Concept Car Of The Day: 1971 Cadillac NART - AllCarIndex
In the late Sixties, Luigi Chinetti, Jr., the US distributor for Ferrari, found himself back in the driver's seat after nearly twenty years. His North American Racing Team (N.A.R.T) was thriving, attracting top drivers and selling used team cars to wealthy clients. However, challenges loomed on the horizon with stricter auto emissions regulations and Ferrari's reluctance to embrace mid-engine designs.
In response to these challenges, work began in 1969 on an innovative four-seat, mid-engined concept known as the 1970 Cadillac N.A.R.T. Conceived by Chinetti, Jr., this unique vehicle was designed to offer luxury, performance, and exclusivity in a limited production run. The concept involved relocating the front wheel drive Cadillac Eldorado powertrain behind the rear seats to create a mid-engined layout. This daring design was executed by independent coachbuilders in Italy, including Zagato who built the prototype.
The Cadillac N.A.R.T. featured a Cadillac Eldorado powertrain, torsion bar suspension, and disc brakes, as well as luxurious amenities like power steering, power brakes, and climate control air conditioning. It had a distinctive design that combined American styling cues with Chinetti's unique touches, such as a reverse wrapped rear window and flared wheel arches.
The prototype made its debut at the 1971 Turin show and later at the New York International Automobile Show, where it garnered positive feedback from potential buyers. However, due to other commitments, a second prototype for further development was never built, making this the only Cadillac N.A.R.T. ever produced.
Acquired by the current owner nearly twenty years ago from Chinetti, Jr. in original condition, the Cadillac N.A.R.T. has since received cosmetic enhancements and regular maintenance. As a rare and important collaboration between Cadillac, Zagato, and Luigi Chinetti's N.A.R.T., this one-of-a-kind vehicle represents a significant piece of automotive history.
Whether preserved as a historical artifact or restored for display at prestigious events, the Cadillac N.A.R.T. offers a unique opportunity for collectors to acquire a truly exceptional automobile with a rich heritage. This rare vehicle truly lives up to the description of being "unique."
