The 1960 Cadillac “Copper Caddy” is much more than a classic car restoration. It is a King of Custom award-winning restomod masterpiece. Dave Kindig and the Kindig-It Design team completed this massive project in 2015. The entire 24-month process was showcased on Season 2 of *Bitchin’ Rides*. This specific car successfully blends iconic luxury with staggering modern performance.
Kindig-It Design’s Award-Winning Vision
This unique build started with a classic 1960 Cadillac Coupe DeVille. Kindig-It Design aimed to retain the Caddy’s elegance while adding muscle. The massive project took over two years to complete. The end result won the prestigious King of Custom award twice. It took top honors at both the Sacramento Autorama and Portland Roadster show.
The Signature Copper Caddy Look
The custom Candy Brandy Wine base coat paint is immediately captivating. This vibrant, deep finish serves as the perfect backdrop for the main theme. The theme is the lavish use of copper accents throughout the entire build. Copper plating replaced most of the original factory brightwork. Even the wheel wells inside the engine bay shimmer with this metallic hue.
Aggressive Body Modifications and Stance
The body required significant and delicate modifications. Legendary customizer Gene Winfield performed the critical four-inch chop. This reduction in roof height gives the car a low, sleek, and aggressive profile. Kindig-It also installed their custom one-off Smooth Door Handles. These changes clean up the massive body lines significantly. The 1960 Cadillac “Copper Caddy” sits perfectly thanks to an adjustable air ride suspension.
A Modern Foundation for Performance
Underneath the classic body is a fully modern chassis. Kindig-It utilized a custom Art Morrison chassis. This performance foundation provides superior handling and rigidity. It features a custom independent front suspension, or IFS. The rear uses a custom four-link setup for optimal traction. A heavy-duty Strange 9-inch Ford rearend manages the power. This combination ensures the car drives as well as it looks.
The Luxurious Custom Interior
JS Custom Interiors crafted the stunning two-tone cabin. The interior is wrapped in a custom dyed Butterscotch Leather. This color provides a rich, warm contrast to the exterior paint. Alcantara was used for subtle, luxurious trim accents. The custom center console runs down the spine of the cabin. For a more aggressive look, the rear seat was deleted entirely.
Details and Cabin Technology
The steering wheel is a modified original piece. It features a custom 3D-printed square ring design. This subtle change adds a distinct touch of artistry. The dash holds one-off Dakota Digital Gauges. These modern gauges provide accurate readings in a classic look. The cabin is an unparalleled example of restomod luxury.
Power, Engine Specs, and Performance
The 1960 Cadillac “Copper Caddy” is powered by a stout ZL1 All Aluminum 454 V-8 engine. This GM Performance Ram Jet engine delivers impressive output. The engine produces a documented 550 horsepower to the rear wheels. Power is routed through a reliable 4L80E automatic transmission. The car uses massive, custom one-off wheels. Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires provide superior grip. The fronts measure 245/35/20 and the rears are huge 345/30/20. The final result is a powerful and reliable touring car.
Summary of the Model History
The 1960 Cadillac “Copper Caddy” by Kindig-It Design is an incredible restomod achievement. The project blended classic Cadillac elegance with high-end custom fabrication. Its four-inch chopped top and heavy copper accents are instantly recognizable features. Paired with a ZL1 454 V-8 and a modern Art Morrison chassis, it delivers serious performance. The car successfully earned the title King of Custom, cementing its place as an automotive icon.
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Source: kindigit.com
