In a captivating episode of 'Jay Leno's Garage,' automotive enthusiast and TV host Jay Leno delves into the remarkable history and exquisite craftsmanship of an incredibly rare 1953 Cadillac Series 62. This exceptional vehicle, custom-built by the renowned Italian coachbuilder Ghia, is one of only two examples ever produced. Its current custodian, Lee Carr, embarked on a seven-year journey to bring this automotive marvel back to its former glory. Once a showpiece at the Imperial Palace collection, the Cadillac now stands as a testament to enduring design and dedicated preservation.

A Glimpse into Automotive History: The 1953 Cadillac Series 62 Ghia

On December 10, 2025, during an episode of 'Jay Leno's Garage,' television personality Jay Leno introduced viewers to an extraordinary piece of automotive history: the 1953 Cadillac Series 62 Ghia. This exclusive model, conceived and executed by the Italian design house Ghia, holds a unique place in motoring lore, with only two such vehicles ever brought into existence. After Ghia's Turin factory suffered wartime destruction, the company sought to re-establish its prominence by venturing into the American market. Their ambitious plan involved transforming two Cadillac Series 62 models, shipped from the United States to Italy, into bespoke creations. The aim was to impress General Motors and secure a full production run, a vision that ultimately did not materialize.

Today, one of these coveted automobiles is owned by Lee Carr, while the other resides in the esteemed Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. Carr recounted how his wife's insistence, after spotting the car at the Imperial Palace collection in Las Vegas, led him to acquire it at a subsequent auction in Scottsdale following the collection's closure. Despite its glamorous past, the vehicle required extensive restoration, having spent years as a static display rather than an active road machine. Carr dedicated two years solely to its bodywork and paint, followed by an additional five years to meticulously restore its mechanical components, rendering it fully roadworthy once more. The two-seater coupe retains its original configuration, powered by a 331-cubic-inch V8 engine, which Carr states produces 158 horsepower, though museum records indicate 210 hp. This is paired with a four-speed Hydramatic automatic transmission. While its performance and handling might be considered modest by contemporary standards—especially when compared to modern Cadillacs like the 237-horsepower CT4—its true value lies in its unparalleled design. Carr often describes how the car's striking aesthetics draw admiring glances and even attention from law enforcement, who have been known to stop him simply to get a closer look. This particular Cadillac represents just one of several American ventures undertaken by Ghia, which also crafted the bodies for Chrysler's experimental turbine cars. Although the original Ghia coachbuilding operation no longer exists, its legacy continues under the stewardship of Ford.

This narrative powerfully illustrates the enduring appeal of automotive design and the dedication required to preserve such rare masterpieces. It serves as a reminder that cars can be more than just transportation; they can be art, history, and a source of profound connection, capable of turning heads and sparking conversations decades after their creation.