El Cadillette: A 6.2 Meters, Six-Wheeled Marvel Based on Three Iconic Brands
WeirdONES - In the automotive world, there's always a fascination with vehicles that stand out from the ordinary. Modifying motor vehicles to attract public attention has become a popular trend. These modifications often focus on creating unique appearances that capture the imagination and generate viral moments. One such extraordinary transformation involves turning a classic car into a six-wheeled marvel, combining elements from at least three of the most iconic automotive brands in history.
The 'El Cadillette,' a unique six-wheeled vehicle blending elements of the El Camino, Cadillac, and 1959 Corvette, crafted by HBomb Customs & Classics.(Picture from: Hemmings)
As quoted of Stuff.co.nz, HBomb Customs & Classics, a renowned vehicle restoration and customization workshop near Temuka, New Zealand, took on one of its most ambitious projects in its ten-year history. The project began in 2018 when David Blackmore, an Australian gentleman living on the Gold Coast, Australia, tasked the workshop with transforming his classic 1959 Cadillac into something truly unique.
The 'El Cadillette' project originated from a 1959 hardtop four-door Cadillac. (Picture from: Hemmings)
Originally, Blackmore envisioned a beautiful, classic design inspired by an image drawn by Raymond Picasso. However, he later decided to elevate the project's uniqueness by increasing the car's wheels from four to six. The process of bringing this six-wheeled, 6.2 meters-long orange-colored masterpiece to life was no small feat.
Car restorer Hadleigh Oudemans (left) from HBomb Customs, along with Frank Spencer and Brendan Anisy, showcase the remarkable length of El Cadillette. (Picture from: Stuff.co.nz)
The partially completed car arrived from Wellington in a container in 2018, and over the following two years, the team at HBomb Customs & Classics worked tirelessly to turn Blackmore's vision into reality, finally completing the project just before Christmas 2020.
The result was the El Cadillette, a stunning fusion of an El Camino, a Cadillac, and a 1959 Corvette. This unique vehicle also features bonnet rockets from a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air and a "rumble seat" setup behind the cockpit-style cabin.
The initial designs of the car were specifically drawn by Raymond Picasso for the owner before deciding on the rear tandem configuration. (Picture from: Hemmings)
One
of the most challenging aspects of the project was designing the "lazy
axle" setup for the twin rear wheels, making it a six-wheeled vehicle
reminiscent of the FAB 1, the iconic pink car from the 1960s' British science-fiction puppet television series Thunderbirds.
The original four-wheeled design of El Cadillette was based on a 1959 Cadillac flat-top sedan, featuring a powerful 500 cubic inch V8 Cadillac engine. (Picture from: TheVetteBarn)
Throughout the project, HadleighOudemans and his team also modified the wheel arches and created a custom grille using parts from two '59 Corvettes. The exterior was painted in a striking "Lamborghini Orange," while the interior was customized with white and orange crocodile leather.
The front grille of El Cadillette was custom-made using parts taken from two 1959 Corvettes. (Picture from: Hemmings)
Adding to its uniqueness, the six-wheeled car features a clear glass roof, fulfilling a specific request from Blackmore. The team spent significant time sourcing and chasing suitable Cadillac parts for the project. The vehicle is powered by a 500 cubic inch V8 Cadillac engine, ensuring that it has the power to match its striking appearance.
El Cadillette's interior is adorned with a fully custom carbon fiber dash and features special crocodile genuine leather in white and orange on the seats.(Picture from: Hemmings)
Oudemans estimated that the project could eventually cost between $200,000 and $300,000. One of the standout features is the installation of a television in the middle of the spare wheel cover, allowing Blackmore to "park up" and watch 1950s music videos, adding a nostalgic touch to this futuristic vehicle.
Car
restorer Hadleigh Oudemans from HBomb Customs describes El Cadillette
as the most challenging project he has ever undertaken.(Picture from: WeirdWheels)
The transformation of the 1959 Cadillac into the six-wheeled El Cadillette is a testament to the creativity and craftsmanship of the team at HBomb Customs & Classics. This project showcases how innovative modifications can breathe new life into classic cars, turning them into unique works of art that capture the imagination and draw attention wherever they go.
As the El Cadillette cruises the streets (once it is fully built and road-ready), it stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when vision meets skill, and tradition blends with modernity. Unfortunately, we haven't heard any updates about it since then.*** [EKA [15022021] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HBOMB CUSTOMS & CLASSIC | STUFF.CO.NZ | HEMMINGS | SIXMANIA | CUSTOM RODDER | THEVETTEBARN | WEIRDWHEELS ]
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El Cadillette: A 6.2 Meters, Six-Wheeled Marvel Based on Three Iconic Brands
As quoted of Stuff.co.nz, HBomb Customs & Classics, a renowned vehicle restoration and customization workshop near Temuka, New Zealand, took on one of its most ambitious projects in its ten-year history. The project began in 2018 when David Blackmore, an Australian gentleman living on the Gold Coast, Australia, tasked the workshop with transforming his classic 1959 Cadillac into something truly unique. 
As the El Cadillette cruises the streets (once it is fully built and road-ready), it stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when vision meets skill, and tradition blends with modernity. Unfortunately, we haven't heard any updates about it since then. *** [EKA [15022021] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HBOMB CUSTOMS & CLASSIC | STUFF.CO.NZ | HEMMINGS | SIXMANIA | CUSTOM RODDER | THEVETTEBARN | WEIRDWHEELS ]
