torque output was 290 ft·lbf (393 N·m) at 4400 rpm. A new unequal-length control arm rear suspension, shared with the Seville and Eldorado, was also introduced that year, improving handling. Also new for the small Cadillacs was Road Sensing Suspension, an active damper management system, and improved disc brakes. The Bose name was no longer associated with Allanté's sound system, as the '93 model went into production using GM's Delco Electronics "Premium Symphony Sound System". Other changes for the Allanté included a revised variable-assist power steering rack, deeper front spoiler, and single-piece side windows, which did away with the stationary forward vent window.

A 1992 comparison test of the Northstar-powered Allanté by Car and Driver placed it above the Jaguar XJS V12 convertible and the Mercedes-Benz 300SL. Although the Cadillac roadster got big points for its new engine, Allanté was criticized for its handling, which was an inherent result of the front wheel drive layout. Ultimately, it was the rapid rise in the retail price of its competitors that won the test for Cadillac. At that time, the Allanté's price seemed a bargain compared with the $71,888 Jaguar and $90,335 Mercedes-Benz.

External links

Allanté Owners' Association
Delaware Valley Allanté/XLR Appreciation Group
Cadillac Allanté Technical Discussions
AllanteSource

Driving In The Rain

2009-04-17T07:31:00.000-07:00

GOOD VISION IN A DOWNPOUR

How to achieve good vision while driving during a heavy downpour. I can vouch for this!!

We are not sure why it is so effective; just try this method when it rains heavily..

This method was told by a Police friend who had experienced and confirmed it.

It is useful....even driving at night.

Most of the motorists would turn on HIGH or FASTEST SPEED of the wipers

during heavy downpour, yet the visibility in front of the windscreen is still

bad......

In the event you face such a situation, just try your SUN GLASSES (any model will

do), and miracle!

All of a sudden, your visibility in front of your windscreen is perfectly clear, as

if there is no rain.

Make sure you always have a pair of SUN GLASSES in your car, as you are not

only helping yourself to drive safely with good vision, but also might save

your friend's life by giving him this idea..

Your Car Shopping Game Plan

2009-04-04T02:24:00.001-07:00

Michael Royce | http://www.beatthecarsalesman.com

Sales data shown is of top 20 selling cars and trucks as compiled by Autodata Corporation.

1. Greet the car salesman warmly.

Smile and shake his hand. Be friendly. You want him to like you so that he'll work harder for you.

2. Get his attention by telling him what he wants to hear.

Tell him: "I'll be buying a car very soon." If after this introduction, you find the salesman rude or unwilling to help you, ask to speak to his Sales Manager. Tell the manager that you'd like a more helpful salesman.

3. Tell the car salesman exactly what you want to see.

Be specific as possible. For example: "I'd like to see what you have in a compact car with automatic transmission and a window sticker price of around $18,000." If you're not sure what you want or you're confused by all the choices, then tell him those things that you know are important to you, such as: "I need a four-door car with lots of cargo space and a window sticker price of around $18,000."

Under the guise of trying to help you, the salesman is going to ask you lots of questions. Do not discuss your monthly payments with him.

Then turn the tables on him. Ask him questions about the cars, the dealership and his business. Play dumb and try to learn as much as you can. Get him to like you by pumping his ego: compliment him on what a good job he's doing.

4. Check out the vehicles that he shows you.

When he shows you a car that you like - and that fits your needs and budget - look it over. Do you like the styling of the car? Can you see yourself driving it?

5. If it is a new vehicle, look at the factory window sticker.

The factory window sticker tells you all about the car. Read it carefully because it contains a lot of important information.

The window sticker will give you the predicted gas mileage for both highway and city driving. It will also list all of the equipment that comes standard with the vehicle and then, in a separate column, the options that have been built into the car at the factory with the price of each listed. Look for an "equipment package," a group of discounted options.

At the bottom of the sticker will be the asking price for the vehicle called the "M.S.R.P." which stands for "Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price". Be sure that this price fits your budget.

Some dealerships add a second window sticker called a "Dealer Addendum" in an effort to widen their profit margin. If you see one of these stickers, ignore it for now.

6. Ask about other versions of the same car.

Most vehicles come in several different equipment levels usually designated by a letter code such as DX, SE or XL. You might be able to get the same car with the equipment you want on a less expensive version.

7. If you like the car, sit inside.

Is the interior comfortable? How does the interior "feel"?

8. Ask the salesman if you can test drive the car.
He'll be happy to take you for a test drive.

Notice what's happening here: you're allowing the car salesman to breeze right through the steps of his game plan. He wants you to test drive that car. He thinks he's doing great and that he's in total control. What he doesn't know is that you know exactly what you are doing. In fact, you are in complete control here.

9. Drive the vehicle as you normally would.

Don't "baby" the car. If you normally accelerate hard, then drive it that way. If you normally brake hard or corner fast, then do so. Try to drive on the types of roads you normally drive. Be sure to turn the air conditioning on and off to see how it affects the performance of the engine. And don't forget to ask lots of questions.

10. After the drive, ask the salesman for a brochure.

He'll probably ask you something like: "Is there anything we can do to earn your business today?" or "If I could sell you this $18,000 car for only $12,000, would you buy it today?"

You must be firm and clear. Tell him: "I really appreciate all of your help but, as I told you at the beginning, I'll be buying soon but not today. I simply want a brochure and some information. If I decide to buy this particular car, then I will certainly come back to see you."

If the car salesman is a good guy, he'll get you the brochure. If not, he may disappear and then return with the "Sales Manager" who may or may not be the real Sales Manager. In any case, this new guy may try to "reason" with you, persuade you, perhaps even pressure you to buy today. Again, you must be firm. Repeat to him what you told the salesman.

Don't forget that they are playing a game. And you know exactly what game they are playing. So don't fall for their lines. Don't fall for their come-ons. And don't fall for their intimidation. There's nothing personal about this. It's pure business. That's how they see it. That's how you should see it, too. And don't forget that you have the final say. If they pressure you, you can always walk away.

If they won't give you the brochures you want, no worries. You can always get them direct from the manufacturer.

11. Ask the car salesman more questions.

Ask about factory rebates, the factory warranty, dealership service, local sales taxes, license fees and so on. When you're satisfied that you have the information you need, ask the salesman for his business card.

12. Thank the salesman politely -- then leave!

Whatever happens, under any circumstances, don't buy a car yet.

What should you do next? We recommend doing more research on the vehicle you drove, comparing it to others in its class and giving yourself time to think about it. As much as it feels like that one car won't be around if you pass it up, there's always another car.

Best April Deals

2009-04-04T02:08:00.000-07:00

by Gary Hoffman | AOL Autos
Posted: 6 April 2009

Ford and GM roared into April with new incentives tailored to the financial circumstances of many of their customers: They will pick up the tab for car payments if buyers lose their jobs. And with good reason: Once Hyundai sales introduced a similar program at the start of the year, it performed far better than the industry as a whole. The Korean automaker offered customers the chance to return their cars to the manufacturer if they lost their jobs, and it later beefed up the program with a commitment to pick up their car payments for several months.

In Pictures: 20 Great April Deals

The Ford and GM now have programs that vary significantly from the Hyundai plan -- and from each other. If a buyer loses his or her job, Ford says it's ready to provide monthly car payments for up to one year under its Ford Advantage Plan, while the commitment is up to nine months under the GM Total Confidence program. The Ford subsidy tops out at $700 a month, while the assistance from GM reaches a maximum of $500 monthly. The domestics should be credited for recognizing and seizing upon a good idea, and now they and the Obama administration might consider embracing a concept that has absolutely energized cars sales in Germany: a government-backed scrapping bonus that pays buyers thousands of euros if they take their old gas guzzlers and polluters off the road and buy a new, cleaner, more efficient vehicle. A similar program could help reduce oil imports into the U.S. and clean up the smog in American cities.

In Pictures: 20 Great April Deals

Editor's Pick: 2009 Ford Fusion

The Ford Fusion stands out as a great deal during April -- in no small measure due to the automaker's generous incentives and its new program to help buyers with their car payments out if their lose their jobs. Even without the automakers special incentives this month, the Fusion packs a lot of value into a nicely priced package. First of all, it is a mid-size car with major-league aspirations: it offers plenty of room for squiring clients around town or kids to their extra curricular activities. Even full-size adults don't have much of a problem climbing in and out or making themselves comfortable inside. Its invoice and suggested retail prices are low, too -- barely above those of the VW New Beetle. (Incidentally, the Fusion's fuel economy is roughly the same as the iconic retro compact's.) With the $3,500 rebate on the 2009 model, you are in effect getting a 20% discount. New buyers get a choice of front -- and all-wheel drive and two engines: a 2.3-liter, 160 horsepower, four-cylinder (with a five-speed manual or automatic transmission) or a 3.0-liter, 221-horsepower V6 (with a six-speed automatic). It comes in three trim levels and with a full complement of airbags as standard equipment.

Please Note: These deals only apply to the month listed above.

Dealer Secrets: When, Where to Shop

2009-04-04T02:06:00.000-07:00

by Michael Royce | http://www.beatthecarsalesman.com

WHERE TO SHOP

The nature of your shopping experience will be determined to some extent by the type of dealership or venue you choose to visit. Here are some things to consider in deciding where to shop:

"Auto Rows" and "Auto Plazas"

Almost every municipality has an "auto row" boulevard or an "auto plaza" complex where the largest car dealerships are congregated. The advantage to shopping at these "auto rows" and "auto plazas" is that they usually have the best selections in town for both new and used cars. In addition, you can park your car and walk from dealership to dealership with a minimum of hassle. The disadvantage to these large dealerships is that they tend to be very competitive and, therefore, usually have the most aggressive salesmen.

Neighborhood Dealerships

Shopping at your local smaller neighborhood dealership will probably be a friendlier experience with the salesman giving you more of his time. However, his inventory may be limited so you may not be able to see all of the models that are available.

Automobile and Truck Shows

These shows are a great way to check out all of the new cars and trucks. You won't be able to test drive any of them, but you will be able to see all of the latest models under one roof. Call your nearest Convention Center and ask when the next Automobile Show is coming to your town.

Used Car Auto Marts

These large exclusively-used-car dealerships are now commonplace across the nation. They feature hundreds of used cars with low non-negotiable prices sold in a no-pressure atmosphere. Shopping at these Auto Marts is a great way to see a big selection of used cars and to get a feel for the current market. Be aware, however, that their non-negotiable sticker prices are sometimes slightly higher than the prices in the general used car marketplace.

Neighborhood Used Car Lots

Here you have to be careful because these small businesses sometimes come and go quickly. If you do decide to visit a neighborhood car lot, ask the salesman how long they've been at their current location. Look around the place and see if they appear to be doing business in a professional manner. And be sure to ask if they offer any warranties for their cars.

Private Parties

Shopping for a used car from a private party can be very trying and, occasionally, dangerous. You may have to travel many miles just to see one particular vehicle. And you'll probably end up test-driving the car with the seller - a total stranger - sitting at your side. If you do plan on looking at vehicles sold by private parties, try to arrange a meeting in a neutral, well-traveled place such as a shopping center or fast food parking lot. Never ever go by yourself. Never go at night. And be sure to use your intuition: if something doesn't seem quite right, then promptly leave.

Public and Police Auctions

These exciting events are growing in popularity as venues for buying Used Cars. Be aware, however, that buying at one of these auctions can be a big gamble. That's because you probably won't have a chance to thoroughly inspect the vehicle before you bid. You may not even an opportunity to test drive the vehicle. And surveys have shown that, because of the fever pitch of the bidding, selling prices are usually about the same - or even higher - than those in the general used car marketplace.

WHEN TO SHOP

Auto dealerships tend to go into "high gear" on weekends, trying to sell as many cars as possible in a two or three day period. The car salesman is put under a lot of pressure to meet the weekend quotas and achieve his bonuses. Therefore, on weekends, the salesman may lose interest in any customer that he determines is not going to buy today. By the same token, he may be annoyingly aggressive and pushy.

To avoid this craziness, try to shop on a weekday or weekday evening when the salesman is relaxed, friendly and maybe even a bit bored.

Negotiating Auto Financing: Auto Dealer Secrets Revealed

2009-04-04T01:48:00.000-07:00

by Michael Royce | www.beatthecarsalesman.com

Sales data shown is of top 20 selling cars and trucks as compiled by Autodata Corporation.

Congratulations. You've successfully negotiated the purchase price of your new or used car or truck. You've made a great deal.

Next you're ushered into the dealership's "Business Office" - also known as the "F&I Office" for "Finance and Insurance". You're introduced to the Business Manager, a pleasant well-groomed woman (or man) who congratulates you on your purchase. She (he), reassures you that you made a wise decision and that the tough part is over so now you can relax. You sit and breathe a welcome sigh of relief.

As you go through the formalities of signing the various forms and agreements, she casually explains to you your financing terms, your interest rate and other details. Along the way, she offers you several "extras" that will add "mere pennies a day" to your monthly payments. Among these items might be an Extended Service Warranty, Paint and Fabric Protection, Rustproofing, Undercoating, Alarm System, Window Tinting, and maybe even Life, Health, or Disability Insurance.

You're relaxed. The negotiating is over. And these "extras" sound really worthwhile. Besides, you like this Business Manager. She's or he's, so darn nice and sincere. So you agree to the interest rate and financing terms. You purchase the Extended Service Warranty. You even purchase the Paint and Fabric Protection.

BAM! You just put a small fortune in her purse. Why? Because the biggest secret that the dealership doesn't want you to know is this:

The "Business Manager" is, in reality, a salesperson working on commission.

Most of what the Business Manager offers you is negotiable.

Of course, you probably didn't know that. Most car-buyers don't. And certainly no one at the dealership is going to tell you.

The plain fact is: Car dealerships often make more profit from the financing of the vehicle and the sale of "extras" sold in the Business Office than from the actual sale of the vehicle itself.

So what to do? No worries, my friend. Here are some tips for dealing effectively with the car dealership's "Business Manager":

1. Don't let your guard down. Just because the Business Manager may seem friendlier and nicer than the car salesman, it doesn't mean the deal is over once you enter the Business Office. It isn't. The deal doesn't conclude until you drive the vehicle off the dealership's lot. So despite how friendly the Business Manager may seem, remember that she's there to make as much money as possible for herself and the dealership.

2. Arrange your financing before you go to the dealership. Since the Business Manager works on commission, she may try to trap you in a higher-than-necessary interest rate so she can maximize her commission. Avoid the dealership games by arranging your financing before you set foot in the dealership to buy. Apply for an auto loan at your bank or credit union. You can also apply for an auto loan online. Then compare all of the loan offers you've received and choose the best one. Once at the dealership, compare your best offer with the dealership's offer and decide which is the best deal for you.

3. Try to negotiate the interest rate. If you were unable to qualify for financing from any bank, credit union or online financier, then you'll probably be stuck with dealership financing. And your auto loan will probably have a relatively high interest rate since you are considered a "credit risk." Nonetheless, if you feel that the interest rate that the Business Manager offers you is unreasonably high, tell her so and ask her to lower it.

4. Think twice about the "extras." Each "extra" you purchase means another commission to the Business Manager. But do you really need these "extras"? Probably not. For example, you'll certainly be offered an Extended Service Warranty. All new cars and trucks come with comprehensive warranties so you don't need to buy another one. As for Paint Protection, you can apply it yourself by buying any inexpensive "over-the-counter" polymer sealant car wax. You can apply Fabric Protection yourself by buying a can of Scotchguard. You may be able to purchase Window Tinting, Alarm Systems, Pinstriping and other after-market items cheaper on your own. Rustproofing is usually applied automatically in the factory so you certainly don't need to pay twice for it. (Check your vehicle's Factory Warranty to see if it includes a Rust Perforation Warranty. Most do.) And by all means, decline any health or life insurance that you may be offered by the dealership.

5. Go to the experts for answers. Don't count on the dealership to give you straight answers about financing. Remember, they may say anything to get you to finance your vehicle with them on their terms. So for the real facts about monthly payments, interest rates and other important financing details, ask your bank or credit union for the truth. They'll be happy to take the time to explain it all to you in an easy-to-understand no-pressure atmosphere.

6. Take the time to learn. Be sure to do all of your research and get the necessary facts before you go to the dealership to buy. Remember that they want you to be hurried and confused. So don't fall for that trap. Take the time to do your research. It'll pay off big time in the long run.

How to Buy A New Car Without Negotiating

2009-04-04T01:47:00.001-07:00

by Michael Royce | http://www.beatthecarsalesman.com
Posted: 03 April 2009

Sales data shown is of top 20 selling cars and trucks as compiled by Autodata Corporation.

There are two good ways to buy your new car or truck at a reasonable low price and avoid all of the negotiating games and hassles:

1. Buy through the Internet.

Buying your new or used car or truck through the Internet is the easiest and most hassle-free way to make the purchase.

All you have to do is choose the vehicle brand and model you wish to purchase as well as provide some basic contact information such as your name and e-mail address. In return, you'll receive - via e-mail - low bottom-line selling prices from dealerships in your area for the exact vehicle you want to buy. Compare the various selling prices and find the lowest one. Then, simply go direct to that dealership's Internet Department, sign the papers and drive your new car home - no negotiating, no hassles.

To begin the process, get your free price quotes from AOL Autos. It only takes a few minutes. This service is totally free and you are under no obligation or pressure to buy.

Within 24 hours, you'll receive your bottom-line selling prices from dealerships in your area. Once you've compared the various prices and found the lowest one, you then have four good options:

• You can go to the dealership that gave you the lowest price, sign the papers and drive your new car home -- no hassles, no negotiating.

• You can try to negotiate the lowest price with the dealership in order to get the price even lower. There's nothing that says you can't.

• You can shop the lowest price around to other dealerships to see if any of them are willing to beat it.

• You can do nothing. If you feel unsure or uncertain, then set it aside for a while. You are not obligated to buy anything you don't want.

By getting these low bottom-line selling prices via the Internet, you're avoiding the car salesman's entire negotiating game altogether. And you're buying your car at about the same price you would expect after lengthy negotiations. It's certainly the fastest and easiest way to beat the car salesman.

2. Buy through the dealership's Fleet Department.

Almost every dealership has a division called the "Fleet Department." It usually consists of only a handful of salespeople who specialize in selling fleets of cars -- large orders of several vehicles direct to businesses. This department is authorized by the dealership to sell their cars at bottom-line non-negotiable prices. The prices they offer are about the same as you would expect from an online price quote or after lengthy negotiations.

A secret of the car business is that many dealerships' Fleet Departments also sell direct to the public. By the rules of the game, however, they can't advertise to the public since they don't want to compete with the dealership's retail sales team. So to buy from the Fleet Department, you have to specifically ask.

To buy your vehicle direct from the dealership's Fleet Department, simply call the dealership and ask to speak with the Fleet Manager. When you get him on the line, explain to him that you're ready to buy a car and you'd like to buy it from him. If he asks you what business you are associated with, tell him where you work. He'll probably be happy to set up an appointment with you.

When you arrive at the dealership, the Fleet Manager will show you the vehicle, allow you to test drive it, and then bring you to the office to discuss price. With absolutely no negotiations, he'll offer you a reasonable bottom-line non-negotiable selling price for the vehicle.

If the price he gives you falls within the pre-set limits of your buying goal and you're satisfied with the deal, then you can buy the car. No pressure, no games, no hassles. If for some reason, you don't want to buy the vehicle, you are under no obligation. Simply thank the salesman for his time and leave on good terms. Then, if you'd like, you can visit (or call) the Fleet Departments of other dealerships to compare prices. The selling prices offered by the various Fleet Departments can vary depending upon their inventories.

Advantages of Owning A Classic Cadillac

2009-04-01T22:27:00.000-07:00

No other cars on the road look like a classic Cadillac, ie. 59 Cadillacs. When you go out to find your car in a parking lot, it's unmistakable!

They are easy to fix, a mechanic doesn't need a college degree to do repairs. They are so simple: No electronic ignition, no emissions, no computer, no fuel injection, no sensors, etc.

There is plenty of room in the engine cavity and easy access to most every part.
Insurance is cheaper
.
Gas mileage is comparable to some SUV's.

You get a lot more looks in a classic Cadillac than in a little-tin-can-made-in-Japan-looks-like-everyone-else's-car.

Classic Cadillacs are roomier (huge). Six or more adults can fit comfortably in a 59 - 65 Cadillac. You could cram all of your gear and your friends into that SUV but why? Your Cadillac has a huge trunk for all the goodies and plenty of leg room and seating for your full sized friends.

Did you know that if an EMP was to hit a major city all communications, computers and electronic devices would be knocked out. Even your car if you have an electronic ignition system, which all newer cars do. Classic Cadillacs don't have electronic ignition systems, they run on points which are mechanical. Which all adds up to having a classic Cadillac in your garage. Am I right? Who wants to get stuck when terrorists attack, drive away, that's right, drive away in your classic terrorist escape vehicle in style! You'll have plenty of fuel, can withstand a heavy battering, and puts a lot of steel between you and trouble.

Cadillac Based Hearses

2009-04-01T22:08:00.000-07:00

1949 Hearse

1959 Hearse Ambulance Combination by Miller Meteor

1960's Hearses

1960 Hearse

1960 Hearse Ambulance Combination

1960 Eureka Hearse

1960 Blue Miller Meteor Hearse

1960 Black Miller Meteor Hearse

1960 Superior Hearse

61 thru 64 & 92 Hearses

1961 Hearse

1962 Gold Hearse

1963 Black Hearse

1963 Hearse

1963 Red Hearse

1992 Coach

President-Elect Obama Gets a New Cadillac Limo

2009-03-27T08:54:00.001-07:00

President-elect Barack Obama gets a new Cadillac limousine when he takes office, and it's one sweet ride. (Photo: Cadillac)

Safe? It's got a few additional goodies on top of the usual airbags, stability control and run-flat tires. (Photo: Cadillac)

The presidential limo might be Cadillac's only diesel-powered sedan. (Photo: Cadillac)