Cadillac PF200 Cabriolet: A Rare Classic Masterpiece

The KING - It's not every day that a story surfaces about a cover-up involving a King. Yet, when it does, and it involves a custom-built Cadillac designed by the renowned Pininfarina, it instantly piques the interest of car enthusiasts. The tale of this exceptional Cadillac traces back to the early 1950s, a time when innovation in design was celebrated and affluent individuals sought vehicles that made a statement. In this case, the story begins with Norman Granz, a Beverly Hills concert promoter and record producer who envisioned something extraordinary.

The 1954 Cadillac PF200 cabriolet’s design was sleek and minimalist, reflecting the clean, modern lines that were synonymous with Pininfarina’s style. (Picture from: DeanGarage)

In 1953, Granz, who had made a name for himself in the music industry by producing live-concert records, shipped a Series 62 Cadillac to Pininfarina in Italy. The goal was to create a completely new body for the car, one that would reflect the elegance and sophistication that Pininfarina was famous for. Granz, who had amassed considerable wealth from his success with record labels like Clef, Norgan, and Verve, was certainly no stranger to luxury. After selling his music catalog to MGM in 1961 for a cool $2.5 million, he took a step back from the music world, but his love for exceptional automobiles never waned.

Originally painted silver, the 1954 Cadillac PF200 roadster was fully restored after an accident, with its color changed to blue and air vents added to the sides. (Picture from: DeanGarage)

The inspiration for Granz's Cadillac transformation came during his visit to the 1952 Geneva Auto Salon, where he laid eyes on the PF200—a stunning car designed by Pininfarina and built on a Lancia chassis. The sleek lines and innovative design captivated him, and he decided he wanted a similar body, but scaled up to fit his American Cadillac chassis. This decision would lead to the creation of a unique, one-of-a-kind roadster that perfectly blended American power with Italian design finesse.

A side view comparison of the Cadillac PF200 roadster shows the original silver-painted version (bottom image) alongside its fully restored condition, featuring a blue color and added side air vents (top image). (Picture from: DeanGarage)

Cost was no object for someone of Granz's stature. The price for this automotive masterpiece was reportedly set at the cost of materials, but with a twist—Granz sweetened the deal by offering a complete collection of his record productions. This included works from legendary musicians such as Ella Fitzgerald, Joe Pass, and Oscar Peterson, all of whom he managed. Other jazz greats like Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie, and Sarah Vaughan were also part of this incredible collection. This barter, which mixed automotive excellence with musical genius, was truly a one-of-a-kind transaction.

The 1954 Cadillac PF200 Cabriolet was a two-door, three-seater roadster originally painted silver, later restored with a blue color and added side air vents. (Picture from: Paul Balze in Flickr)

The final result was a two-door, three-seater roadster painted in silver. Although Granz wanted the car to exude European style, he also wanted to retain a strong connection to its Cadillac roots. To ensure this, the car was fitted with signature Cadillac-style bumpers, and the iconic Cadillac "V" emblem was prominently displayed on both the radiator grille and the trunk lid. These elements ensured that, despite its exotic Italian bodywork, the car was unmistakably a Cadillac at heart.

The Cadillac PF200 roadster's grille, framed in chrome, featured a chrome "V," a key design element that linked the car to its Cadillac heritage. (Picture from: DeanGarage)

Dubbed the Cadillac PF200, this concept car was officially introduced in 1954. Pininfarina, responsible for its design and construction, gave the car a distinct aesthetic, starting with its large oval grille framed in chrome. The grille also featured a chrome "V," which was a key design element that tied the car back to its Cadillac heritage. Cadillac wheel discs from 1953 were used, further cementing its identity, despite its radically different appearance.

Inside, the Cadillac PF200 cabriolet was as luxurious as the exterior suggested, with the cabin upholstered in while leather. (Picture from: DeanGarage)

Inside, the car was as luxurious as the exterior suggested. The cabin was upholstered in tan leather, providing an elegant contrast to the silver-gray exterior paint. The roadster’s design was sleek and minimalist, reflecting the clean, modern lines that were synonymous with Pininfarina’s style. The two-seat layout emphasized the car's sportiness, while the roadster’s proportions made it feel far more compact than a typical Cadillac of the era.

The 1954 Cadillac PF200 cabriolet was powered by the same engine as the Series 62 Cadillac, a 346 cu in (5.7 L) Monobloc V8.  (Picture from: DeanGarage)

There is some debate about the origins of this particular Cadillac model. While many sources agree that it was a custom car commissioned by Granz and built by Pininfarina, others suggest that it might have had a different origin. From several sources such Carstyling.ru, and DeanGarage write that the car was actually commissioned for Luigi Chinetti, an influential Ferrari importer and close friend of Enzo Ferrari. However, the connection between Chinetti and this Cadillac remains speculative, with little concrete evidence to support this theory. Regardless, what is clear is that the Cadillac PF200 cabriolet was a one-off masterpiece, never intended for mass production.

The Cadillac PF200 Cabriolet is often referred to as the "King of Cadillacs," a fitting title for such a unique and elegant creation. (Picture from: Paul Balze in Flickr)

The Cadillac PF200 Cabriolet is often referred to as the "King of Cadillacs," a fitting title for such a unique and elegant creation. The car’s blend of American engineering and Italian design makes it a standout among the many Cadillacs produced during that era. Its rarity and beauty contribute to its legendary status, much like the idea that there can only be one true "King." This car represents a moment in time when customization, creativity, and collaboration across industries came together to create something truly special.

In the world of automobiles, the story of Norman Granz’s Cadillac PF200 serves as a reminder of the golden age of design, when carmakers pushed boundaries and individuals sought vehicles that were more than just transportation—they were symbols of status, taste, and personality. Today, the legacy of this remarkable car lives on, not just in the memories of those who witnessed it but in the broader history of automotive design. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | DEANGARAGE | CARSTYLING.RU | OLDCONCEPTCARS | CLASSICCARS.FANDOM | ALLCARINDEX | PAUL BALZE IN FLICKR | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI ]

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