Aristotle Onassis’ Cadillac appears in public for the first time

The counter “writes” 5450 miles although the date of manufacture is the distant 1964. The count seems strange but these limited production masterpieces had neither the philosophy of construction nor, above all, the philosophy of ownership of our own cars … ” series “since they existed for special occasions. A similar limousine once carried US President Lyndon Baines Johnson and the infamous US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger. The reason for an impressive gray Cadillac Fleetwood Limousine of 1964 that dominates with its presence in the corridors of this year’s industry exhibition Philoxenia 2021 hosted by the Thessaloniki International Exhibition Center. This particular vehicle has its own … “golden” proprietary DNA after transporting the most famous Greek businessman of the 20th century.

“It took more than three years to complete the complete restoration of the vehicle, two years and a special technician was necessary only to freshen the factory specifications of this Cadillac that belonged to Aristotle Onassis”, explains Mr. George Samanidis to APE-MPE , the man who together with his associates undertook the restoration in factory condition of the sparkling diva of four wheels of more than six meters that belonged to the emblematic Greek shipowner.
A static “resident” of a well-guarded garage for decades, this Cadillac Fleetwood Limousine passed into the hands of its new owners who present it for the first time in history to the public of Thessaloniki a few years ago. With its appearance, a safari for the best authentic spare parts and the best preservers started with the result that it appears for the first time to the public only on the morning of November 12 in Thessaloniki after years of work.

“Owner name: Aristotle Onassis”

“Onassis had it in his fleet of vehicles and used it in special cases, the few, for our eyes, miles that this car has” written “is in fact a significant number for such a vehicle. You see it is so difficult to drive and “special” conditions model, due to the length and design of this model Fleetwood Limousine that in those days would move in convoys, accompanied by more “simple” cars. For this reason, such a vehicle cannot be priced easily, when it had such a famous owner … “, notes Mr. Samanidis with emphasis, who explains that each of the parts and spare parts that were needed, came from .. safari all over the world and especially the USA.
“Fortunately, there are still companies today, very few, to which we will turn and find some information. For example, the leather, in the front single seat, is the original and did not need repair, but for the rear seats, only one American company now has the specific fabric that the model brought when it left the factory. From the USA we searched and found more, few are true, spare parts, since the vehicle was in very good condition for its years. It was a very … adventurous search, but the result made it worth it! ” The expert adds to the old historic cars that he answers the question, “how much does it cost” when asked about the use of the specific limousine used by the Greek shipping tycoon in the international jet sets.

“This car, although moving normally, has a working engine and mechanical parts. Our idea is to be available only for special events, eg the world of fashion, or cinema. It will not be released on the road, not because it is not done mechanically, but because it is not … we can risk it! ” Thus, the “participation” of Mr. Onassis in the Cadillac Fleetwood Limousine in such an activity will cost, approximately, 1,500 euros, but again, the right conditions must be in place to agree on the presence of the limousine in an activity.
How many deals were discussed, how many … romantic dialogues were completed and how many confrontations took place in the comfortable rear seats of this Limousine? Probably only this “lady” Cadillac can “testify”. “It is careful to lease it as it is not any Fleetwood Limousine of ’64, it is a vehicle used by this world-famous croissant” adds Mr. Samanidis just before starting the V8 engine for 300 minutes and of 6,400 cubic centimeters that will roar in front of the … young audience of the 21st century.