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Regal Cadillac Returned to the Norwegian People

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1951 Cadillac Limo

Not exactly Olav’s limo, but still a Cadillac fit for a king
Photo: That Hartford Guy

What do King Olav V, former monarch of Norway, and hip-hop superstar Macklemore have in common? Apparently, they are both huge fans of Cadillacs. Oh, and they probably look incredible wearing your grandad’s clothes. The National Norwegian-American Museum and Heritage Center, more concisely known as the Vesterheim, recently announced that the king’s personal Cadillac is being returned to the country of Norway.

King Olav V of Norway in all his glory

King Olav V of Norway in all his glory

King Olav V purchased a 1951 Cadillac limousine shortly after the end of World War II to symbolize Norway’s recovery. As is common with fancy Cadillacs, it soon became his favorite vehicle to use when driving in the midst of his subjects. The limousine frequently appeared during Scandanavian-American events.

Eventually, the vehicle was donated to the Vesterheim in 1994, three years after Olav passed away. There it rested for nearly a decade, until the American Car Club of Norway, strangely abbreviated as the AMCAR, reached out to the Vesterheim in 2013.

The country of Norway is in the process of creating a National Motor Museum. AMCAR demanded that the Vesterheim relinquish the Cadillac so that they could restore it for the museum. And by demand, we mean politely asked. Long past are the days of coercion through Viking violence in Scandinavia.

Pictured: How Cadillac ownership debates used to be settled in NorwayPhoto: Tone

Pictured: How Cadillac ownership debates used to be settled in Norway
Photo: Tone

The Vesterheim agreed, and Olav’s Cadillac will now be restored by AMCAR. The Cadillac will surely be a key attraction for the museum when it opens. So it turns out that Lorde was wrong. Royals do indeed drive Cadillacs.