Wheels: Cadillac Ruth & Big Daddy
The proud owner of a 1960 Caddy for the past 40 years prepares to say farewell
Ruth had always wanted to own a caddy, and now, four decades after realizing that dream, it’s time to bid adieu to her beloved “Big Daddy.”
Iwas raised on a farm in northern Alberta, 12 miles northwest of a small rural town called Whitelow. I had to either walk or ride my horse three miles to where the school bus would stop to pick me up on school days. At the age of ten, from the schoolyard in Whitelow, I spotted a pink 1959 Cadillac driving by and I said to my friend, “Wow—look at those wings! One day, I’m going to own a car just like that!”
Of course, my life back then was filled with many young- girl dreams and, thankfully as it turned out, I did achieve a number of accomplishments early on. At 13, in 1963, I was selected runner- up in the North Peace Stampede Queen competition and later went on to become a rodeo barrel-racing champion. I also became a well-known horse trainer, put on my own horse shows with all kinds of trick-riding, and jockeyed my own thoroughbred in horse races. As all this was unfolding, I got married and had two wonderful daughters. A few years after they were born, I became a fashion model for television commercials and magazine advertisements.
In 1976, at 26, my dream of owning a Cadillac finally became a reality when I came across a 1960 Series 62 four-door hardtop Cadillac in Fort Saint John, B.C. I bought the car on the spot, becoming its third owner. Although I’ve owned, loved, cared for, worked on, polished and shined many classic and vintage vehicles in the 40 years since then, my Cadillac—which I call “Big Daddy” —is still with me, tucked away in my garage. It’s in beautiful, near- mint condition. Originally a purple-pink colour, I had Big Daddy repainted in GM “classic white” and finished with a show lacquer. I also had the massive bumpers showchromed at Edmonton Electroplating in, you guessed it, Edmonton. Instead of shipping them, I personally drove the bumpers there, some 500 miles from my home, and back again. All four rear-light bezels were also chromed; since they were originally made of pot- metal, they were dipped in layers of copper first. While I was at it, I even had the ashtrays done!
With only 76,000 miles and the original V8 engine (offering 390 cubic inch displacement and 325 horsepower) still in place, together with a new radiator and exhaust system, Big Daddy is very sound mechanically. I’ve kept the interior its original “Misty Rose” colour, offering a beautiful contrast to the classic white exterior; a new headliner stitched-in to near perfection was the only change made inside. Plus, it has power-everything—steering, brakes, windows and seats. Making this Caddy unique from most other models is the wrap-around rear window, which apparently was put in as a special order by the original owner. Big Daddy cruises on “Remington Road Gangster”
The Ultimate Status Symbol: In 1959-60, Cadillac introduced the boldest and tallest—and most memorable—fins ever seen. The ‘60 Caddy had it all: looks, performance and comfort. The outrageous tail fins and jet taillights inevitably evoked either a love it or hate it attitude, but the car went on to become a status symbol for that era.
whitewall tires, all in good condition.
Considering all of the above, it’s little wonder that my Caddy has graced the pages of many car magazines over the years, such as Thoroughbred Car World in 1980 and Cars & Parts in 1981.
And throughout it all, I’ve been a member of the Mile Zero Car Club of Dawson Creek, B. C., which is of course mile zero of the world-famous Alaska Highway. It didn’t take long before club members and just about everyone else I knew began referring to me as the Cadillac Lady or, better yet, Cadillac Ruth.
Looking back on 40 years of car clubbing, car shows and parades, I recall lots of hard work, lots of fun and a few hard- earned ribbons. I’ve had some trials and tribulations in my life so far, but mostly lots of happy experiences— owning my ’60 Caddy being one of them. I consider myself to be a one-of-a-kind Canadian country girl who has come to believe that dreams can and do come true. n
Editor’s Note: At 67, and unfortunately not in the best of health, Ruth has informed us that she has decided to “retire from the hectic side of life” and, yes, she is in search of a loving new owner for her beloved “Big Daddy” 1960 Cadillac. Serious inquiries can be sent to her at P.O. Box 62, Pouce Coupe, B.C. V0C 2C0.