Wednesday, July 3, 2013

1956 Cadillac Maharani

Cadillac Maharani, 1956
Cadillac Maharani, 1956
 
1956 Cadillac "Maharani Special" (or "Kitchen Sink Cadillac") Motorama Show Car
 
Cadillac Maharani, 1956
Cadillac Maharani, 1956
 
The "Maharani" is the wife of the maharajah, ruler of one of India's former native states, or a woman vested with the same powers as the latter.
Cadillac Maharani, 1956
Cadillac Maharani, 1956
 
The Cadillac Maharani is a special Series Sixty Special sedan, more recently nicknamed the Kitchen Sink Cadillac; it is one of four mood cars show during the 1956 Motorama circuit; it featured recessed toaster, folding table, hot-plate, cutlery tray, cooling unit (the compressor is in the trunk), coffee and water dispensers and a flip-out table; in addition the appointments include a small safe and a safety deposit box; outside color is burgundy/maroon, upholstery is snake skin and a satin print, carpeting is mouton fur.
Cadillac Maharani, 1956
Cadillac Maharani, 1956
 
The press release described it as follows: A Series 60 Special Sedan styled in an exciting Far Eastern motif, the Maharani features a rich metallic maroon body with a contrasting soft maroon and gold interior with chased silver and carved ivory ornaments to further enhance the Eastern mood. This model is one of four specially appointed production show cars which are being displayed by the Cadillac Motor Car Division in the 1956 General Motors Motorama. About the Maharani interior the press release said: A specially styled roll-top cabinet occupies the right front compartment of the Maharani. The locker contains such appropriate touring conveniences as a folding table, a hot plate, a recessed toaster, a cutlery tray, a cooling unit and coffee and water dispensers which are supplied from tanks installed under the hood. A built-in combination safe and ladies vanity case are also in included.
Cadillac Maharani, 1956
Cadillac Maharani, 1956
 
From the outside, the Maharani looked like a regular Series Sixty Special sedan, but with gold-anodized sabre-spoke wheels.  In the trunk, however, was a large compressor for the refrigerator
From the outside, the Maharani looked like a regular Series Sixty Special sedan, but with gold-anodized sabre-spoke wheels. In the trunk, however, was a large compressor for the refrigerator
Cadillac Maharani, 1956
Cadillac Maharani, 1956
 
Cadillac Maharani, 1956
Cadillac Maharani, 1956
Model raises sliding shelf to access the kitchen sink with plenty of storage space for cutlery, crockery and glassware
Model raises sliding shelf to access the kitchen sink with plenty of storage space for cutlery, crockery and glassware
Cadillac Maharani, 1956
Cadillac Maharani, 1956
Cadillac Maharani, 1956
Cadillac Maharani, 1956
Cadillac Maharani, 1956
Cadillac Maharani, 1956