27 Most Striking Cadillacs Ever Made
For over a century, Cadillac has been synonymous with luxury, innovation, and head-turning design. From the towering tailfins of the ‘50s to the cutting-edge electric models of today,
Cadillac has consistently pushed the boundaries of automotive style. Some models have aged like fine wine, becoming iconic symbols of American engineering, while others were so bold they still make jaws drop decades later.
Here, we take a look at 27 of the most striking Cadillacs ever built—cars that defined eras, challenged conventions, and ensured Cadillac’s place in history.
1. 1930 Cadillac V-16
When Cadillac introduced the V-16, it wasn’t just a car—it was a statement. With an engine that oozed power and a body that screamed elegance, this machine set the standard for pre-war luxury. Only the wealthiest could afford one, but those who did arrived in grand fashion.
Its opulent design included intricate details that made it stand out among other vehicles of its time. The V-16 engine not only offered unparalleled power but also smoothness, making it a marvel of engineering.
2. 1941 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible
Few cars captured the optimism of pre-WWII America like the Series 62 Convertible. Sleek lines, an impressive grille, and Cadillac’s first-ever automatic transmission made this car the epitome of effortless style. It was the kind of car that begged to be driven down a coastal highway with the top down.
The automatic transmission was revolutionary, providing an easy and comfortable driving experience. Its elegant design and luxurious features appealed to those who valued both style and innovation.
3. 1948 Cadillac Series 62 Sedanette
The year 1948 marked the beginning of Cadillac’s signature tailfin era, and the fastback Sedanette led the charge. With its dramatic slope and streamlined curves, it looked like it was breaking speed records even while parked.
The tailfins hinted at the future of car design, capturing the spirit of innovation. Its aerodynamic shape and bold styling were a departure from the norm, making it a standout on the road.
4. 1953 Cadillac Eldorado
The name Eldorado became legendary in Cadillac’s lineup, and the first model set the tone. With a wraparound windshield, chrome accents, and an unmistakable presence, it was a car built for those who demanded attention.
Even Hollywood elites took notice, making it a staple of the rich and famous. The Eldorado’s combination of style and power made it a favorite among those who desired the best.
5. 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
With rear-hinged doors and a hand-built body, the Brougham wasn’t just rare—it was a rolling piece of art. Cadillac packed it with futuristic features, including air suspension and a built-in liquor set. These innovations made it a technological marvel of its time.
The luxurious interior and unique design elements set it apart from other cars. The Brougham was a symbol of prestige, representing the pinnacle of 1950s automotive luxury.
6. 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz
If there’s one car that represents peak tailfin insanity, it’s the 1959 Eldorado Biarritz. Those massive, rocket-inspired fins and bullet taillights made it impossible to ignore. It wasn’t just a car—it was a statement of excess, style, and ambition.
The design was both daring and iconic, capturing the spirit of the era. Its luxurious features and powerful presence made it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
7. 1963 Cadillac Coupe DeVille
By the early ‘60s, Cadillac had refined its signature style into something more sophisticated. The 1963 Coupe DeVille featured crisp, angular lines, a floating roofline, and an unmistakable presence.
It wasn’t as wild as the ‘50s models, but it exuded an effortless cool that made it a favorite among executives and celebrities alike. Its design was a blend of elegance and modernity, capturing the attention of those who valued both luxury and style.
8. 1967 Cadillac Eldorado
Cadillac took a bold step with the 1967 Eldorado, transforming it into a front-wheel-drive luxury coupe with razor-sharp styling. The hidden headlights and sleek, unbroken body panels gave it an almost futuristic look for the time.
The new design was a testament to Cadillac’s willingness to innovate and take risks. Its luxurious interior and advanced features made it a hit among those who appreciated cutting-edge technology.
9. 1970 Cadillac Coupe DeVille
Everything about the 1970 Coupe DeVille was massive—its footprint, its engine, and its personality. This land yacht cruised down highways with unmatched comfort, offering a ride so smooth it felt like floating on air.
The car’s size and presence were matched only by its luxurious interior, making it a favorite for long-distance travel. Its powerful engine ensured that it could handle the open road with ease.
10. 1976 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible
The ‘76 Eldorado Convertible marked the end of an era—Cadillac’s last factory-built convertible for many years. With its elongated proportions and luxurious details, it became an instant collector’s item.
Few cars embodied ‘70s excess like this one, and even today, it remains a symbol of grand American luxury. Its design was both bold and elegant, capturing the essence of the era.
11. 1980 Cadillac Seville Elegante
The second-generation Seville shocked the world with its sharply truncated rear end, a design known as the “bustle-back.” Love it or hate it, the Elegante trim took the Seville’s boldness even further with a two-tone paint job and plush interiors.
Its unique design was a conversation starter, making it a favorite among those who wanted to stand out. The Seville Elegante was more than just a car; it was a statement of individuality and style.
12. 1992 Cadillac Seville STS
As Cadillac entered the ‘90s, it sought to reclaim its reputation for performance. The Seville STS was a major step in that direction, blending luxury with a powerful Northstar V8.
With a more European-influenced design and impressive handling, it showed that Cadillac could still build a car with both brains and brawn. The STS was not only powerful but also luxurious, appealing to those who valued performance and comfort.
13. 2004 Cadillac XLR
Cadillac’s attempt at a Corvette-based luxury roadster resulted in the XLR, a sleek, high-tech convertible that featured a retractable hardtop and a sophisticated Northstar V8.
While it never reached the heights of its competitors, the XLR was undeniably one of the most striking Cadillacs of the modern era. Its design was both futuristic and elegant, capturing the attention of those who valued style and innovation.
14. 2009 Cadillac CTS-V
A Cadillac that could take on BMW M and Mercedes AMG? The second-generation CTS-V did just that, thanks to a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 borrowed from the Corvette ZR1. With aggressive styling and blistering speed, it redefined what an American luxury sedan could be.
The CTS-V was not just about power; it was about style and performance. Its design was both bold and sophisticated, capturing the attention of those who valued high-performance luxury.
15. 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe
Cadillac took a risk by chopping two doors off the CTS and giving it a futuristic wedge shape. The result was one of the most head-turning cars in the brand’s history.
The CTS Coupe had a concept-car look that made it stand out on the streets, even among more expensive exotics. Its design was both bold and innovative, capturing the attention of car enthusiasts. Its unique design ensured that it would be remembered as a standout model.
16. 2016 Cadillac CT6 Platinum
The CT6 was Cadillac’s ambitious return to the full-size luxury sedan market, and the Platinum trim represented peak refinement. With an advanced lightweight chassis, cutting-edge tech, and a twin-turbo V6, it proved that Cadillac could still build a flagship worthy of its name.
The CT6 was more than just a car; it was a statement of Cadillac’s commitment to innovation and luxury. The CT6 Platinum was a testament to Cadillac’s ability to blend tradition with innovation, ensuring its place in automotive history.
17. 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing
One of the last gas-powered performance sedans from Cadillac, the CT5-V Blackwing delivered a manual transmission, a supercharged V8, and a track-ready suspension. It’s a modern muscle car disguised as a luxury sedan, making it an instant classic for driving purists.
The Blackwing was not just about power; it was about precision and control. Its design was both aggressive and elegant, capturing the attention of those who valued performance and style.
18. 2023 Cadillac Lyriq
Cadillac’s first all-electric luxury SUV made waves with its futuristic design, panoramic LED lighting, and cutting-edge technology. The Lyriq represents the brand’s shift toward an electric future while still maintaining the bold styling that defines Cadillac.
Its unique features and futuristic design ensured that it would be remembered as a standout model in the electric vehicle market.
19. 2023 Cadillac Escalade-V
The already imposing Escalade received the ultimate performance treatment with a 682-horsepower supercharged V8. It’s absurdly powerful, wildly luxurious, and unapologetically American—exactly what a Cadillac SUV should be.
The Escalade-V was not just about power; it was about luxury and style. Its design was both bold and sophisticated, capturing the attention of those who valued performance and luxury.
20. 2024 Cadillac Celestiq
The Celestiq is Cadillac’s most ambitious model in decades, blending ultra-luxury with hand-crafted details and state-of-the-art technology. With a price tag north of $300,000, it’s Cadillac’s answer to Rolls-Royce, signaling the brand’s return to true exclusivity.
Its design was both elegant and sophisticated, capturing the attention of those who valued exclusivity and style. The Celestiq was a statement of Cadillac’s commitment to luxury and innovation, ensuring its place in automotive history as a symbol of prestige.
21. 1949 Cadillac Series 62 Coupe DeVille
This was the car that introduced Cadillac’s legendary tailfins, a design trend that would define the brand for years. It also debuted the brand’s first overhead-valve V8 engine, revolutionizing performance.
The ‘49 Coupe DeVille was more than just a luxury car—it was a statement of progress. Its unique features ensured that it would be remembered as a standout model in the luxury car market.
22. 1959 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible
When you think of classic Cadillac tailfins, this is the car that comes to mind. The 1959 Series 62 Convertible had the largest and most flamboyant fins in automotive history, paired with massive chrome bumpers. It’s a rolling work of art that embodies everything outrageous about ‘50s car culture.
Its design was both daring and iconic, capturing the attention of those who valued creativity and style.
23. 1933 Cadillac V-16 Aero Coupe
Cadillac wasn’t just about luxury—it was about pushing boundaries. The V-16 Aero Coupe was ahead of its time, with sleek, streamlined styling that foreshadowed the Art Deco movement. It was Cadillac’s way of proving that automotive design could be as elegant as it was functional.
The V-16 Aero Coupe was more than just a car; it was a statement of Cadillac’s commitment to innovation and excellence.
24. 1975 Cadillac Fleetwood Talisman
The Talisman was the epitome of ‘70s Cadillac excess. This ultra-luxurious Fleetwood variant featured a plush, four-seat configuration with a center console in both the front and rear. It wasn’t just a car—it was a rolling lounge designed for those who demanded the absolute best.
Its unique features ensured that it would be remembered as a standout model in the luxury car market.
25. 1965 Cadillac Calais
Though often overshadowed by the DeVille, the Calais was a stunning example of mid-century American luxury. With its sleek, pillarless hardtop design and refined styling, it captured the essence of Cadillac’s elegance while offering a slightly more affordable alternative to its pricier siblings.
Its design was both sophisticated and elegant, capturing the attention of those who valued luxury and style.
26. 1931 Cadillac Series 452A
Another V-16 masterpiece, the Series 452A was a coach-built marvel. Owners could choose from a wide array of custom bodies, making each one unique.
This was Cadillac at its most opulent, proving that hand-crafted automotive luxury was alive and well during the Great Depression.
27. 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ
Looking toward the future, Cadillac has electrified its flagship SUV with the upcoming Escalade IQ.
Retaining its massive presence but now powered by an electric drivetrain, this SUV blends modern luxury with futuristic technology. It is a true masterpiece of engeneering and technology.