Edward Cole was the primary engineer for this landmark engine (he would later design the legendary small-block Chevrolet V8 and the Corvair before ascending to the presidency of General Motors itself).

The Cadillac's engine was coupled with the equally futuristic GM HydraMatic automatic transmission. Indeed, it would be several years down the road before you'd hear "European automotive superiority" without bursting into laughter. America's carmakers set the pace back then, without question.

Enough background. Let's take a closer look at the car itself. The high, prominently domed hood dominates the car's façade (the hood was something of a design fetish of GM vice president/dictator of styling Harley Earl's). Cadillac's trademark egg-crate grille work provides gravitas and a feeling of heft and width to the overall look. No one mistook a Cadillac for an ordinary automobile, not with this face.

Schwartz designed and built the body from scratch. Its pleasing lines are simple and, more importantly, well-proportioned, which helps mask the car's huge size (it was built on a 136-inch wheelbase chassis). The wood elements don't dominate the design. They complement it, living in harmony with the surrounding sheet metal of the fenders, roof, and decks.

The windows are large and airy--whether to allow its VIP passengers a better view out or the public a better view inside is open to speculation. Compare this image of yesterday's