Cadillac Pays Tribute To History With Two Special Edition Blackwing Models

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By Car Brand Experts

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At the most recent 2024 Hours of Le Mans race over the weekend, Cadillac had a commendable performance. One of its two V-Series R prototypes secured the seventh spot in the prestigious Hypercar category, while the other had to retire due to an apparent oil leakage.

However, the most significant Le Mans moment for the brand dates back to 1950. During that year, Briggs Cunningham, a privateer racer, brought in two Cadillac Series 61 Coupes. The French fondly nicknamed them Petit Pataud (“little awkward”) and Le Monstre.

Le Monstre, with a completely redesigned body crafted in collaboration with an engineer from the Grumman aircraft company, became a pivotal figure in advancing the understanding of car aerodynamics.

Despite its eventual 11th place finish, just behind the unaltered Petit Pataud, Le Monstre’s influence on the sleek and formidable modern V-Series R and other Hypercars at Le Mans can’t be overstated. They owe a debt to Cunningham’s daring experiment.

Front angle view of the special edition 2025 Cadillac CT5-V Petit PataudFront angle view of the special edition 2025 Cadillac CT5-V Petit Pataud

Limited Edition Homage Models

In celebration of those iconic moments, Cadillac unveiled limited-edition tributes at the 2024 Le Mans race. Both are specially customized Blackwing sedans created by Cadillac’s Collector Series workshop.

While Cadillac has not revealed the pricing details, typical pricing of the current CT5-V Blackwing starts around the mid-$90,000 mark, and the CT4-V Blackwing around the mid-$60,000 range. However, due to their exclusivity, dealers often charge premiums on these models. The limited editions are expected to come with significantly higher price tags.

The contemporary incarnation of Le Monstre is embodied in the 2025 CT5-V Blackwing, featuring a powerful 668-horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine. Cadillac states, “In tribute to the 101st anniversary of the inaugural 24 hours of Le Mans race, production of the Le Monstre edition is restricted to 101 units.”

Interior view of the special edition 2025 Cadillac CT5-V Le Monstre
Here is an image showcasing the interior of the special edition 2025 Cadillac CT5-V Le Monstre:
The contemporary Monstre boasts a “Phantom Blue” interior with Santorini highlights available in either Sky Cool Gray or Jet Black. The iconic racing number “9” from the 1955 Monstre is elegantly embossed onto the seats and a 3D-printed shifter medallion. The vibrant blue theme continues externally with royal blue brake calipers and blue carbon fiber aero accents.
The 2025 rendition of Petit Pataud takes the form of a CT4-V Blackwing, equipped with a potent 472-hp twin-turbocharged V6 engine. It features a blue-on-black interior design with the racing emblem “3” associated with Little Clumsy featured on the seatbacks and shifter. Cadillac has planned a limited run of only 50 units.
Unique to each, the serialized number is discreetly located at the lower section of the door.

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