1949 Coupe de Ville Prototype

Cadillac introduced its new hardtop style with a prototype first displayed at the NY Waldorf Astoria in January 1949. Based on a 1948 convertible, the prototype Coupe de Ville was stretched to fit the Fleetwood Sixty Special 133-inch wheelbase chassis. Other differences from the production model offered for sale in June 1949 included front wheel opening trim, rocker trim under just the door, small rear window instead of the wraparound window, simulated vent on the rear fender, Cadillac crest on the C-pillar, and a gold emblem over the rear wheel opening. A short-wave radio telephone and gold-plated compact, lipstick holder and perfume atomizer were included in the interior. It was acquired by noted collector Steve Plunkett in 2011 who had the car accurately restored to its as-new condition