A Cadillac ATS-V built for President Joe Biden is currently listed for sale on the Cars & Bids online auction website.
President Biden is known to be a keen auto enthusiast, and the powerful four-door Cadillac was built to his individual specification.
Unsurprisingly, given the significance of its first owner, the 2018 ATS-V has already attracted plenty of attention and numerous auction bids.
A bespoke VIP build
Designed to challenge the BMW M3 and Lexus GS F, the Cadillac ATS-V features a twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V-6 engine serving up 464 horsepower and 445 lb ft of torque. Offered exclusively with rear-wheel drive, this addition to Cadillac’s V-Series range was a serious performance sedan.
According to documents provided by the seller, President Biden noted that he could amend his security detail in order to drive the Cadillac himself.
Doing so potentially all owed him to hit 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, then reach a top speed of 189 mph. A presidential pardon may come in useful at those speeds.
Ordering the Cadillac with Black Raven exterior paint, the POTUS made a unique request for an interior finished in Kona Brown semi-aniline leather upholstery. This complements the Sapele wood trim, making for a truly one-off ATS-V.
Presidential seal of approval
Other key features of the 2018 ATS-V include a carbon engine cover, Brembo brakes with red-painted calipers, an eight-speed automatic transmission and Magnetic Ride Control suspension.
Delivered to the President in October 2017, the Cadillac comes with a Delaware title certificate issued to Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. Photos of it being handed over to Mr Biden are included in the sale, too.
Accompanying emails note that President Biden was very pleased with his new Cadillac. Another message pre-warns Cadillac’s V-Performance Academy that it could might expect a very important student to attend.
Low miles and extra enhancements
The selling dealership took ownership of the ATS-V in March 2020, and has since added a number of upgrades to the car.
These include a set of 18-inch CT4-V Blackwing wheels finished in Tech Bronze, tinted windows, black exterior emblems and a suede-covered steering wheel.
A total of 15,900 miles have been added to the Cadillac’s odometer, with the car being subject to comprehensive maintenance in recent years.
Some minor cosmetic damage has been repaired during the dealership’s time with the car, with the outer bolster of the driver’s seat also showing signs of wear.
A piece of American auto history
Vehicles associated with the White House have appeared for auction before. However, a car driven by a sitting president, and during an election year, is certainly a unique attraction.
As a result, it’s no surprise to discover the ATS-V had already recorded bids in excess of $70,000 (£55,000) at the time of writing.
There is still a little time remaining on the Cars & Bids auction, with the virtual hammer set to fall on February 21 2024. Hopefully there will be no need for a recount this time…
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