First built in Burbank, California, in 1986 by famed car customizer Jay Ohrberg, “The American Dream,” the world’s longest car, originally measured 60 feet, rolled on 26 wheels and had a pair of V8 engines at the front and rear. After first being recognized by the Guinness Book of Records in 1986, he suddenly rose to fame.
As one of the most unique cars ever to drive, the long limousine was often rented out for film appearances and appeared in several movies. While the car was very popular during its heyday, it gradually fell out of the spotlight once it got into maintenance. Obstacles such as where to park such a long vehicle and less demand meant that his fame eventually faded.
After the world lost interest and over time, it began to rust until some parts became unsalvageable.
Until March 1 of this year, when “The American Dream” once again broke his own Guinness World Record. What had happened? A group led by Miami-based developer Michael Dezer had decided to restore it. Now it’s even bigger. It measures 30.54 meters, has 26 wheels and space for up to 75 passengers. To put their immense size into perspective, most cars measure between 3.6 and 4.2 meters. In fact, you could park 12 Smart Fortwos in a single row and “The American Dream” would still be longer than all of them.
Based on the 1976 Cadillac Eldorado limousines, this vehicle can be driven from both ends and can also function as a hardtail. It was built in two sections, joined in the middle by a hinge to turn around sharp turns.
In addition, it includes material pleasures fit for a king; a large waterbed, a pool complete with diving board, jacuzzi, bathtub, miniature golf course, heliport. As if that wasn’t already impressive, it’s also equipped with several televisions, a refrigerator, and a telephone. However, Manning and his team had a hard time restoring the American Dream to its former glory, which, after being abandoned in the back of a New Jersey warehouse for years, had fallen into disrepair.
From junk to classic, the story of the colossus
Autoseum, a technical education museum owned by Michael Manning in Nassau County, New York, recovered the colossal Caddy to restore it. “I first found it at a showroom in New Jersey and it was junk. It was covered in graffiti, the windows were smashed, the tires were flat, but I fell in love anyway. I said, ‘I’m going to buy this car, I’m bringing it back. and I will restore it,'” he explained.
Manning saw it listed on eBay and made an offer, hoping it would be his chance to own this giant limousine. Plans to restore it to its former glory through community donations eventually fizzled out amid county politics and budget changes, leaving the car’s fate uncertain.
Autoseum’s lease with Nassau County was eventually terminated, leaving Manning scrambling to find a place where he could relocate the vehicle. “I ended up putting it up for sale on eBay again and figured if it didn’t sell, I’d move it to a piece of property I own in the Catskills,” Manning said. In 2019, Michael Dezer, owner of the Dezerland Park Auto Museum and Tourist Attractions in Orlando, Florida, saw the iconic car on eBay and contacted Manning.
After Dezer purchased the Caddy, it was shipped to Florida for restoration, and Manning agreed to help with the project he had always dreamed of completing one day. To transport it, she had to be divided into two parts and loaded onto trailers. With the help of repair students and fellow experts, the group began working together to restore it. The project, which cost more than 220,000 euros in shipping, materials, and labor, it took three years to complete.
Images and videos: Guinness World Records
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