2002 Cadillac Northstar Le Mans Prototype Up for Auction

Praised by RM Auctions to be the most successful Cadillac Le Mans Prototype, the 2002 Northstar will go under the hammer at the upcoming sale at Amelia Island on March 12. The example on offer, LMP-02-002, is the very same racer that finished every race in 2002, and is now offered in race-ready condition, with all proper Bosch electronics in place and functioning properly.

“This is Cadillac’s last race car to date, with track proven performance, and it is available for a fraction of the cost of an Audi R8 from the same era. It’s bound to be competitive and attract attention at any event for which it is eligible,” a statement from RM Auctions reads.

The LMP02 design was completely designed by computer and with extensive wind-tunnel testing. It is carbon fiber and the two halves of the monocoque were bonded with a new technique. The side-mounted radiators use water-to-oil heat exchangers to cool the gearbox, which eliminates air-to-oil cooler drag and stabilizes the gearbox oil temperature.

A Formula 1-style cockpit surrounds the driver with head restraints molded from shock-absorbing foam and an adjustable pedal box assembly, which also provides extra protection for the driver's feet and legs.

Highlights of the car include a twin turbo-charged, fuel-injected 600 hp, 244 cu. in. DOHC V-8 engine, six-speed X-Trac sequential gearbox, independent front and rear suspension by double wishbones, gas-filled pushrod dampers, rear-wheel drive, and four-wheel hydraulic carbon disc brakes.

“Backed by a strong track record, our 2011 sale is shaping up to be another not-to-be-missed event. With an emphasis on great automotive styling from across the decades, the sale will combine a high-caliber roster of automobiles with the first-class presentation and unparalleled client service for which RM is known,” said Rob Myers, Chairman and Founder, RM Auctions.