Jay Leno welcomes an automotive rarity to the garage: the stunning 1953 Cadillac Series 62 Ghia Coupe, owned by Lee Carr!
This special car is an example of post-WWII collaboration, featuring an advanced American chassis and engine with a custom, hand-built body by the legendary Italian coachbuilder Ghia. The owner, Lee, recounts the incredible story of how his wife encouraged him to buy this stunning classic.
In this episode, Jay and Lee discuss: Why the 1953 Cadillac was arguably superior to a contemporary Rolls-Royce, with its V8 overhead valve engine, automatic transmission, and available features like air conditioning.
The surprise: Ghia purchased the chassis from GM and had them shipped to Italy to build the body, it was not a direct GM project! The car’s unique history, including its time at the Imperial Palace in Las Vegas and the extensive two-year-plus restoration process to make it roadworthy. Details on the 331 cubic inch Cadillac V8 engine and the advanced four-speed Hydramatic transmission. Its life as a show car, touring in Geneva and Turin, and the existence of only one other model (now at the Petersen Museum).
