Carlos Campbell Brings Custom 1966 Cadillac DeVille to the SEMA Show

Nov 18, 2011

I have been into cars all my life. My dad was into it. I just took this 1966 Cadillac DeVille to the next level for SEMA

The recent 2011 SEMA Show in Las Vegas brought some of the hottest and most unique builds, concepts and paint jobs to the strip. K&N met Carlos Campbell, the builder and designer of a completely custom 1966 Cadillac DeVille, and was able to get a quick interview. For 18 years Campbell has built and designed custom vehicles for various businesses and collectors. "I have been into cars all my life. My dad was into it. I just took it to the next level," reports Campbell. "I got started and never looked back."

I wanted to do something classy but just a little on the edge. 1966 Cadillac DeVille at SEMA.

This 1966 Cadillac DeVille is an artistic update and re-innovation of the classic design. "I wanted to do something classy but just a little on the edge," said Campbell. Carlos also reported using the paint and colors of the car to make it stand out amongst the hundreds of other cars in attendance at the show. The modifications to the Cadillac include: Air Ride, frame notch, shaved handles and molding, custom purple top and a new updates to older parts. "I pretty much had to redo the car for SEMA. Pretty much everything except the motor is new now." The custom '66 also sports 22" wheels which challenged Campbell in his design to lower the car's frame. Campbell went on to say that the finding of rare Cadillac parts also proved difficult.

The custom 1966 Cadillac DeVille for SEMA also sports 22" wheels which challenged Campbell in his design to lower the car's frame.

"This was my first year at SEMA so it's really, really a big deal for me, like a dream come true." Based on the east coast in Charlotte, North Carolina, Campbell worked with Show Cars Inc. to assist him with advertising and bringing the 1966 DeVille to Vegas.

I actually call the 1966 Cadillac DeVille God's Gift now because every time I didn't think I would be able to finish the car for SEMA, something would come along and help me again.

Campbell also reported to K&N that the Cadillac has very special meaning to him as the build process had its bumps along the road to completion. "I had to sell another project car I had, a 1963 Impala, that was full custom project, but I had to finish this Caddy for SEMA. I actually call the car "God's Gift" now because every time I didn't think I would be able to finish the car, something would come along and help me again; I thank God for that." Campbell told K&N that his next step of the project was to outfit the trunk with a larger and better sound system.

Campbell also mentioned his use and support of K&N products. "I love their products - good looks and great performance at the same time. Their universal air filter looks great on there. I have used K&N on pretty much all of my cars from old cars to up to date new cars I love the sound [K&N] makes also."

Find K&N products for your vehicle using the K&N application search then use the K&N dealer search to find a K&N dealer in your part of the world.

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