A Classic Cadillac never die, though some fade away
A few weeks ago, quite by accident, I spotted what can only be described as a neglected treasure.
In the yard of a local business, near their office, was a 1952 Cadillac four-door sedan that may have just a bit of life left in it — but not much.
I have to wonder if there’s any hope for that forlorn luxury cruiser or if the earth will ultimately reclaim it. The body and its trim appear more or less intact and all that appears missing is the rear bumper. A very large cactus was winding its way across the hood of that car and certainly won’t give up its tight grip without a fight.
That Sedan DeVille’s interior certainly appeared forlorn, as seen through very weathered windows which remain remarkably unbroken at this point.
Sitting way down on its heavy haunches among a bumper crop of weeds, there’s no telling what shape the drivetrain and suspension are in. I have to guess rust has worked its way through the car’s underpinnings.
But don’t lose heart. This Cadillac could be a project for an enterprising shop with lots of resources and a wad of cash to spend. Modern suspension and engine components could be grafted on and the very ratty interior stripped out completely and then updated. The “bones” or body look like they could benefit from a transformation.
While most folks would regard this 66-year-old Cadillac as too far gone to be worth tackling, I see potential for a dazzling recreation with eye-catching bodywork and modern performance and handling. Cadillacs of this vintage have to be rare and dwindling in numbers nowadays which might enhance the possibility of a makeover.
But then the old Cad may sit in its same spot for many more years and ultimately be ground into scrap. The owner can do what he wants to do with the car; it’s a free country. I’ve certainly heard and read laments from old car enthusiasts about these vintage vehicles being left to deteriorate beyond saving. It’s “survival of the fittest” being played out in the old car realm.
On the same property was a more common 1950 Chevrolet pickup truck in about the same shape as the Cadillac. The good news is there are all manner of replacement parts available for this truck, from the body to the frame, pickup bed and drivetrain. This one could more easily become what is being called a “rat rod” where the mechanicals are updated and the exterior is left pretty much as it is.
The Cad deserves better than that.
A “different breed of cat” would be needed to tackle these projects. It would be someone with vision who is willing to get very dirty and wrestle with mechanical elements that haven’t had any tender loving care in many years.
It certainly would be better if the Cadillac gets rescued but there’s no guarantee that might happen. Stay tuned to see what happens with this mechanical melodrama, the stuff that inspires old car buffs all over the country.