Rolling Luxury from Another Era All the cars in Steve Plunkett’s private classics collection get extra special attention. But because he has so many of them, sometimes they have to wait their turn. So it was for the 1958 Cadillac series 75, nine-passenger limo. Steve acquired this gleaming black beauty in November 2006. It just recently went through a month-long process to reinstall all the gleaming metal after a new paint job. “It’s from New Mexico,” explains Steve. “That’s why it’s solid, like-new, body-wise.” New Mexico’s arid climate and little precipitation meant no driving on salty or snowy roads in the vehicle’s early years. Only 802 of this model were produced in 1958 when it was fully redesigned from nose to tail. With a price tag of $8460 USD, it was Cadillac’s largest and second-most expensive vehicle at the time. In today’s dollars, that’s more than $95,000 USD. Many people aspired to own a Cadillac, but this particular vehicle was meant to attract dignitaries and the very well-to-do. The three-ton showcase of American auto design was loaded with features, including power windows, power brakes, and air conditioning. Cadillac boasted that the power steering was so easy, “the steering wheel can be turned in a complete circle with a one-finger effort.” 1958s were easy to distinguish from 1957s because of the first use of dual headlights. The iconic tailfins were also a little smaller but still a standout. The limo sports 15-inch wheels and eye-catching whitewall tires. An interior-division power window could be used to separate the driver from most of the passengers. In a full vehicle, two people would join the driver up front. The chauffeur got luxuries of their own, including a power seat, air conditioning, and an AM radio. There’s a pop-up middle row jump seat. Those on the back bench seats had their own climate control, overhead lighting, an electric clock and a radio. Riders also had footrests and their own ashtrays if needed. A 365 cubic inch V8 topped by a single four-barrel carburetor produced 310 horsepower. It was powerful and easy to drive
thanks to the Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. With a 150- inch wheelbase, the car measures just short of twenty feet, or 237 inches. Pulling up to an event in this vehicle drew stares and made a statement. And it’s still an eye-catcher today as a rare example of the height of 1958 automotive luxury. For fifteen years, Steve Plunkett turned his love of cars into the Fleetwood Country Cruize-In, an event that supported local Charities and raised over $1.7 million. “Taking a passion that I love and creating an event that benefits so many people has been a blessing,” says Steve. The event attracted thousands of people and cars from across North America. When not at home on his estate on the outskirts of Kilworth, Steve tours invitational car events and shows across North America, showcasing his classic cars.
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KKD Villager May 2026
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