1956 Cadillac Camper

Cadillacs and camper vans may go together like a horse and marriage, but that hasn’t stopped some determined DIYers in the US from a bit of cutting and shunting.

Yup, it’s tall! There’s no telling what this weighs. I’m guessing it was a flower car or hearse to begin with; it seems that is the basis for most of the camper conversions like this I’ve seen. This one does seem to be executed pretty well, and the base vehicle starts and runs well.

That’s a pretty skinny door to access the camper part, but functional nonetheless.

One of the neat things about this design is the pass through visible in this picture. You also see the stove and sink, and refrigerator as well. Again, this seems a step above the usual camper conversions I’ve seen.

The standard V8 in 1956 had 285 horsepower and oodles of torque. However, gas mileage wasn’t a strong point, and I’m sure the additional weight and aerodynamic drag of the camper body isn’t going to help. I’m betting we’re in single digits. But–who else has one? Would you like it to be yours?

According to motoring blog Jalopnik, Cadillac camper vans were produced on a limited commercial basis throughout the 1950s, 50s and 60s and were apparently known as ‘Caddy Shacks’. Most, however, were aftermarket conversions and the model listed on eBay is a definite labour of love by persons unknown.