CADIL-LAKE: A '59 Eldorado streamliner with Ferrari V12 power for Bonneville

[Claude Thibodeau]

Hi!

Every year, I build a salt car to join my stable of FLAT EARTH SOCIETY's racers.

This year, I chose an unusual subject, a luxo-barge from the tail-fin era, but with no top, a molded slanted nose, and the IFS/IRS modules/Powertrain from a Ferrari Enzo, all very modified. The scratchbuilt components include: belly pan, frame, twin canopies panels and glass, gas tank, fuel and water pumps, tailpipes,  Optima battery, master cylinders, steering column, fire equipment, wiring system, hoses,push bar, etc. etc.

Since the 59 Caddy is a darling of old school customizers, I threw in a custom paint job that should pop on the vast expanses of the salt lake. Home made decals. Mr. Hobby clear, fully polished. Revell and Molotow chrome accents. 

Thanks to fellow modeler MUNCIE for providing me the SCTA Rule book: I like to think this thing would pass inspection. Long live the salt!

Hours of fun wit styrene!

CT  

[Ace-Garageguy]

EXCELLENT !!!!!!!!

And finally those fins are functional.  

[Roger U]

Beautifully built model. Great creativity and detail.

I really enjoy your salt flat car builds. 👍 

[bondo bill]

cool concept and execution

[Dave B]

Another magnificent build Claude.

Dave B 

[89AKurt]

All I can say is WOW!  

[kensar]

Super cool!

[Muncie]

Claude, you've done it again! another awesome custom build land speed car. Amazing concept and execution. And the Claude paint is off the chart.

Guys, let's correct something here... Although I appreciate being mentioned, I did not earn it at all.  Like everybody else, I sit back and enjoy. All of the incredible work here is Claude's.

Edited September 1 by Muncie

[Claude Thibodeau]

20 hours ago, Ace-Garageguy said:

EXCELLENT !!!!!!!!

And finally those fins are functional.  

Hi Bill!

Thanks for stopping by. Funny you should say that about the fins, I had the same reflexion in the planning stage LOL.

For a while I tought about having a flat-plane cross-wing on top of the fins, but the rule-boook dictated measurements limitations that would have made it look weird. So I passed.

My bet is that even if the car is long, the frontal area and low-profile canopy should make it fairly slippery. Who knows? 

CT

[slusher]

Outstanding build and impressive craftsmanship!

[ybsluos]

Claude,

everyone else’s comments covered all my thoughts so I’ll just add thank you for inspiring me to build.  Now if I would just do so!  -Mark

[chris chabre]

KILLER!!!!!

[absmiami]

Oh dear …

[absmiami]

Mite have to join the FES - is there a secret hand shake ? ? 

[Claude Thibodeau]

On 9/1/2025 at 12:22 AM, Roger U said:

Beautifully built model. Great creativity and detail.

I really enjoy your salt flat car builds. 👍 

Thanks Roger!

I happen to feel we don't see  enough salt cars in forums or contest tables. So, I imagined the FLAT EARTH SOCIETY , and I build one car per year to make it grow.

You are welcomed to join anytime. I'm certain you could surprise us!

CT 

[MeatMan]

Absolutely awesome!! 
The best conversion of a Caddy I've ever seen.

[Claude Thibodeau]

On 9/1/2025 at 12:26 AM, bondo bill said:

cool concept and execution

Thanks Bill, happy you like it. 

CT

[PappyD340]

Another AWESOME build!

[Claude Thibodeau]

On 9/1/2025 at 12:49 AM, Dave B said:

Another magnificent build Claude.

Dave B 

Thank you "again", David! LOL

CT

[Dave Ambrose]

That, my friend, is awesome!

[1hobby1]

One of the coolest builds I’ve seen. What a crazy, and great combo.

[ChrisR]

Very cool build!

[Andrew McD]

You are one salty dude; and I mean that in the nicest way possible!😀  Your salt works turns out unique and exceptional builds that are an inspiration.  Thanks for showing what can be done.