Archive for category History

U.S. History. Movie history. The ultimate Cadillac parade car. You won’t find a more majestic, attention-grabbing, and glamorous way to motor.
When Oliver Stone filmed the movie “JFK” in 1991 starring Kevin Costner, he needed to recreate the White House presidential parade car, “The Queen Mary.” The Queen Mary was a 1956 Cadillac Fleetwood 75, SS-678-X Presidential Parade Car, in use by the Secret Service during the Eisenhower, Kennedy, and Johnson presidencies. It was directly behind the president’s 1961 Lincoln that fateful day in Dallas.

The Queen Mary was one of two White House limos built by Hess and Eisenhardt of Cincinnati, Ohio. They were based on a Cadillac commercial chassis with a wheelbase of 158 inches. At 21 feet long, they weighed 7,000 pounds and came with pistol holders, an extra-large siren, and oscillating light and run flat tires. They reportedly could reach speeds up to 115 miles an hour, powered by Cadillac’s famous 365 inch, 305 horsepower V-8 engine. Both Queens were retired from public service in 1968.

Although this is a reproduction of the original Queen Mary II, (whose twin sold a few years ago in excess of $750,000), it is an extremely close approximation of the White House car. The Cadillac is equipped with running boards and chromed grab handles for the Secret Service, a working over-large siren, flashing red emergency light, and flag standards. The chrome flag staffs are incredibly stout and can withstand speeds in excess of 40 mph while carrying a flag. The flags themselves are perfect. Unlike most historical vehicles which carry two American flags, this car comes with the authentic Presidential Standard, which is impossible for civilians to buy today.

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Harley Earl, the larger than life, first head of styling for a major automobile manufacturer gave the world the joy of excess in color, chrome and steel. Recruited by GM in the late 20s to transform its drab autos and make them stand out from the offerings of its competitors, Earl transformed the industry and the American psyche.

He invented the annual model change over, the concept car and put swagger and some Hollywood panache into a staid industry. While its hard to defend his buoyant designs as fine art, he captured the imagination of millions worldwide, especially in Post WWII America, who embraced the outlandish vehicles as proof that there will be a big and better tomorrow. He knew how to create and sell dreams. Which is what he learned from his neighbor, Cecil B. DeMille.

When I write these updates I always have to keep aware that we have many readers with many different agendas. Some like to see vintage Cadillac’s and some are signed up because they just bought the latest Cadillac. I try to give everyone what they want. With that said lets get see what is happening this week.

The new Cadillac’s are a hit. When I first heard about the new Cadillac CTS sport wagon the first thing that came to my mind is “WHY” but after seeing all the reports I can understand why. Families have to adjust their driving needs and these new Cadillac’s are perfect for the dad who wants some power in his car and the mom who needs the family car to be practical for the family. Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon

Our friend Bruce Nunnally of Caddyinfo.com and Jane Devin have a great piece on the Cadillac XTS Platinum concept. They interview Interior Designer Christine Park who explains all about the features of this beauty. I love the built in DVD players in the rear seats. You can see more here Caddyinfo.com Cadillac XTS Platinum

With everyone talking about plug-in hybrids it doesn’t surprise me that one would be a Cadillac. I think it’s only a matter of time before we are seeing these on the street. Cadillac plug in hybrids

Here are something for fans of 1978 Cadillac’s This is a nice piece on a 1978 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Classic Coupe. There are many pictures of this beauty of a car. 1978 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Classic

I ran across some cool pictures of a 1955 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible on Flickr. I have to warn you that once you go to Flickr and look at the pictures you could be there for hours. Have fun! 1955 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible

I am still working on all the video’s I took in Las Vegas last week, I will get them up very soon.

I just came back from one of my favorite places Las Vegas. I go two or three times a year and always head over to the Imperial Palace Auto Collections show. There is usually some classic Cadillac’s there among the many many cars that I wish I owned. I was quite surprised though that there was not as many Cadillac’s as usual. They only had 3 Cadillac’s on the floor and two were ones that I had already seen. The 1935 that was owned by WC Fields and the so-called 1959 with the TV that I have taken numerous pictures of in the past.

The third Cadillac was nothing special, it was a 1990 with low miles and it looked just like my neighbors car that he uses everyday to go to work. The car was super clean but nothing special to me. Maybe 20 years from now I would appreciate it more. Guess this place just spoils me and I am always looking for vintage Cadillac’s. There were plenty of 1930’s Rolls Royces there and many big old Lincolns but the Cadillac’s have seemed to disappear. Maybe collectors are buying them up?

I spoke to one of the guys working there about the 1959 and told him about all the emails I received about that car and he really didn’t have that much info on the car. I did notice that all the signs on the car have been changed, they no longer say that Lars owned the car and makes no mention of Harley Earles “skunkworks” shop. It just says the car was restored somewhat in 2002. Below is the video I made last time I was at the show of the 1935. I will get the new pictures and videos up as soon as I can. If you plan on going to the Casino and seeing all the cars make sure you get a Harrah’s Total Rewards card. You can get free admission to the show if you do a little gambling before you go in. Anyway you can save some money in Las Vegas it is a good thing.