If you research a Cadillac M24 you’ll find the designation associated with a flathead V8 engine as used in a Chaffee M24 military tank. Actually, Cadillac’s involvement was more than just contributing and engine, they were also responsible for some design work as well as manufacturing. Besides powering large, luxurious automobiles, the M24 engine has found its way into a prototype open cockpit custom speedster courtesy of Vintage Racing Car. And for your review, today we have a sample of their work in the form of this 1942 Cadillac M24 Special. It’s located in Miami, Florida and is available, here on Barn Finds Classifieds for $65,000.

It’s not stated if the design of this two-seat roadster is based on any specific car or perhaps just a period open-wheeler. The body is hand-formed aluminum and according to an Antique Automobile Club of America forum, it’s believed that the chassis has a Chevrolet origin. Perhaps so, but the fabrication looks more one-off than a redeployment from an existing model – a question worth asking. The coachwork is impressive in its simplicity – it’s hardly a refined custom, more of a single purpose, functional application.

Power is provided by a 220 HP, 346 CI flat-head Caddy V8 engine, connected to a Caddy three-speed manual transmission with a hydraulic clutch, and even cooled by a Caddy radiator – all in the family, right?  Other off-the-shelf parts are GM lever-action shocks but the rest of this mash-up appears to be made from unique componentry. How’s it run? Check out this operating video.

The interior illustrates the same basic functionality as the exterior – it’s all business. The gauge set, with the exception of the far right-side tachometer, appears to be ’40s era while the tach looks as if it hails from the ’60s. The interior image doesn’t really capture the seats but from what can be spied, they look like slim, bare-bones pieces. One of the neatest effects is the hooded rearview mirror – a really nice touch.

So now, it’s what to do with it time. It could just sit as a static display or a museum piece but it’s probably not museum-worthy, only because it’s a recreation and not a genuine vintage piece. I like the way it sounds and moves out, and the seller states that the “title is in process” so how about registering it and just ripping around town on nice days? It will be a real conversation piece, wouldn’t you agree?