Disclosure: This site may receive compensation from some link clicks and purchases.
If there was ever a car that was begging for simply applying some clear coat over the well-weathered paint, this Caddy would be it. Listed for $5,500 here on Kansas City’s craigslist, it was supposedly laid up in sometime in the 60s, meaning this classic Coupe de Ville has been dormant for quite some time. Although it’s not running, there are enough of these cars being restored or preserved that I suspect finding the solution won’t be hard – and the seller mentions having a parts car available as well. Could there be potential for a package deal? These Harley Earl-designed Caddys were impressive in their day, and this generation of the Series 62 is one of my favorites – would you restore this one or use it as the base of a rat rod build?
Jeff, I’m there with you. I’d keep the exterior as found, clear coat it. Upgrade everything mechanical and electrical, strip out interior. Check frame, trunk andfloors for rot and POR them. Basically redo evrything on the inside.
Had a ’58 4-door I bought for $327 sight unseen. When I went to pick it up I was amazed to find a complete car in pretty good condition. Owner had pulled the water pump off to replace it and just never reassembled it. Passenger rear door had a dent. Other than that the body was clean. Definitely one of the top five cars I wish I’d never sold.
No. No. NO!! Either restore or resto-mod it but do NOT turn it into one of those crappy rat rod/patina mobiles! A car like this deserves more respect than that! >_<
My uncle had a 57, gun metal gray with red leather interior. I loved that car!
Agree, this deserves to be restored. I’m usually not that big a fan of American iron but an impressive design counts for a lot.
That car scares me. Like in Christine.
That model was one of the best driving cars that Cadillac ever produced. I learned to drive in my Dad’s. His was silver and it had a red interior. I used to dream of the girls I could impress with it. I never got the chance.
This car should be the subject of a frame off restoration. It could be lovely.
Gotta go buy a lottery ticket……
There’s no way I’d leave this car looking like a rustbucket. I would go with a mild restomod (modern brakes, ignition, fuel injection, air conditioning), restore the interior to original, and paint it glossy black or dark blue to bring out the chrome. It’d be beautiful, and Harley Earl would put in a good word with St. Peter for when you show up at the pearly gates.
Earlier this afternoon I saw a ’64-65 Ford Thunderbird Landau painted just this way, and done right it is just stunning.
Karl I’m with you. I may go with the original color, but otherwise we’re of like minds. I think restomoding can go too far, you risk making your interior look dated to the time of the restoration, when the original will always look classic. Comfort (ac) and reliability (other study listed) is all you need to have a great driver. This is really close to my cousin’s house. Luckily not to mine…
Reminds me of John Waters’ Pink Flamingos!
@ Jasper: .pretty esoteric for Barnfinds.com!
Needs a supercharged Northstar engine and modern interior.
Yep. Forget about the Patina thing. It deserves a damn paint job! Original colors or whatever you want, but it shouldn’t be left looking shabby. It’s a real classic.