One Rad Cad

I couldn't believe what pristine condition the 2-year-old car was in.  It was flawless.  Even the wheels.  Not a mark.  After ogling it for a bit, we did the deal and we were on our way.  We spent the next week working our way back to North of the border.  We spent a night in Cleveland, two nights in Chicago, a night in Minneapolis, a night in Bismarck, and a night in Great Falls before heading through the border at Coutts.  It was an epic road trip with lots of fun along the way. 

When my wife and I returned to Canada after a decade of life overseas, we agreed that we were going to get a nice car.  We figured something with heated seats would be nice.  So, I spent months researching what kind of deal I could get on a sweet ride from the States.  I narrowed it down to a Chrysler 300 SRT or Cadillac STS.  Soon after arriving home, a 2006 STS-V popped up in Parma, Ohio and it was irresistible.  I phoned the guy up, made the deal, and booked a flight for the next day.  My friend flew into Cleveland from Vancouver, arriving at the exact same time.  Ten minutes and a chest-bump later, we were standing in front of what appeared to be a brand new STS-V.  

The import process went well despite a slight hiccup.  The Friday we arrived in Great Falls, I realized I had misplaced the original bill of sale.  Luckily, I was able to get ahold of the dealer just before he took off for the weekend.  He was highly cooperative and FED EX'd me a replacement copy that arrived later that day!  (That would never happen in Canada).  I dodged a bullet there.  Once the car was in Canada, it was subjected to two inspections.  All that was required to register it was a few minor modifications performed by the local Cadillac dealer.  I pampered that car for two years, but it saw little action.  It was not cut out for the Canadian winters, plus I couldn't bare the thought of subjecting it to the ravages of our winter roads.  It sat, covered, for too many months of the year in our underground parking facility.  With the factory warranty set to expire in a matter of months, I let her go.  

I really enjoyed that car, and I sometimes yearn to hear that 469 bhp V8 wind itself up.  I added a Borla exhaust which really made a ruckus as it made its way down the boulevard.  Around the time I sold it, I took the second generation CTS-V for a spin.  I was shocked by its power.  Tonight, I was checking out the third gen CTS-V online, and it got me all nostalgic about my rad Cad.  Great car.  Greater road trip.  

What I loved
Performance 
The supercharged V8 was silky.  Nothing like your typical GM V8.  Very sophisticated, but strong.
Paint
The paint was amazing.  As durable as it was beautiful.  Maybe the best paint I have ever played with.  
Fit and Finish
The engineering that went into this car was impeccable.  Every piece was thoughtfully developed and I never heard a single rattle in that car.  Tighter than tight.  
Rarity Factor
To date, I've seen two or three STS-V's in this colour.  A few black ones, but they are very rare.  I like rare.
Sleeper Factor  
Few people knew Cadillac had a "V" line of performance sedans.  They know now, but they didn't know then.  Well, until I taught them.  

What I didn't love
Nothing