The Best Concept of the Decade is…

…the Cadillac Sixteen.

More than any other unmade concept, the Sixteen has been recurring topic of discussion.  It both hearkened back to a glorious past and showcased potential for the future.  Had it not been for outside circumstances, a Caddy could have earned the title of “Standard of the World.”

The Sixteen was all about old-world extravagance.  The outside was bold, but the inside was bolder.  The interior composed of premium hand-stitched leathers, woods, and chrome, but managed to be classical minimalist.  The engine was a naturally aspirated 13.6 L V-16 capable of producing 1,000 hp.  About the only thing to disapprove of was the meager 4-spd. A/T.

But in a decade of four bucks a gal. gas, climate change, and bankruptcies, the Sixteen never stood a chance.

The story doesn’t end on that sour note.

The recent Converj, a stylish coupe evoking the Sixteen’s style with hybrid technology, is on its way to production–assuming GM lasts that long.  At least with that, there is a bright spot in this story.