These days, US President Joe Biden is being chauffeured around in an armored Cadillac limousine known as The Beast, but before winning the highest office in the nation, the state leader drove another high-performance Cadillac, a custom-designed 2018 ATS-V Sedan that is now offered up for auction.
Whatever you might think about Biden's job performance as president, there's no denying the man has good taste in cars. It was his father, a Chevy salesman, who instilled in him a passion for cars from a young age, and gave him a 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray as a wedding gift, which he still owns to this day.
The current head of state leased this Cadillac ATS-V sport sedan in 2017 after his vice presidency during the Obama Administration. He ordered it from Delaware Cadillac in his town of Wilmington, Delaware, and he even changed his security status so that he could drive in public, as normally the US Secret Service does not allow Presidents and Vice Presidents to personally drive on public roads during and up to six months after their terms.
The Cadillac ATS-V Sedan was introduced in 2016 as a high-performance version of the ATS compact executive sedan and coupe. It was a bold rival to the BMW M3, Audi RS5, and Mercedes-AMG C63 and was offered exclusively with a rear-wheel drive setup. A potent twin-turbocharged V6 engine, redesigned suspension, and its sporty profile with distinctive style made it an alluring sedan. Moreover, the new model came with settings that allowed the driver to adjust steering, suspension, and throttle.
Photo: Cars & Bids
This 2018 Cadillac ATS-V Sedan is quite a rare vehicle that bears the president's personal stamp, having been built with unique features specially requested by Biden himself. It is the only example built with a Black Raven exterior and Kona Brown leather interior. The stunning cabin trim was exclusive to regular ATS models, so this 2018 ATS-V model is the only one in the world to get it.
According to the dealer selling the Cadillac, this particular unit benefitted from various other modifications, including 18-inch Tech Bronze wheels from CT4-V Blackwing that beautifully contrast the black bodywork, a Rennick Performance front grille, tinted windows, and a suede-microfiber steering wheel and shifter, features that further enhance its appeal. Other standout features of the interior are the Sapele Wood inlays, heated and power-adjustable front seats, and split-folding rear seats.
Factory features include the Luxury Package, Safety and Security Package, MagneRide suspension, magnesium paddle shifters, and advanced technology amenities.
Photo: Cars & Bids
The beating heart of the ATS-V sedan is a mighty twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter V6 engine delivering 464 hp (471 ps or 346 kW) of power and 603 Nm (445 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is made up of carbon fiber and boasts an air-extraction vent that helps push hot air out of the engine compartment. Power is sent to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission for a dynamic driving experience. The sedan should be able to do the 0 to 60 mph sprint in 3.8 seconds, with a tested top speed of 189 mph (304 kph). Braking power is ensured by a set of red-painted Brembo brakes with six pistons up front and four in the rear.
On top of the V6 engine, there is a dealer-installed carbon fiber engine cover, and the car also has a power-operated sunroof.
A combination of low demand and the growing popularity of crossovers and SUVs determined GM to discontinue production of the ATS-V after the 2019 model year, so owning this one-of-one 2018 bespoke unit is a rare opportunity. The presidential connection makes it even more desirable.
Photo: Cars & Bids
President Joe Biden's custom 2018 Cadillac ATS-V Sedan has been put up for sale on renowned US auction platform Cars & Bids. This is a rather low-mileage vehicle, its odometer showing just 15,894 miles (25,588 km). The current owner acquired it in March 2020 and has only driven it for approximately 3,700 miles (5,954 km) since then, meaning that the rest were accumulated during Biden's ownership.
According to the listing, the car suffered minor damage to the front and rear bumpers in 2020, so it benefitted from touch-ups to the front bumper, while the rear one was completely replaced.
Though it might not stir the same level of interest from car enthusiasts as President Donald Trump's 1997 Lamborghini Diablo VT Roadster, which has recently sold for a staggering $1.1 million at auction, Biden's Caddical ATV-S is still a fine car worth your attention and would make a nice addition to any collection.
The highest bidding stands at $37,750 at the time of writing, with five days left to bid. The vehicle comes with photos of Biden taking delivery of the car and a heap of documents attesting its authenticity, including the vehicle's title and email exchanges between the President and Delaware Cadillac outlining his special requests.
After spending a few years as a copy editor, Ancuta decided to put down the eraser and pick up the writer's pencil. Her favorites subjects are unusual car designs, travel trailers and everything related to the great outdoors. Full profile
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