There is a lot to tell about this very special Cadillac.

It was ordered as a new car in 1968 by the boss of a Hamburg Opel dealer and built in what was then the GM assembly plant in Antwerp.

A rare European version with a kilometer speedometer.

Special equipment was ordered:

- for an additional charge "Madeira plum firemist metallic"
-Locking differential
-Automatic climate control
-Front disc brake, new in 1968 at extra cost
-6-way electrically adjustable front seat
-2-adjustable steering wheel
-Seat belts
-radio delete, no radio! Very rarer

Since Cadillac was not able to order sunroofs ex works until 1969, the same Manufacturer, Golde from Frankfurt, installed a manual sunroof with a black vinyl roof from a Hamburg company.

The car was purchased because Egon Zylly was able to sell his Opel dealership on good terms. Egon Zylla had planned to spend the rest of his life with his wife in beautiful Ascona. There he wanted to park his Cadillac in the garage of his villa "Hanseat".

But life unfortunately took a most unfortunate turn before that. His wife died in an agonizing accident from tetanus. Despite his children's wishes, Egon Zylla stuck to his plan and now moved to Ascona alone.

Sadness, boredom, loneliness and bad company in the '68 wilds led some crooks and shady characters to take advantage of the situation. In a few years that much money was lent to friends or simply spent.

It got to the point where, after demanding back loans, he was lured into a trap and killed by a hitman and his accomplices.

A murder of a wealthy tourist in Ticino, which was still tranquil at the time, caused quite a stir. This story is still known in Switzerland today and is picked up from time to time. In archives there is also a big story in the mirror. Even in Germany the case was extraordinary.

Right in the middle was this well-known Cadillac, which was then confiscated by the public prosecutor. The investigation and the conviction of those involved lasted several years. The car was then released for collection and stored at an Opel dealership in Ascona, but was never picked up again.

The car was waiting in the basement of this car dealership until the business was handed over and closed. He should then even be cannibalized or recycled!


A happy coincidence brought us to it. On a trip to Ascona. We were traveling in our '68 Fleetwood Brougham and drove a lap via Ronco to Ascona. I felt pursued by an Opel Corsa. After a stop, the driver got out and told me that he also had a Cadillac and whether I would be interested. We exchanged phone numbers.

It rained the next day. That was the trigger for an appointment in the afternoon to take a look at the usually expected grotto, which has been rotting away for decades, I thought.

At first glance, there was something like that in the basement in the furthest corner. Heavily dusty, flat tires and one wheel lying on the bonnet. Flashlight and rainy season available I risked a closer look.

With increasing enthusiasm I discovered a 50000 orig. Cadillac in first paint, with a very nice interior and not tinkered! Add to that this incredible crime story.

After a few days of difficult negotiations, a purchase was made.

Without attempting to start it was loaded onto a trailer and we carefully and extensively restored it to its young condition.

Now free of defects and approved, he has already won some nice tours and prizes.

on request