49 prototype coupe deville resurfaces

[ccp49]

I am thinking this will generate some discussion!

http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2013/01/24/14-cadillac-coupe-de-ville-prototype-resurfaces-after-64-years/

[C.R. Patton II]

Discussion....Beautiful vehicle!

[MB49Caddy]

Have transported a Hudson to that show and it is a really great event. As far as the car goes, would someone please take photos of it and let us know all you see and hear about it when you are there. Love the fact that it turned up!!!

MB

[Ross Morgan #22943]

This is being restored by Steve Plunkett from

http://www.fleetwoodcountrycruizein.com/index.html

This car has power steering, brakes, seat and windows and vents plus shortwave two way telephone connected to the Detroit exchange.  In the back, the arm rest had a vanity case, lipstick holder and perfume atomizer.

First shown at the Waldorf Astoria from Jan 20 - 27th 1949 as part of the GM Transportation Unlimited exhibition.

Ross.

[veesixteen]

Gita and I will be there ... and hoping to get some photos! Watch this space in April (we are traveling from March 11 thru April 1). But I'm sure others will be there to get you photos before I can do it.

[N Kahn]

Incredible!!!!

[Barry]

Curious as to whether the power vents were hydraulic or electric ?

[N Kahn]

Is there any more info on this car?

[rodger]

The seats and windows are both hydraulic

[Jeff Maltby 4194]

I just came across an ad for this car in the April 1980 Cars & Parts mag.

Painted originally with a White top with small chrome rocker under door.

[Bob Hoffmann CLC#96]

Jeff,
Thanks for posting that. I remember that car was for sale in the San Diego area for about $3500. I sure hope that the guy restoring that car eliminated all the tasteless modifications that were done to the car. Anyone have a current picture???
Bob

[Dan LeBlanc]

I think Steve will definitely do it right. I've seen his collection on TV and it is quite impressive. A true Cadillac enthusiast for sure.

[Davidinhartford]

Thanks Jeff!    Excellent research!

[76eldo]

Jeff,

Impressive!

Brian

[Jeff Maltby 4194]

With permission from Roger, the owners son, here's the story.

My father bought the car in the mid to late 70's from Earl Chrysler who lived in San Diego. My understanding is that Earl's wife was Mr Wilson's secretary. They wanted a cosmetic restoration done on the car, but couldn't afford/justify the expense so they sold the car to my father. When he moved to Harrison, Ark in 1979, he took the car with him where it remained in storage until it was brought to Ct. He never really did anything with it, he had too many other projects going and when the economy went south he sold to a dealer who in turn sold it to Steve Plunkett. 

Thanks Roger :<)

[dtemple]

With permission from Roger, the owners son, here's the story.

My father bought the car in the mid to late 70's from Earl Chrysler who lived in San Diego. My understanding is that Earl's wife was Mr Wilson's secretary. They wanted a cosmetic restoration done on the car, but couldn't afford/justify the expense so they sold the car to my father. When he moved to Harrison, Ark in 1979, he took the car with him where it remained in storage until it was brought to Ct. He never really did anything with it, he had too many other projects going and when the economy went south he sold to a dealer who in turn sold it to Steve Plunkett. 

Thanks Roger :<)

Interesting story. Interesting that the Coupe deVille prototype was in the San Diego area at the same time the 1953 Cadillac Orleans Motorama show car was rumored to be there. I wonder if the source of the rumor was a result of the CDV prototype's presence there.

[MB49Caddy]

Jeff, that is a cool story...thanks for posting.

I started mine up for a while today and even though it was cold outside today it did pretty well...I can't wait until Spring so I can take it out and drive it and then take it to have some things done that need to be done! 

With permission from Roger, the owners son, here's the story.

My father bought the car in the mid to late 70's from Earl Chrysler who lived in San Diego. My understanding is that Earl's wife was Mr Wilson's secretary. They wanted a cosmetic restoration done on the car, but couldn't afford/justify the expense so they sold the car to my father. When he moved to Harrison, Ark in 1979, he took the car with him where it remained in storage until it was brought to Ct. He never really did anything with it, he had too many other projects going and when the economy went south he sold to a dealer who in turn sold it to Steve Plunkett. 

Thanks Roger :<)

[rodger]

Incredible!

[Barry]

Would love to see some interior shots !!!

[Huffstutler]

Would love to see some interior shots !!!

Odd that the book pictures look like the interior was white or light color rather than dar as in the car now... unless it was the lighting?