Cross-Country in a Caddy: The 1952 Road Trip That Defied the Odds

Think about the craziest road trip you've ever heard of, then amp it up a few notches. That's exactly what happened in 1952 when three guys decided to drive from LA to New York and back without stopping. Yep, you read that right – they didn't stop for anything. And their ride of choice? A 1947 Cadillac Fleetwood.

Louie Mattar: The Man with a Plan

This wild idea came from Louie Mattar, a Detroit native and car enthusiast. After his time in the U.S. Navy, Louie settled in San Diego and started working on his dream project. He turned his Cadillac into a beast of a machine, a kind of rolling apartment with everything you could imagine – a water tank, kitchen, even a washing machine.

Not Your Average Cadillac

This Cadillac was something else. It wasn’t just a car; it was a testament to human ingenuity. Transparent panels on the hood for easy maintenance, a system for changing engine oil while rolling – the works. Louie poured about $35,000 into it, which would be like dropping over $400,000 today.

The Journey That Made History

So, these guys hit the road with a trailer loaded up with all the necessities, including gas, because remember, they weren't stopping. They refueled on the fly and cruised through towns with the help of police escorts. It was like something out of a movie.

Louie’s Legacy Rolls On

Louie’s love for road adventures didn’t end there. He later drove from Anchorage to Mexico City. Although he passed away in 1999, his Cadillac, a piece of road trip legend, is still wowing crowds at the San Diego Automotive Museum, thanks to his grandson Dan.