- GM Auctions “Pink” Cadillac CTS Autographed by Aretha Franklin

Driving around in a 50’s or 60’s pink Caddy with tail fins larger than life is one thing, but to be seen behind the wheel of an all-new, pink 2009 CTS is something we’d definitely avoid doing even if it concerns this one-off example that has been hand-signed by Aretha Franklin in spirit of her song "Freeway of Love” that contained the lyrics "Goin' ridin' on the freeway of love in my pink Cadillac"

The customized “Pink” Cadillac CTS went up for auction at the at the 2008 MusiCare Person of the Year Gala during GRAMMY Week earlier this month. The proceeds from the auction went to MusiCares, which ensures that music people have a place to turn in times of need.

Press Release

Custom "Pink" Cadillac Autographed by Aretha Franklin Up for Auction at the 2008 MusiCares Person of the Year Gala During GRAMMY® Week

LOS ANGELES - When the auction gets underway at the 2008 MusiCares Person of the Year Gala during GRAMMY Week, one lucky bidder will be able climb behind the wheel of a one-of-a-kind Cadillac to drive down the "Freeway of Love" as stylishly as the "Queen of Soul" herself. A Cadillac CTS - the 2008 Motor Trend Car of the Year- has been customized with a special pink hue and hand-signed by Aretha Franklin for live auction in Los Angeles on Feb. 8, 2008.

Franklin, a 17-time GRAMMY-winning recording artist and Detroit native, will be honored at the 18th annual MusiCares Person of the Year dinner and concert. Proceeds from the annual GRAMMY Week gala provide essential support for MusiCares, which ensures that music people have a place to turn in times of financial, medical and personal need.

"Cadillac is tickled pink to provide a unique auction item celebrating Detroit native Aretha Franklin at this year's MusiCares gala," said George Doss, regional divisional marketing manager for Cadillac in GM's Western Region. "Cadillac is proud to return for the fourth consecutive year as a major sponsor of this prestigious GRAMMY Week event."

The "pink" hue was chosen in the spirit of Franklin's memorable lyrics "Goin' ridin' on the freeway of love in my pink Cadillac" from her hit song "Freeway of Love" that earned her a GRAMMY Award in the "Best R&B Vocal Performance - Female" category at the 28th Annual GRAMMY Awards in 1985. The custom CTS will be hand-signed by Franklin.

The all-new 2008 Cadillac CTS includes a level of new features and technologies, including (but not limited to): a 40 gigabyte hard drive that allows pause and rewinding of live radio, and is tailored for MP3 players, iPods, and other digital devices; a 304-horsepower 3.6 L direct injection V-6 engine; an all-new redesigned cabin with handcrafted accents; a "double" sunroof enabling both front and rear passengers a sky view; heated leather seats; a retractable navigation system with real-time traffic and weather data; OnStar; XM Satellite Radio; a BOSE eight-speaker sound system; and a six-speed automatic transmission. With direct-injection technology, the CTS is fuel efficient and produces 25 percent fewer hydrocarbons. The multiple award-winning 2008 CTS achieves a remarkable combination of luxury, technology and performance in a sedan aimed at creating the desire and head-turning quotient normally reserved for sports cars.

The 50th Annual GRAMMY Awards will be held on Feb. 10, 2008 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles. The show will be broadcast live by the CBS Television Network at 8 p.m. (ET/PT), supported on radio via Westwood One worldwide, and covered on the Internet at GRAMMY.com.