1970 Cadillac N.A.R.T. Concept by Zagato

Conceived by Luigi Chinetti, Jr., the son of Luigi Chinetti, the successful Ferrari's US dealer and the founder of the North American Racing Team (N.A.R.T.), an official arm of Ferrari.  The Cadillac N.A.R.T. was designed to provide Chinetti’s clients with a luxurious, sophisticated, high performance four seat automobile that could be built in limited quantities at a reasonable cost. Coachwork designed by Luigi Chinetti, Jr., executed by Zagato. The styling of the concept reflects the Zagato geometric car designs of the 70s.

Work on the Cadillac N.A.R.T. Concept began in 1969. It was based upon the simple but ingenious concept of relocating the front wheel drive Cadillac Eldorado power train to behind the rear seats to create a mid-engined layout, then using other standard Cadillac assemblies for the front suspension. Powered by a 400 hp 500 cu. in. overhead valve V8 engine, four-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel independent suspension with torsion bars, four-wheel disc brakes. 

All the comfort and convenience features expected by buyers of Cadillacs, or of top of the line Ferraris for that matter, were provided including power steering, power brakes, power windows, climate control air conditioning and an AM-FM signal seeking stereo. The side windows drop below the fender tops, giving the driver and passengers great visibility. High visibility also has another aspect: it allows the occupants of this distinctive and rare automobile to be recognized as they pass by in comfort and safety and at speed. Fitted with pop up headlights over shallow parking lights recessed in the full width grille, from the front there is no mistaking the Cadillac N.A.R.T for anything but the high performance luxury coupé that it is.

This prototype was displayed at the 1971 Turin Auto Show by Zagato. It was reportedly well received by potential buyers, but Chinetti’s Ferrari business had come to require their full attention and a second prototype for further development work was never built. This is the only example of the Cadillac N.A.R.T. ever built. (rmauctions.com)

(Photos from idrive.kz, autowp.ru, finecars.cc, carstyling.ru, 

conceptcarz.com & oldconceptcars.com)

1961 Pininfarina Cadillac Brougham 'Jacqueline' Coupe

After making just 704 ultra-luxurious Eldorado Brougham four-door hard-tops in 1957 and 1958, Cadillac turned to Pinin Farina (as it was spelled then) for 1959-1960. After just 200 Pinin Farina Eldorado Broughams were made, Cadillac was finally ready to pull the plug. But Farina wanted to continue. To pique Caddy's interest, the coachbuilder showed two Brougham proposals of its own at the 1961 Paris Salon de I'Automobile. One was a four-door, the other a two-door hardtop; both were dubbed "Jacqueline," ostensibly in honor of the new American First Lady. Two key elements were absent from the show cars: an engine and Cadillac's trademark fins. Horizontal taillights wrapped into a body-length side cove. The broad grille practically swallowed the headlights. The golden two-door featured a brushed steel roof and no back seat. One-piece buckets were installed in front. (auto.howstuffworks.com)

Either Jacqueline Concepts was put into production. This Coupe version was put into the Pinin Farina museum. It would stay there for more than 30 years and only shown on vary rare occasions. During the mid-nineties, Pininfarina sold their design study from the 1960s and the Jacqueline eventually ended up in the United States. Upon its arrival to the United States, plans began for outfitting it with running gear. Technology and products available during the original period build were used. The chassis was a donated 1960 Eldorado Biarritz with power from a 1959 vintage Series 62 V8 that displaced 390 cubic-inches and provides 325hp. The suspension was comprised of front coil springs, rear leaf springs and hydraulic shock absorbers on all four corners. It was given a working steering system, essential gauges and instrumentation, operating foot pedals, and the appropriate wiring. The task was completed in the late-nineties and it was driven on the road under its own power for the first time. (conceptcarz.com)

(Photos from conceptcarz.com, autowp.ru, heritageclassics.com and flickr.com)