A nice drive in a 1955 Cadillac Coupe de Ville. In New Zealand

This one wasn't planned, hence lack of mounts, words etc, but I thought you'd enjoy the sights and sounds of this magnificent 1955 Cadillac Coupe de Ville. We saw it initially in this video. • (EP17) Caravan, seals,...
Thanks to Stevie for letting me take the enormous wheel.
HubNut goodies and support options can be found at hubut.org

[@graemew7001]

Goes really well for a 64 year old car that hasn't been restored, glad he's kept it as is as it makes it a more interesting car in my opinion.

[@TheExStig]

Some statement. So when should it be restored then? Or would rather it just rust out? Crazy man.

[@graemew7001]

@@TheExStig Just keep it well maintained and safe to use but keep the aged patina that it has. There's pristine restored ones out there but cars that show their age and still being used aren't as common. You can tell this one's had a life and has a story to tell, restored ones who knows how much is the original car?

[@MapleMarmite]

Graeme W Also, it's unlikely to rust out in that climate. I agree about leaving as is - although I might be tempted to do something about the driver's seat.

[@graemew7001]

@@MapleMarmite That's true, I worked in a classic MG garage in my youth and my boss imported MGA's from Texas and California to here in the UK. The metalwork was always solid, interiors not so much, sun took its toll. I agree, I'd be tempted to do something with the seat and headliner but it would have to be in keeping with the look of the car, nothing brand new.

[@Mercmad]

In the 1950's The NZ government had a small Fleet of Cadillacs for use as tourist hire vehicles . A neighbour of mine had two of them with same boot mounted air con.

[@nakedarse2507]

@Edward Gross yep

[@davidtaylor351]

NZ Railways also had some. Same year as this one. I guess for the top brass.

[@richardglossop9085]

I love how it’s not in show room condition. It just adds so much character to a design icon

[@danr1920]

It's only original once. If you have an old valuable piece of furniture, refinishing it will great decrease the value.

[@michaeld7409]

The most beautiful Cadillac i‘ve ever seen, hope it‘s being kept as is 😍

[@robertwenzell9510]

The transmission is the Hydra-Matic, and has four forward gears.The rest of the a/c was installed in the trunk.Cheers from Erlanger Kentucky.

[@martinfreekie7659]

I think we have found the guy who put the bullet holes in it.😄

[@robertwenzell9510]

@@martinfreekie7659 WHO!!

[@millomweb]

I was surprised it being a 4 speed. Makes me wonder if 4 was top or in fact overdrive.

[@robertwenzell9510]

@@millomweb Fourth was final drive,Cadillacs and Oldsmobile had Hydra-Matic starting in 1937.

[@chrisstoddard1144]

For an exhaustive history, see ateupwithmotor.com/terms-technology-definitions/hydramatic-history-part-1/

[@MatthewJohnCrittenden]

Ragged Glory … Magnificent … Love the dust on opening the fuel filler.

[@audreyfforbes-hamilton]

Love the exhaust, petrol filler and window action!

[@millomweb]

I remember fuel fillers behind the rear number plate and one behind a rear red reflector - you just unscrewed the reflector which was the cap itself. These touches have been missing from cars for a number of years now - although I wonder how many early Polos had a vent removed in error thinking it was the fuel filler !

[@robinwells8879]

I'm not a huge fan of American cars but that is truly truly glorious. Every square inch has a story to tell and I could listen for days. It would be a crime to restore it in any way. Big thanks for posting.

[@johnj3577]

"And you can poke the passengers in the back" - Yep, looks like there's plenty of space for that kind of thing :)

[@banjopete]

Aussie Pom , so he’s a Toyboy.

[@jonathangriffiths2499]

peter olsen not toy enough mate

[@saintfunny]

Yeah so that's another car I want...... New Zealand seems to have many treasures. 👌👍👍

[@gryfandjane]

Lovely old dame... glory days long past, but with a little of the old glamour still clinging on. I was born the year after this car was built, so when I was a kid here in the US first noticing cars, this is what was on the roads. It was a good time to be young.

[@jonlyons1033]

I used to live on Anglesey as a boy, moved out to NZ many moons ago and it's the eclectic cars, people and roads that I fell in love with. Kia and indeed ora.

[@jonathangriffin1120]

"As I was motorvatin' over the hill, saw HubNut in a Coupe de Ville!

[@b.2221]

That's a hovercraft of imense beauty, and character. Thank you for sharing Sir 👍 Tam.

[@petewood2350]

More like dry water Battle Ship.

[@alanalzee4849]

She holds the road well and looks like it's lived a life, all the better for it I say

[@jnpowell9077]

What a fabulous car, reminds me of a great car I owned in NZ back in the seventies, a 1955 Chevy Bel air four door pillar less sedan.

[@Brian-xd2oi]

What an amazing find, many thanks for the owner allowing you to share it with everyone. I was fortunate that a very good (and wealthy) friend of mine owned one of Elvis Presley’s white, gold plated, Cadillacs and allowed me to drive it. They are amazing, huge barges but my goodness do they turn heads.

[@rydermike33]

Never really understood the 'rat/rod' trend, but that big old beast carries it off a treat. Wonderful old bus.

[@davidflamee]

You were right. That was most enjoyable, deserving of an Eric Whitacre soundtrack even.

[@brunothedog01]

Absouloutly wonderfull machine .a dream car .wow

[@dreadpenguinlord340]

Magnificent! You are a lucky man to have this and to be able to take a drive through the countryside of your lovely country. I hope you don't ever over-restore it... they are only original once!

[@jarthurs]

What a fantastic bit of design, the way the exhausts emerge from the chrome, the hidden filler cap and a whole host of 1950's technology. Form and function, not one or the other...

[@charris939]

I think this was the first Hubnut video I saw nearly 3 years ago, what a wonderful journey it’s been!

[@RichieRouge206]

What a fabulous car in every way. I bet the Triangle Of Doom was bigger than the Beemuda! Great video Ian

[@jimburig7064]

Venerable old Detroit iron in beautiful New Zealand. What an experience!

[@huntaway365_]

Thanks Ian.that was a fun evening. Shame the rumble of the engine didn't come through though 👍

[@Shane_Marsh]

Even your unplanned last minute vids are cool. I like the way you describe exactly how the car feels, pure magic.

[@adamclark7536]

How appropriate that whatever was rattling sounded like a typewriter! What a lucky man you are to get to drive such a variety of characterful cars.

[@the.porter.productions]

They were beautiful cars! My dad loved the old Cadillacs! 🥰 I do, too, I believe!

[@shaunw9270]

Absolute beauty , I love it 👌

[@paulmckinder3082]

Now that is a beautiful motor vehicle those rear window mechanisms are fantastic great video

[@Garffey]

Ooohhh....Thanks Ian!.... I love a 'yank tank!' I really do......

[@terribelbliss9646]

You can tell from the camera how boat-like they rode and handled. Those were the days when style and comfort were more important than efficiency and safety. That’s a great looking car and kudos for keeping it as it is, they’re only original once. 👍😀

[@grayfool]

HubNut drives a Wurlitzer! What an epic car. Most certainly the best exhaust note in NZ. Wonderful.

[@benjaminmarriott6742]

Beautiful as it is, too much detail to cover, a wholeheartedly captivating drive by the looks, love it!

[@prieten49]

What a boat! A friend had an Oldsmobile of about the same vintage and size. He forgot that the power brakes didn't work when the engine was off and he managed to coast into a narrow section of wall separating two garage doors. It crunched that wall inward at about bumper height. Neither my friend nor his parents, whose garage it was, had the money to fix the garage and it stayed like that for years.

[@neilwalsh4058]

Stunning looking and sounding car, but imagine it after a full restoration. I get that people like patina etc and that the character is arguably lost but that beauty deserves it IMHO.

[@d2factotum]

There's something unique about the exhaust rumble of an old American V8 that appeals greatly to me, even though I'd never own one because I don't want to take out a second mortgage to fill it up with fuel!

[@ginggur17]

That’s got a monster character. Closest I’ve seen one. Love the exhausts.

[@georgekaritzis2374]

Amazing car and great feeling of riding in the back seat . George would be so envious !

[@phillipsharpe6459]

Lovely old car, 😁👍

[@williamdavis3509]

Had a '55 Coupe DeVille back in the day. Two tone green. I loved that old bus. Blew the engine and that was it for me. A guy bought it for a parts car for his restoration.

[@markharris7662]

What a cool car. Love the unrestored look.

[@dreadpenguinlord340]

How many of today's cars will look and run as good, or bring so much joy sixty-six years from today? Unrestored is always better - I never really understood the appeal of the 'hundred point restorations' which basically transform the car into a rolling collection of reproduction parts...

[@Scodiddly]

What a beast. Totally iconic.

[@MrTrundleon]

Thank you Ian, I've been patiently awaiting the video of this Cadillac! This car just oozes character, and demonstrates why some cars should NEVER be restored.

[@daviemaclean61]

Now that's a garage! And beautiful patina on the Cadillac.

[@xxrs2009]

Thanks really enjoyedthis vid, that's an awesome automobile.

[@martinfreekie7659]

What an amazing machine. Love the sound when he first revs it in the garage.

[@unbalancedcrank]

Hubnut you never cease to surprise us! What a wonderful car in a beautiful setting on a gorgeous balmy evening. Motoring nirvana!

[@Hairnicks]

Amazing motor car, love the noise and love the bullet holes, glad he hasn't sanatised it, what a treat for you and us. Well done Ian.

[@redsorgum]

American aircraft carrier, now you’re talking.....👏👏👏👏👏🇺🇸🇬🇧

[@pauldavies6037]

Hubnut in Cuba next?could have a field day with all the old USA tanks running over there

[@Eis_Bear]

USA tanks with LADA power..

[@CaptHollister]

He would be in for a big disappointment. First, the majority of cars in Cuba are actually recent European and Korean cars, with some Chinese SUVs thrown into the mix. Second, the majority of old US cars that can be found plying the tourist trade have long since had their powertrain replaced by something out of a Russian truck, and sometimes it isn't only the powertrain, but the whole chassis, too. More Hubnut-worthy are the old Soviet cars, the Moskvitches and Volgas, that have fared better (not being quite as old) as their American counterparts.

[@Eis_Bear]

@Jack Beanstalk No, because of the US embargo it's next to impossible to get parts for those cars. So if the engine was beyond repair they would swap it out for a LADA engine which was readily available.

[@CaptHollister]

@Jack Beanstalk I'm assuming it's a mix or reasons. Ultimately, however, these are 60+ year old cars. Spare parts can come through Canada (several recent US cars and trucks have been exported to Cuba from Canada), but most Cubans couldn't afford the cost and anyhow not everything is available. Above all, don't forget that very few of these cars are kept as collector vehicles. Many are meant to make a living transporting tourists who will willingly pay for a ride in what they perceive as an old US car. It's just easier, cheaper, and more practical to adapt readily available powertrains for which parts are plentiful and cheap on the island.

[@garethonthetube]

@Jack Beanstalk No, they can't get the spares to keep the original engines running, hence the transplants. I was in Cuba a few years ago and although there were plenty of old Yank Tanks with gleaming bodywork, I didn't hear a single V8, or indeed any other American engine.

[@lizziejordan-seeley7302]

beautiful car, love the 50's era of yanks - thanks for sharing!

[@brianiswrong]

Don't think I have ever heard a car described as " mildly shot at" 😎

[@jwsoaresjones1560]

bryan Just a few dozen pellets between acquaintances...

[@jamesfrench7299]

I liked the gear changes. Looks like you could get a really modern feeling car in the 50s if you had the income. It just glides along road.

[@Zeem4]

Wow. This is the dictionary definition of the word 'patina' and I love it.

[@robc5955]

If I survive any future zombie apocalypse, that's the mode of transport I want. God it sounds good and I love that lazy v8 and transmission. Love the patina. Have to say you really should have had your elbow on the door as you cruised.

[@hmcustomworks5217]

Another great video. Thanks Ian

[@railtrolley]

What a find. It's well optioned. Even has the Autronic Eye. The unit on top of the dash next to the A pillar. Automatically switches the headlights from dipped to main beam. It did get confused passing under a row of streetlights. The old girl certainly picks up her skirts and runs, when you got it on the highway.

[@frothe42]

A true classic. From a different era (my parents, who were married in 1956).

[@stewarttideswell9231]

Thanks enjoyed that,, that piece of wood is similar to the piece of wood holding my boot up till I get new struts

[@andrewhofler]

That power window action seemed super smooth and quiet, better than many modern cars! It's nearly as satisfying as some good wiper action, which I think this may be lacking!

[@blackpool321]

Gorgeous car,so quiet.

[@ChrisJSetterington]

I was hoping it was the yellow one, but it is stunning. If I remember correctly my next door neighbor used to have a convertible version in sky blue, it was immaculate, as was his Elvis hair cut, Bryle cream, and suit. He had a pigeon coup too, they would always bomb the washing, and his wife would throw boiling water at our cat when it went into their garden, I can even remember going to the hospital with my mum with scolded ankles. Those were the days.

[@pauljoe780]

"Brylcreem". Just turn your spellchecker thing on.

[@NOWThatsRichy]

If that was a house they would say 'many original features'! Have a Happy new year over there, one of the first places to see it!

[@temelerdinch528]

Beautiful masterpiece

[@lofty92]

awesome caddy

[@martinfield1484]

It felt more like 100 mph great sound from that big engine

[@daig1984]

Wow I’m this thing is really advanced for it’s time! Looks really cool

[@robinforrest7680]

A truly badass car. Love the original condition. Should be called "Cadillac Coupe de la Campagne" though in that bucolic environment.

[@riejurv50]

I love this 50's american cars... They're huge, have plenty of details and at the same time, very simple mechanically talking and with those engines... Gearboxes might not be as smooth as back in the day, mostly when changing gear but... They're powerful, they're fast, have space and are a joy to drive, you feel like a king driving one of those things, the only bad thing about this cars are the original brakes. I used to be a Citroen fan, still am, but wanted one of this beauties, went for a '58 plymouth which is gorgeous to me, but... One of this mid 50's caddys is my next step.

[@MrGaryRoberton]

Those Cadillacs were a treat to drive, I drove a 1962 Sedan De Ville with reciprocating Ball power Steering, and it was light as a feather for a car that size. Held a wedding party of Six no problem. After that era American cars got really good at going fast in a straight line. A fellow on youtube here still drives a 1964 Cadillac he got as a barn find uses it as a daily. Regards from Alberta, Canada

[@mfree80286]

'tis because America has so many straight lines in which to go very fast indeed.

[@sg8539]

This car is amazing to look at with its art deco styling, nicely aged and unrestored with good natural petina. Just needs rustproofing, clearcoat and mechanicals sorted and you have a winner. Thanks Ian, great video as usual. Ps. Really like the way tailpipes come out of the back bumper fin thingys.

[@SPTSuperSprinter156]

Nice motor. Sweet as a nut although clearly falling to bits. I might be wrong but always got the impression these were more sporty than the 70s wallow wagons like what you drove (that you mentioned)

[@solidstate0]

Nice video surprise! Really enjoyed that! Thanks!

[@scabbernacker]

That was a loooooooong run to the back of the car! 😁

[@nicksss1843]

Thought Marty McFly was going to jump out of that boot haha! Beautiful irreplaceable patina on this car, I would have left it just like this too

[@vancemarin8022]

I LOVE IT !!!!!!!

[@JamesMossR33]

Oooh, now this really makes me want one of these!

[@marklittler784]

You'd have to catch a bus to get from the front to the back...😄😃😂😁

[@pauljoe780]

What`s a "bus"?

[@marklittler784]

@@pauljoe780 They're vehicles on planet earth used to transport a large number of passengers inefficiently on the roads.

[@jamesfrench7299]

But it's not even as big as a bus!!

[@joedoe114]

It's quite elementary to see why Cadillac was the standard of the 🌎 "Was" is the key word. Late 70s put a swift end to that...as the early 90s did the same for the German brands. A wonderful trasure to enjoy for many years I'm sure. Thanks Ian for your efforts.

[@martinneumann7783]

Happy New Year down under! ;-))

[@jurivlk5433]

Simply gorgeous car. Compare this to what they want to sell us today under the Cadillac brand! Just to look at it is a pleasure.

[@jaggass]

It sounds so nice.

[@cambs0181]

Fuel just under the tail light electrics. Would imagine these days that design would be throwned on!

[@jwsoaresjones1560]

cambs 01 Ah, just keep proper separation twixt the two kinds of juice.

[@raspucin70]

Those shotgun holes are strangely fitting with the character

[@sergio_crs8935]

Absolutely wonderful car, especially in that original state . I like to think there's a hell of a story behind those shots on driver's door

[@MaxDJsWorkshop]

Wait. What? Its been shot at? Must be a story behind that surely? A beast that is for sure, thanks so much for showing us :-)

[@alectraproject]

Finding the fuel filler. Then dust. 10/10 that aye.

[@paulhickie9148]

Wow 😮 look at the size of the boot it’s enormous.

[@elwoodkingmaker8343]

Ian, thank you!

[@MGBetts1]

Ah, this is the stuff Mr HubNut! I'm always up for a bit of old Caddy - especially an Elvis era one! (My favourites are still the '59s though.) 👍🏻

[@jurivlk5433]

59' is my all time favourite car. Well, a Delahaye wouldn't be bad either, but they are very rare.

[@golfman9290]

Blimey that thing as old as me, a veritable land barge, did anyone else spot the lowest engine bay battery mounting position on any car at 2:47. great stuff Ian.

[@jaggass]

Happy new year Hubnut. Can't wait to see you travel around Oz.

[@DaBoogie049]

I had the pleasure of sitting in one a while ago, it was a 55 too. It felt very unsave even when it stood still. There was not much room inside and I remember that there were many sharp objects pointing at me!

[@motorTranz]

Very cool. Happy New Year from Ventura California.

[@michaeltutty1540]

Beautiful car. Love seeing one that is unrestored and is used. That's great. The owner needs to have the front end seen to. The steering wheel is easy to centre at that point. Looks like there is excessive play in the steering. Either new bushings or the steering box needs adjusting. Anything needed to keep the old girl going is readily available, including new fabric for the interior. Even proper seat covers would be good. They would protect the foam and batting on the seats to preserve that if the interior is to be left alone. Love the sound of those big Cadillac V8s. Lots of torque for moving the big beast.

[@Blanchy10]

Sorry got to disagree with everyone. That car has survived this long, it deserved to be restored to it original glory!

[@williamdavis3509]

Thanks for the memories. 😂🖖👍✌️🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@Flymochairman1]

That was the understatement of the year...."It's been slightly shot at...". What a beauty though, shot-gun blast and all! Conversation aside, that was a very smooth, very quiet test drive. Very nice. Best Wishes for the New Year, to you and all with you there, sir. Cheers!