CPR Restores 1961 Cadillac for General Motors' President

Since 1984, when F.E.N. Enterprises was formed, the talented professionals of Cadillac Parts & Restoration (CPR) have produced some of the world's finest restored classic Cadillacs. Throughout those decades, they've earned their reputation as the go-to restorer of vintage examples of America's

Danial Ammann's 1961 Cadillac convertible.
Restored by Cadillac Parts & Restoration

premier luxury brand.

CPR's clientele runs the gamut from middle-class families restoring their grandfather's old "Caddy" to captains of industry seeking a top-flight show car.. No matter whose vehicle enters their Poughkeepsie, NY restoration facility, CPR's team provides the very best care and work.

A few years ago, Daniel Ammann, the current President of General Motors, brought his beloved 1961 Cadillac Series 62 convertible to Cadillac Parts & Restoration for a full, ground-up, restoration. Purchased in 1999 as a young finance whiz with his first bonus check in hand, the car became his primary 'driver' in the crowded streets of Manhattan and the back roads of the Hamptons.

Due to the vehicle's age and use, it was in very rough shape when CPR received it and became a very challenging restoration. However, CPR's Cadillac restoration experts were again successful in producing a world class restoration.

In fact, just months after the project completion, the convertible was entered for judging at the prestigious Cadillac & LaSalle Club Grand National Meet where it took home a First Place award in its class.

In their April 2016 edition of the Self-Starter magazine the Cadillac & LaSalle Club published an article (written by Hank Miller) that chronicled Amman's ownership, and the restoration of, his Cadillac. Read the story of  Daniel Ammann's 1961 Cadillac restoration.

Preserving Automotive History

Since the advent of the American interstate system, the automobile has become an important part of American history. The highways connected a growing nation like never before and revolutionized travel. Whether exploring new destinations or visiting faraway relatives, Americans were presented with greater control over their travels.

Choice of vehicle became a very personal choice. Balancing practicality and personal desires, station wagons, pickup trucks, sporty coupes and luxury sedans filled the newly constructed lanes and the continental United States changed permanently. America's love affair with the car was born and has not stopped growing.

Sentiment is behind much of the passion for automobiles and drives much of the collector and classic car market. Fond memories weekend drives on the family car or reliving those exciting teen years by obtaining and restoring the first car ever owned, so many people maintain a passion for cars of bygone decades.

Many of those who have the ability and resources perform necessary restoration work themselves. Most, though, contract with a restorer to breathe life back into their classic car. The choices vary, from local body shops to experienced and professional restoration specialists and a car's owner must consider their desired outcome when selecting a provider.

Among the high-end American automobiles, Cadillac cemented its legacy as the nations premier manufacturer of luxury automobiles. The brand became a symbol of success hallmarked by over-the-top styling and trend-setting innovation.

Cadillac's enduring popularity is responsible for today's strong collector car market for the brand. It is not uncommon for rare and well-preserved/correctly-restored classics to sell for over $200,000.

When it comes to proper restoration of Cadillacs there is one restorer that has earned an international reputation as the premier provider in the industry. Cadillac Parts & Restoration (CPR) has served the classic Cadillac restoration community since 1984. First, as F.E.N. Enterprises, and now under the CPR banner, they've produced the world's finest examples of restored Cadillacs and preserves the luxury classic car segment one project at a time.

Cadillac Restoration Specialists

Cadillac Parts & Restoration (CPR) has become known by classic Cadillac owners as the go-to restorer of choice. This reputation has been earned since 1984 (F.E.N. Enterprises) through its dedicated service and award-winning restoration work.

Perhaps the best way to learn about their work is by following their Cadillac Restoration page on Instagram. CPR allows followers to stay current with the latest projects and offers a look back at some of their past restorations.

Their most recently completed project, a 1961 Cadillac deVille convertible can be found on their IG page as well as a stunning 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz that was completed this summer.

1961 Cadillac deVille convertible - a CPR restoration

Cadillac Parts & Restoration's big showing at the 2014 Cadillac Grand Nationals

The Cadillac & LaSalle Club is the world's premier organization dedicated to preserving all things Cadillac. Annually, the CLC holds its Grand National Meet at a location that rotates around the country. In 2014, the Grand National was held in Lake George, NY  which is practically in the backyard of Cadillac restorer Cadillac Parts & Restoration (CPR).

At that prestigious meet, three of CPR's classic Cadillac restoration projects were entered for judging. All three took home a first-place award in their respective category.

CPR has a long history of success at the CLC Grand National meets. In 2015, its 1958 Cadillac Eldorado Seville won Best of Show (post-wat) at the Grand National meet held in Milwaukee, WI.

Cadillac Parts & Restoration is located in Poughkeepsie, NY and is a little more than an hour north of New York City. They are easily accessible via the Taconic State Parkway. Route 9 and the New York State Thruway. They are also just minutes from the Poughkeepsie Metro-North/Amtrak rail station.

The restoration shop of choice for classic Cadillac owners

Classic Cadillac Restoration: Hemmings Motor News Story

Cadillac Parts & Restoration's team, formerly under FEN Enterprises, has developed a reputation as the go-to restorer of classic Cadillacs. But don't arrive at their new facility expecting just a run-of-the-mill restoration. That's not what they do. Their focus is on restoring older examples of America's premier luxury brand to better than new condition. It's exacting work, however, their team accepts nothing less.

Hemmings Motor News, long considered the "bible" of the collector car industry featured the CPR team in an article back in their FEN days. While the company name and location has changed, their commitment to excellence has not. Read the HMN Classic Car magazine article about their outstanding classic Cadillac restoration history.

Elsa Mauer Nicodemus - "The Cadillac Queen"

Walk into any auto repair or restoration shop and ask for the owner. You'll be guaranteed to be introduced to a man. It's just the nature of the industry. The exceptions are few and far between. However, if you travel to Dutchess County, NY, you'll find Elsa Mauer Nicodemus at the helm of the world's more well-respected restorer of old Cadillacs.

Dubbed "The Cadillac Queen" by prominent lifestyle magazine Hudson Valley,  she's been at the top of the auto restoration business for over thirty years. They wrote a wonderful article about her Cadillac restoration business and its long history of success.

Classic Cadillac Photos!

If you're scouring the internet in search of classic Cadillac photos, one stop should be the Instagram feed of Cadillac Parts & Restoration. From pics of their classic Cadillac restoration projects to anything elsa Cadillac-related, their account is frequently updated and will satisfy the fix of any Cadillac fan.