1970 Cadillac NART Coupe

Luigi Chinetti, Jr, with the help of General Motors, designed and developed this Cadillac NART. Drawings were created followed by full-scale clay models. A prototype was built by Zagato and furnished with parts from a Cadillac Eldorado. The design could be considered both controversial and daring. The engine was placed mid-ship while the interior could comfortably house four to six passengers. Work began on the prototype in 1969 and within a year the Cadillac N.A.R.T was complete.

Luigi Chinetti was a race car driver that had piloted a Ferrari to a victory at LeMans. During the sixties, he served as a US distributor of Ferrari automobiles. He continued his racing passion through his NART Team, North American Racing Team. The vehicles were renowned for providing podium finishes for their drivers. After many successful racing campaigns, the cars were sold often to the wealthy, attracting high premiums.
The Cadillac NART was intended to cater to the wealthy. It was to be produced in limited numbers and built to high standards and expectations. It was to have the performance of a sports car and the class of a luxury vehicle. Of course, it would be accompanied by a price tag that matched.

The Cadillac Eldorado's power train was removed from the front and placed behind the rear seats. Parts were used from other Cadillac vehicles to create the front suspension. Ventilated disc brakes were placed on all four corners. All available amenities of the time were installed including power brakes, powering steering, air conditioning, AM-FR stereo, and power windows. The plan was to have prestigious coachbuilders from Italy complete the package.

Popup headlights were mounted in the front. The windows were large and allowed the driver and passenger to see and be seen.

At the 1971 Turin Auto Show, the Cadillac NART was on display at the Zagato booth. At the New York International Automobile Show, it was on Chinetti Motor's stand.
By the time the prototype was completed, Chinetti's Ferrari business was requiring all of his attention. A second prototype was scheduled but was never created leaving this the only Cadillac NART ever built.
At the 2006 RM Auction in Monterey, it was estimated to sell between $50,000 - $100,000. The owner, who had owned it ever since buying it from Luigi Chineeti, Jr. nearly twenty years ago was willing to depart with this magnificent creation. The lot was sold at auction for $57,750.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2006