John Lien Cadillac 1958

John Lien Cadillac 1958

In the quiet Norwegian countryside, amidst snow-covered landscapes, John Lien brought an audacious vision to life in his garage. His 1958 Cadillac, affectionately dubbed “Landshark,” is far more than a car; it is a rolling work of art—a testament to dedication, craftsmanship, and a love for classic American automobiles.
John’s journey with the Landshark began when he stumbled upon the rusted skeleton of a 1958 Cadillac one cold winter. Despite its decrepit state, he saw endless possibilities. Fueled by a deep appreciation for General Motors’ iconic designs, particularly the sleek, aggressive aesthetic of late-1950s Cadillacs, John embarked on a transformative project.
Over the course of one winter, John poured countless hours into rebuilding the car from the ground up. Every inch of the vehicle bears his personal touch. From the custom candy red paint—enhanced with subtle metallic flakes that shimmer under the light—to the luxurious crocodile leather seats, every detail was meticulously planned and executed.
The most striking modification is the car’s roofline, lowered by 4.5 inches. The rear section of the top was grafted from a 1959 Cadillac Coupe de Ville, creating a silhouette that perfectly blends aggression with elegance. This design choice not only pays homage to Cadillac’s revolutionary late-1950s styling but also showcases John’s ability to merge the best elements of multiple models into one cohesive masterpiece.
Under the Hood
The Landshark is powered by a 1958 Cadillac 365 engine, a nod to the car’s origins. The engine is paired with a 400 transmission, delivering smooth power to the road. The exhaust system, built by John himself, features a deep, throaty note that perfectly complements the car’s bold exterior. Chrome valve covers add a touch of refinement under the hood, maintaining the balance of style and performance.
Custom Bodywork
John’s expertise in bodywork is evident throughout the Landshark. The front grille and rear bumper have been custom-fabricated, giving the car a one-of-a-kind appearance. The paint job, done by John with assistance from a friend who applied the clear coat, features a candy red finish that turns heads wherever the car goes. The choice of color, as John puts it, was simple: “I like it.”
Interior Luxury
The interior is as breathtaking as the exterior. The seats, upholstered in crocodile leather, add an exotic touch of luxury. The custom dashboard and instrumentation were designed and built by John, reflecting his commitment to ensuring every element of the car aligns with his vision.
Suspension and Wheels
The Landshark features an air suspension system, allowing for adjustable ride height at both the front and rear. The car rolls on wheels adorned with hubcaps from a 1957 Cadillac, tying the entire aesthetic together and giving a nod to Cadillac’s rich heritage.
A Tribute to American Elegance
John’s work on the Landshark is a celebration of Cadillac’s innovative spirit during the late 1950s. The car’s design echoes the bold lines and iconic tailfins of the era, while its custom modifications elevate it to a league of its own. The attention to detail, from the jeweled grille patterns to the hand-crafted interior, reflects John’s deep passion for automotive artistry.
Special Thanks
John would like to thank his friend, who helped clear coat the paint, and everyone who supported him during the build process. While the Landshark is a solo project, it stands as a testament to the collaborative spirit of car enthusiasts around the world.

In John’s Words
“I built this in my garage. Everything by myself. Custom interior, custom paint. The top is lowered 4.5 inches, and the rear end of the top is from a 1959 Cadillac Coupe de Ville. The bottom layer of the paint has flakes, though it’s hard to see in pictures. The seats are upholstered in crocodile leather.
I’ve always loved the bold designs of late-1950s Cadillacs. Building this car was my way of honoring that era while adding my personal flair. Every detail, from the lowered roofline to the air suspension, was carefully chosen to make the Landshark unique. It’s a piece of my heart on wheels.”

The Landshark is not just a car—it’s a story, a passion project, and a rolling piece of art that bridges the gap between American automotive heritage and Norwegian craftsmanship. For enthusiasts of classic cars, John Lien’s Cadillac is an unforgettable masterpiece.