Cadillac Cars in India: A Simple Review of Vintage and Modern Models

Cadillac cars are very special in India. They are not common like Maruti or Honda cars. People who love unique things, like collectors and Bollywood stars, own these cars. From old Cadillac cars like the 1932 V-16 to the new 2025 Cadillac Escalade, these vehicles always catch attention on Indian roads.

This review tells you everything about Cadillac cars in simple words. You will read about their history, features, prices, and how to buy or maintain them in India. It is perfect for anyone who wants to know why these cars are so loved.

History of Cadillac in India

Cadillac is a famous American company that started making luxury cars in 1902. The company became a part of General Motors in 1909. Cadillac cars first came to India in the 1950s. Rich families, kings, and important leaders like India’s President owned them. For example, the 1956 Cadillac Fleetwood was a favorite for its grand look.

In the current time, Cadillac sells modern models like the CTS and Escalade in India. But high taxes and very few service centers stopped official sales by 2018. 

Top Vintage Cadillac Models in India

1932 Cadillac V-16

The 1932 Cadillac V-16 is very rare. Indian kings loved it before independence. It has a 7.4-liter V16 engine with 165 horsepower. This made it super strong for its time.

  • Engine: 7.4L V16, 165 horsepower
  • Top Speed: 160 km/h
  • Weight: 2,500 kg
  • Price in 2025: ₹2-3 crore (restored)
  • Features: Handmade seats, big chrome grille, smooth ride
  • Where to Find: In Hyderabad’s Krishnaamma Collection or Delhi car rallies

Only 7-10 of these cars are in India, based on vintage car club talks. Owners spend ₹5-7 lakh yearly on repairs. Mumbai shops make custom parts to save money.

1956 Cadillac Fleetwood Series 75

The 1956 Fleetwood is a Cadillac limousine car. It was used by big names like India’s President. It has a 6.0-liter V8 engine with 285 horsepower. It had air conditioning, and you know a.c. was rare for that time.

  • Engine: 6.0L V8, 285 horsepower
  • Top Speed: 175 km/h
  • Weight: 2,300 kg
  • Price in 2025: ₹1-2 crore (restored)
  • Features: Power windows, leather seats, chrome body
  • Where to Find: At auctions or car shows like the 21 Gun Salute Rally in Gurgaon

This car is great for weddings or events. Owners spend ₹4-6 lakh yearly on upkeep. Chennai restorers can rebuild parts to keep costs low.

Cadillac Fleetwood Series 75
Photo of Cadillac Fleetwood Series 75

1970 Cadillac Eldorado

The 1970 Eldorado is a stylish car. Bollywood Actors love its bold look. It has an 8.2 liter V8 engine with 400 horsepower. It is fast and fun to drive.

  • Engine: 8.2L V8, 400 horsepower
  • Top Speed: 190 km/h
  • Weight: 2,200 kg
  • Price in 2025: ₹70 lakh-1.5 crore
  • Features: Leather seats, front-wheel drive, strong engine
  • Where to Find: In private collections or at Big Boy Toyz in Delhi

Some owners add modern music systems for ₹2-3 lakh. This mixes old style with new tech. The car stands out at car meets in Mumbai.

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2025 Cadillac Escalade: The Modern Giant

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade is a huge, fancy SUV. It is brought to India by dealers like Friday Night Cars. It competes with the Range Rover but feels more special.

Key Details

  • Engine: 6.2L V8, 420 horsepower
  • Transmission: 10-speed automatic
  • Drive: Rear-wheel or all-wheel drive
  • Size: 5.18 meters long, 2.04 meters wide, 8 inch ground clearance
  • Fuel Economy: 6-8 km/l (city or highway)
  • Price in India: ₹1.5-6.5 crore (It depends on the model)

The Cadillac Escalade car price in India depends on the model. Custom colors or chrome can add ₹10-15 lakh.

Features for Indian Buyers

  • A 38-inch screen shows maps, music, and apps like Apple CarPlay. It is great for trips to Jaipur or Goa.
  • The car seats 8 people. This suits big families or business groups.
  • Air suspension makes rough roads feel smooth.
  • Safety features include cameras, blind spot alerts, and auto braking for busy traffic.
  • A 19 speaker AKG sound system plays music clearly.

Why It Fits India

The Escalade has 8 inches of ground clearance. It handles speed bumps and bad roads well. Indian buyers add unique colors, popular in cities like Delhi. Only 20-25 Escalades come to India each year, per dealer talks. This makes it rarer than a BMW X7. But, it costs ₹15-20 per liter for petrol and ₹2-3 lakh yearly for repairs. Its big size is hard in tight streets like Kolkata’s markets.

2025 cadillac escalade
Photo of 2025 Cadillac Escalade

How to Buy a Cadillac in India

There is no Cadillac car showroom in India. You can still buy these cars.

  • Vintage Cadillacs: Get them from Big Boy Toyz in Delhi or Gurgaon. Prices start at ₹50 lakh, up to ₹3 crore for restored ones.
  • 2025 Escalade: Friday Night Cars imports them. Call for test drives or custom orders.
  • Used Market: Older Escalades (2010-2018) cost ₹50 lakh-2.5 crore. Check the car’s history to avoid problems.

Tips for Buyers

  • Check old Cadillac cars for rust, especially in rainy cities like Mumbai.
  • Ensure parts are available. Dealers can get them from the US, but it’s costly.
  • Pick an AWD Escalade for better grip in the monsoon season.

Maintaining a Cadillac in India

Keeping a Cadillac running takes work.

  • Vintage Cars: Parts are rare, costing ₹5-10 lakh a year. Bangalore shops make custom parts to save money.
  • Escalade: Repairs cost ₹2-3 lakh yearly. Petrol is expensive, but owners love the style.
  • Service: Use luxury car workshops or dealers like Big Boy Toyz, as there is no Cadillac car showroom in India.

Cadillac’s Future in India

Cadillac may bring the Lyriq, which is an electric SUV. It will be launch in 2026. It has a 500 km range and costs ₹50 lakh globally. In India, it could be ₹1 crore due to taxes. This car fits India’s growing love for electric vehicles. It will compete with the BMW iX.

Driving a Cadillac in India

Driving an old Cadillac feels special. The 1956 Fleetwood is smooth but slow, great for car shows. The 1970 Eldorado is fast but heavy, so drive carefully in traffic. The 2025 Escalade is powerful and comfy, ideal for highways like Delhi-Agra. Parking in busy cities like Chennai is tough. All Cadillacs make people stare, giving you a VIP vibe.

Pros

  • Very rare and stylish.
  • Big, comfy seats for families.
  • Old models gain value over time.
  • Escalade has modern tech and safety.

Cons

  • Costs a lot to buy and run.
  • Hard to find parts for old cars.
  • Escalade’s size is tricky in cities.
  • No official Cadillac service in India.

What Makes Cadillac Special

Cadillac vintage cars and the 2025 Escalade are made for people who like to stand out. Old Cadillac cars are like owning a piece of history, and they are great for collectors. The Escalade is bold and modern, perfect for those who want luxury with power. Even though these cars are costly, their style and rarity make them special. Have you ever seen a Cadillac in India? Share your story in the comments below!

Extra Details

  • About 12-15 vintage Cadillacs win awards at India’s car rallies yearly, per event organizers. This can raise their value by 5-7%.
  • Indian owners add modern lights to old Cadillacs for ₹2-3 lakh to drive safely at night.
  • Escalades are rented for weddings in Mumbai at ₹40,000-50,000 per day, per event planner.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is there a Cadillac car showroom in India?

Ans: The Cadillac car showroom does not exist in India. Dealers like Friday Night Cars import Escalades, and Big Boy Toyz sells used models.

Q2: Why are Cadillac cars rare in India?

Ans: Cadillac stopped official sales in 2018 due to high taxes.

Q3: Will Cadillac launch electric cars in India?

Ans: Yes, it may bring the Lyriq electric SUV by 2026. It costs ₹50 lakh globally, likely ₹1 crore in India with taxes.

Q4. Can I import a Cadillac car to India?
Ans: Yes, you can import a Cadillac car to India through the private import route, but it involves high import duty and registration costs.

Q5. Are Cadillac cars electric?
Ans: Cadillac has started its electric car lineup with models like the Cadillac Lyriq and the upcoming Cadillac Celestiq.

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