Cadillac Elegante Special

The Cadillac Elegante Special, crafted by Carrozzeria Motto in 1955, is a unique and extraordinary example of transatlantic automotive collaboration, blending American power with Italian design finesse. Conceived by the visionary designer Albrecht Goertz and brought to life by the skilled hands of Carrozzeria Rocco Motto in Turin, Italy, this one-of-a-kind vehicle was commissioned by Birdsall & Mascari, an American luxury car dealership. The Elegante Special is a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of mid-century automotive design. At the heart of this creation lies a 1953 Cadillac Series 62 convertible chassis, which was shipped from the United States to Motto’s workshop in Turin. Over the course of 30 months, Motto meticulously hand-fabricated an aluminum body that was both elegant and aerodynamic. The chassis was lightened and lowered by eight inches, resulting in a sleeker profile and enhanced performance. The bodywork, with its long, smooth nose, is a striking example of Italian automotive aesthetics, seamlessly merging with the robust American engineering underneath. One of the most distinctive features of the Cadillac Elegante Special is its Italian-inspired egg crate grille, crafted by Motto himself. The front bumper, reminiscent of Cadillac’s design language, was hand-formed from 1954 Cadillac bumper bullets, with tubing cut and fitted to create twin front bumpers that beautifully complement the sweeping body lines. The attention to detail is further exemplified by the hand-built two-piece folding aluminum hardtop, which included a bespoke operating mechanism. The craftsmanship extended to the smaller details as well, with quad headlight rims, a sleek swept-back windshield frame, and door handles all hand-fabricated in bronze and then plated in 24-karat gold. The front and rear “V” trim on the hood and trunk, along with a recessed license plate insert, were also custom-made. The aluminum body was finished in a stunning iridescent white mother-of-pearl paint, while the brushed aluminum top skin, side-trim body inserts, wheel covers, and much of the dashboard trim were gold anodized, adding to the car’s opulent and luxurious aura. The Cadillac Elegante Special stands as a rare and remarkable example of bespoke automotive craftsmanship, combining the best of American power and Italian elegance into a single, unforgettable vehicle.