Key Takeaways

• Cadillac is building 21 bespoke CT5-V Blackwing models to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the V brand.
• Each model will be crafted at the GM Innovation Center with extensive customization options available.
• Cadillac aims to enhance its luxury image with future special editions that cater to an ultra-high-end clientele.

Cadillac is introducing 21 bespoke hand-built examples of the 2024 CT5-V Blackwing to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the V performance brand. It announced 20th anniversary editions of its CT4-V and CT5-V models last year. The high-end Blackwing was also set to get anniversary editions, but with far more customization and luxury.

Only 21 of these hand-built models will be created, one for each year the V brand has been on sale, and they’re all being built at the GM Artisan Innovation Center in Warren, Michigan. Car and Driver was able to take a special tour of the factory to get some inside scoop on the build process, and it’s much more in depth than you may think.

One of 21

A hand-built model can go a long way toward raising a brand’s profile and isn’t a new idea. The standard changes to these models really just amount to a few new 20th Anniversary badges, a “1 of 21” sill plate, and a serial number on the steering wheel, but there’s plenty of room for customization at the request of each individual buyer.

Six to 8 technicians are in place during the entire process, which starts with inspections for any imperfections before the vehicles are painted. For these unique cars, there are 20 exclusive colors not available on normal CT5-V Blackwing models. They can be paired with one of three interiors, two exterior carbon fiber packages, three wheel choices, and four caliper colors. There is even a concierge available at all times to ensure all the color choices meet the customer’s requirements

The entire build process takes between 200 and 300 hours, but if you want to up the ante even further, you can request your model be altered to mimic past Cadillac special editions from 2005 to 2024. This means, for the additional price of $7,120, you can make your CT5-V Blackwing look like the 2018 CTS-V Championship Edition or 2019 CTS-V Pedestal Edition. Once the build is complete, the vehicle is delivered with a signed photo of the build team.

Cadillac Reinventing Itself

Given how exclusive the models are, getting your hands on one isn’t going to be easy even if you are okay with dropping the extra $36,000 on top of the $94,890 starting price of the Blackwing. The allotment process has been left up to the dealers, who have the discretion to work with individual clients. Dealers are able to mark up the models as they see fit, so that extra $36,000 is just a starting point.

The hope is that the success of this vehicle will spawn further hand-built models, pushing the brand into the ultra high-end luxury category. This journey started when the brand unveiled the $300,000 Celestiq EV, which is aimed squarely at competitors like Rolls-Royce and Bentley. This model, also hand-built in Michigan, is a different breed of luxury than we’re used to seeing from Cadillac, offering customization that’s only limited to the amount in your bank account.