[ad_1]
Cadillac did not supply a manufacturing facility station wagon in 1969, however should you had been a deep-pocketed celeb like Dean Martin, you may have one specifically constructed.
Now up for on-line public sale in Australia with Donington Auctions, the late singer’s 1969 Cadillac Eldorado Customized Sport Wagon is a one-off constructed by George Barris, creator of well-known tv and film vehicles just like the Nineteen Sixties Batmobile.
Along with the customized wagon physique model, the automobile, dubbed Casa de Eldorado, incorporates a two-tone white-and-gold paint scheme, energy rear hatch, and front-fender humps meant to simulate spare-tire carriers. That is the one recognized Barris-built 1969 Cadillac Eldorado wagon, though he’s thought to have constructed an analogous automobile primarily based on a 1970 Eldorado for Frank Sinatra, in keeping with the public sale itemizing.
The wagon relies on the eighth-generation Eldorado that debuted for the 1967 mannequin yr. This was the primary Eldorado with front-wheel drive (an uncommon characteristic on American vehicles of the time), with {hardware} borrowed from the Oldsmobile Toronado. Energy is offered by a 429-cubic-inch V-8 linked to a 3-speed automated transmission.
Ex-Dean Martin 1969 Cadillac Eldorado Customized Sport Wagon (photograph through Donington Auctions)
Earlier than the Escalade, a number of corporations supplied coachbuilt Cadillac wagons to cater to rich automobile patrons on the lookout for added utility. American Sunroof Company (ASC) supplied its personal Eldorado station wagon within the early Seventies, whereas Conventional Coach Works Firm had the Castillian Property Wagon, primarily based on the Fleetwood Sixty Particular Brougham sedan. These conversions had been costly, although, so solely a handful of every had been made.
The Dean Martin Eldorado was exported to Australia by an fanatic with a penchant for American vehicles, however was later bought and uncared for, in keeping with the public sale itemizing. Consequently, whereas it nonetheless runs, it wants some mechanical and beauty work.
The estimate is between $25,000 and $35,000, in Australian {dollars}. That interprets to between $16,350 and $22,900 at present change charges.
[ad_2]