At the 2024 Grand National - John Warner's 1963 Park Avenue Vista Wagon

[Jason Edge]

As I put our 1963/64 Cadillac Chapter 2024 Grand National Newsletter edition together, I will also be sharing pictures of Chapter Member and other cars to social media.

First up is John Warner's incredible 1963 Park Avenue Vista Wagon. I wish I had spent more time checking out the interior and mechanics of this cool Caddy Wagon, but run out of time. I did get a few decent exterior shots. I did get to meet John briefly and talk about this unique vehicle and the fact we want to do a full newsletter cover feature on this car in the future.
So for now here are a few exterior shots. Note, that if check out the closeup view through the rear window, how he used 4 rechromed dash AC Vents, and 2 heat only kick panel vents, to provide rear passenger AC/Heat Venting!  Also note John lost the cap off his left rear wheel on the way to the GN. As they say "it happens".

For a brief history on the car, here is the information on the card John had with the car:

"I rescued this fairly rusty car from a barn in Cape Cod in 2014. The purported story behind this car is that Winthorp Rockefeller commissioned two of them in 1964 as VIP shuttles using a New Jersey limousine coachbuilder.  This car was original dark blue then firemist red, and finally burgundy.  It has a blueprinted, 3-angle valve job 1965 429 engine and Turbo 400 switch pitch transmission. Two AC systems by Danhard Corp.  IT was painted in Ferrari California Blue.  Interior by Jenkins.  Billet Sabre wheels. German square weave carpet. Twin batteries with voltage sensor.  Fuel Line chiller. Nickhame "Dr. Quest.""

[Carfreak]

We spent time talking to John and admiring his beautiful car.

I didn't notice, was it displayed / judged as a Modified or Special Interest? I would like to.

[Cadillac Jack 82]

Hmm I'm not seeing any photos?

[Big Fins]

Hmm I'm not seeing any photos?

They're there for me. Beautiful car too!

[Cadillac Jack 82]

I had to jump on my phone since work blocks any type of media.  Wonderful car!

[Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621]

I saw the car at the 2017 GN and in Gettysburg but unfortunately not the owners at either show.

[Cadillac Jack 82]

I certainly remember it at 2017

[35-709]

As do I.

[jwwseville60]

Overrated hunk of junk...
It was great to meet some members!
BTW...I dont recommend the billet saber wheels. The retaining screws for the caps are wimpy. I may drill them out and put in bigger set screws.
Also, they dont make the wheels anymore.

[jwwseville60]

Folks, if you want your car over-promoted and hyped, just slip Jason Edge a few C-notes, it's worth every cent. He's just an honest guy trying to make a buck. (For a new 64 Fleetwood).
My great thanks.

[Jason Edge]

Folks, if you want your car over-promoted and hyped, just slip Jason Edge a few C-notes, it's worth every cent. He's just an honest guy trying to make a buck. (For a new 64 Fleetwood).
My great thanks.

If you think this is over-promoting, wait until we do a full cover newsletter feature! Actually it is an honor to spotlight our Chapter Member cars! While I will cover all of our Chapter Cars at the GN, you know I had to start with this special ride!

[jwwseville60]

An update.
The billet saber wheels are no longer made and I dont recommend them. The center cap is held on via four tiny hex set screws that are a bit wimpy.
One wheel needs machining to get the hubcap to fit on tight and flush.

There is a company in Colorado that might remake them however.

The dual R134A AC systems worked pretty well. But in the sunny, humid 91 deg heat at Gettysburg my interior temp gauge read 79-82 deg at full power at 3pm. Im disappointed with my experiment of two systems, granted it was sunny and the car has many roof windows and vintage tinting.

I will not be adding anymore aftermarket AC systems to any Caddy, well....maybe just one more. However they are OK for morning and evening, very cloudy days, rainy days and of course at night. Better than no AC I guess, but only just so for humid climes like Virginia.