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.

This movie car, being as such, does not have a working convertible top or side windows. Otherwise, it is a fully-functioning automobile. Purists will note a few additional slight differences with the White House car: slightly oversized grab handles, whitewall tires, rear fender skirts, different running board treatment, etc. Yet to the vast majority of collectors and the public, the car is nearly identical to the original (and vastly less expensive). Moreover, the quality the conversion is very good. You’ll find no jagged metal or simple hatchet work. As befitting a major motion picture, all the modifications are neat, workmanlike, and professional. The car, originally a Series 75 closed limousine, was professionally braced to become a convertible. It has the sturdiness and assuring solidity of a proper convertible.

Performance-wise, this Cadillac is a dream to drive. She starts easily and has loads of power for her girth. The power steering is effortless. The massive brakes, all recently refurbished (including a newly restored Tredlevac system) stop the car quickly and without drama. The clock and radio do not function, but all other electrics work as prescribed. The siren lets out a massive wail, and the red light flashes pleasingly. This Cadillac will be the star of any parade or motorcade.

New chrome bumpers, trim, and goddess hood ornament are likewise graced with new gold emblems front and rear. The paint is good driver quality–not perfect. It does have many small blemishes, blisters (and two dings) which are hard to capture on film. The car is rust free and the undercarriage is very, very nice. The entire interior has been redone in the past 50 miles with new upholstery and carpet. The jump seats have also been reupholstered.

The Queen Mary: movie car, White House history, and ultimate parade car. It’s ready to haul dignitaries, newlyweds, or simply to take the whole family (with seating for eight) down to the ice cream shop.

Soruce: As found on ebay.

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.

It was a jet glossy black piece of machinery that just screamed classic. The Caddy looked like it just came out of a show room floor. The big V-12 was the thing that provided this baby with a ton of power.

From the medalion near the car it said it won numerous awards including the 2005 Palm Beach Concours d’Elegance winner, 2003 Ameilia Island 100 Years of Cadillac, and the 2004 National Senior Grand First place. Like I said this car is a dream.

The car is currently sitting at the auto collections show at the Imperial Palace casino in Las Vegas. I was out there in early March and actually comped to see all the classic auto’s that are on display. There must be over 100 of them there at all times.

To see more about this 1935 click here http://www.cadillaccountryclub.com/1935-cadillac.html

You may even see a picture of me, I couldn’t resist standing next to this classic.

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I picked up a book about the first 100 years of Cadillac at the gift shop and I was amazed by all the information and the pictures. More on that in a later post, I am sure I will make a review of the whole book when I finish it. Here is a link if you want to check it out for yourself. Cadillac: 100 Years of Innovation. I am amazed at all the celebrities and their Cadillacs. The writer really has a passion about Cadillac.  

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1903 The first Cadillac automobile was completed on October 17, 1902. Costing $750 and powered by a 10-hp, single-cylinder engine it started a motoring sensation.

1910 Cadillac introduced closed bodywork – called the limousine – as a standard catalog offering.

1912 Cadillac was the first company to adopt a sophisticated Delco electrical system to handle self-starting and wins the Deware Trophy again.

1915 Cadillac enveiled the first mass-produced V8 engine.

The Multi-Cylinder Era:

1930 Cadillac introduced the world’s first V16 engine for passenger-car use. This engine featured a overhead valves with hydraulic lash adjusters, dual exhaust, and a stylishly finished exterior design. It delivered 160 hp from 452 cu (7,4l).

1938 Cadillac relocated the gearshift to the steering column to facilitate comfortable three-abreast seating in the front seat. Cadillac also offered the first sunroofs available in America.

1941 Cadillac introduced a fully automatic transmission consisting of a fluid coupling, four forward speeds, and a hydraulic “brain”.

The Fifties and Sixties

1948 Cadillac’s designer, Harley Earl, changes the profile of automobiles with the styling introduction of the tailfin.

1949 Cadillac initiated the ’50s-era horsepower war with the introduction of a modern overhead-valve V8 rated at 160 hp.

1954 Cadillac is the first car manufacturer to provide power steering as standard on its entire line of automobiles.

1959 Low-pressure freon-filled shock absorbers improved Cadillac’s ride quality.

1960 Self adjusting brakes were adopted.

1964 Cadillac provides its customers with the auto industry’s first themostatically regulated heating, ventilating and air conditioning system. Front seat belts became standard Cadillac equipment.

Color codes:
10 Black
12 Alpine White
14 Cheviot Gray Metallic
16 Prestwick Gray Metallic
18 Camelot Gray Metallic
20 Daphne Blue
24 Somerset Blue Metallic
26 Cobalt Blue Metallic
28 Turquoise
29 Peacock Metallic
30 Acadian Green
32 Versailles Green Metallic
36 Regent Green Metallic
40 Calkutta Cream
42 Alamo Beige Metallic
44 Buckskin
48 Tahitian Coral Metallic
49 Meridian Taupe Metallic
50 Dakota Red
90+ Oympic White
92+ Rajah Silver Metallic
94+ Argyle Blue Metallic
96+ Gleneagles Green Metallic
98+ Desert Bronze Metallic
+ Indicates Used on Eldorado, Seville, and Biarritz models only.

Biarritz interior codes (all leather):
10 white/black
11 black
12 silver metallic
13 biscay blue metallic
15 copper metallic
17 green metallic
18 white/vermillion (red)
19 vermillion (red)

Eldorado top color codes:
1 White
2 Black
6 Gleneagles Green
7 Argyle Blue
8 Copper