Few classic luxury vehicles lend themselves to radical customization as well as a pre-war Cadillac. This stunning 1947 Cadillac Custom Kindig is a machine that perfectly blends high-end luxury with serious performance. Originally built for a client named Jack, the car saw a dramatic engine swap after his passing. The team at Kindig-it Design ultimately installed a Lingenfelter engine, creating a much more refined, yet still incredibly powerful, ride. This car is a celebrated example of the custom craftsmanship that defines Kindig-it Design’s work.
Engine Evolution and Performance Swap
The car’s history includes a journey through multiple extreme engine choices. Initially, the 1947 Cadillac housed a massive 604ci monster engine in a Donovan block. However, Kindig-it Design later swapped this engine for a powerful 427 Eliminator Engine built by Lingenfelter. This V8 engine offers exceptional horsepower and more road-friendly manners. The motor is backed by a robust 4L80E Transmission. The transmission is painted in a custom “Mean Green” mix for an extra pop of color in the engine bay.
Custom Chassis and Running Gear
To support the massive power and aggressive stance, Kindig-it Design installed a custom built Art Morrison Chassis. This chassis provides a modern, high-performance foundation for the classic body. The team ensured the car sits perfectly over its unique wheel setup. The wheels are one-off 20-inch designs by Dave Kindig and built by EVOD. These wheels feature a subtle false white wall and are wrapped in shaved-face Michelin Pilot Super Sports tires. This combination provides both stunning looks and formidable grip.
Body Modifications by Kindig-it
The Kindig-it Design team undertook major fabrication work to achieve the car’s aggressive posture. The entire floor was replaced with meticulously handmade sheetmetal. This was a necessary step to accommodate the giant rear wheels and their required clearance. Furthermore, the rear fenders received an extension. Two inches were added to the bottom of the rear fenders to successfully retain the factory skirt design. These subtle, yet critical, modifications showcase the depth of the shop’s metalworking skill.
Paint and Unique Design Cues
The car is finished in a stunning, one-off custom color called “Plum Wicked.” This deep, rich color perfectly highlights the Cadillac’s flowing lines. Accent elements on the engine and elsewhere feature a distinctive green color. This green represents a coating used on aircrafts back in the day, a nod to the shared design elements between Cadillacs and aircrafts of that era. This unique color choice adds significant character to the custom build.
An Interior of Rolls Royce Luxury
The cabin is a study in high-end, custom luxury completed by JS Custom Interiors. The entire space is trimmed in soft, elegant Rolls Royce Magnolia Leather Interior. The classic dash was treated to a custom touch by Dave Kindig. He applied a fully hand painted woodgrain finish to both the dash and the door panels. Driver information is provided by Dakota Digital gauges, which were seamlessly fitted into the car’s stock bezels. This interior blend of classic materials and modern components is exceptional.
Power, Engine Specs, and Performance
This 1947 Cadillac is a performance powerhouse, driven by the Lingenfelter 427 Eliminator Engine. This potent V8 delivers an astonishing 650 horsepower to the rear wheels. The power is reliably managed by a durable 4L80E Transmission. A Performance Design carbon fiber intake manifold contributes to the engine’s impressive output. The engine and transmission ride on a custom Art Morrison chassis, guaranteeing that the car handles the power beautifully. This Cadillac offers the type of extreme, effortless performance that defines a true Kindig-it creation.
Summary of the 1947 Cadillac Custom Kindig
In conclusion, the 1947 Cadillac Custom Kindig is an exceptional example of Kindig-it Design’s ability to merge luxury and extreme performance. The build features a potent 650 HP Lingenfelter 427 V8 and a custom Art Morrison chassis for modern handling. Key body modifications, including the custom floor and stretched rear fenders, ensure a perfect stance. Finished in “Plum Wicked” paint and featuring a Rolls Royce Magnolia leather interior, this Cadillac is a stunning, well-documented masterpiece.
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Source: kindigit.com
