From the moment our eyes saw it on the floor at the 2016 SEMA show, both Lohnes and I knew that this 1948 Cadillac was something special. This is “Madam V”, and to sum it up in one short sentence, it’s the coolest-looking Cadillac ATS-V in existence. That isn’t entirely accurate, though…it’s two Cadillac ATS-Vs, which were sacrificed to make up the floorpan that underpins the ’48, a full ATS-V interior, all of the sensors and electronics of the new car, and that sweet twin-turbocharged V6. And yes, we mean every last possible electronic. This might very well be the only 1948 anything with functioning OnStar. Built for a dealership magnate who has a passion for high-end hot rods, the Caddy is done to the nines.

“Madam V” is less a resto-mod and more of giving some classic character to a potent late-model vehicle, and it is hard to fault the Ringbrothers’ execution. There is carbon fiber everywhere and as usual for one of their builds, the integration is spot-on. While we can appreciate the goal behind the build, we do wonder if some of the character of the ’48 Cadillac was lost in translation. Apparently, the owner thinks so too, and will be making some changes to the car in the near future to bring some of that back. But before that happens, Jay Leno gets his shot behind the wheel of the car as Mike and Jim Ring walk him around the car. Hit play below and take a look for yourself!