Ad for AC Spark Plugs in “The Saturday Evening Post,” July 10, 1954, featuring the Cadillac “La Espada” concept car.
La Espada was introduced in 1954 at the GM Motorama, a traveling auto show that showcased futuristic designs. This two-seat fiberglass sports convertible was powered by Cadillac’s 230-hp V-8 engine. Mechanically, the car was similar to the El Camino concept coupe but featured a specially engineered convertible top and innovative design elements like ribbed aluminum fender sides and dual headlights controlled by an Autronic Eye.
La Espada was also showcased at the 1954 Chicago Auto Show. Interestingly, actor Ronald Reagan, who later became the 40th President of the United States, served as the Grand Marshal during the event and was photographed behind the wheel of La Espada. The car's futuristic design and features, like quad headlights and jet fins, hinted at Cadillac's future styling cues.
Despite its striking design and advanced features, La Espada was never mass-produced. Concept cars like this were often created to test new ideas and gauge public interest rather than for commercial production.
[Sources: ClassicCars.fandom.com, and ChicagoAutoShow.com]
Ad for AC Spark Plugs in “The Saturday Evening Post,” July 10, 1954, featuring the Cadillac “La Espada” concept car.
La Espada was introduced in 1954 at the GM Motorama, a traveling auto show that showcased futuristic designs. This two-seat fiberglass sports convertible was powered by Cadillac’s 230-hp V-8 engine. Mechanically, the car was similar to the El Camino concept coupe but featured a specially engineered convertible top and innovative design elements like ribbed aluminum fender sides and dual headlights controlled by an Autronic Eye.
La Espada was also showcased at the 1954 Chicago Auto Show. Interestingly, actor Ronald Reagan, who later became the 40th President of the United States, served as the Grand Marshal during the event and was photographed behind the wheel of La Espada. The car's futuristic design and features, like quad headlights and jet fins, hinted at Cadillac's future styling cues.
Despite its striking design and advanced features, La Espada was never mass-produced. Concept cars like this were often created to test new ideas and gauge public interest rather than for commercial production.
[Sources: ClassicCars.fandom.com, and ChicagoAutoShow.com]