Exclusive Hand-Built New ’24 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Unveiled

The 2024 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing 20th Anniversary Edition is an exquisite, hand-built marvel packed with top-tier features. While the automotive world grapples with the bold $340,000+ price tag of the ultra-luxurious, hand-built 2025 Cadillac Celestiq, Cadillac is taking a more measured approach by producing a limited run of the highly collectible CT5-V Blackwing models. These models commemorate the 20th anniversary of Cadillac’s V-Series, and they’re assembled by hand in Warren, Michigan.

5th Collectors’ Series, 1st to be Hand-Built

Since 2011, Cadillac has released 11 special edition V-Series models. The most recent five have been Blackwing Collectors’ Series editions, starting in 2022 with the Launch Year Collector Series, which included 250 units each of the CT4-V and CT5-V Blackwing models. This was followed in 2023 by a run of 121 CT5s celebrating Cadillac’s 120th anniversary and 99 CT4-V Blackwing Track Editions honoring iconic tracks like Sebring, Road Atlanta, and Watkins Glen. In 2024, Cadillac produced 198 CT4-V Blackwing Mondrian Editions (66 each in silver, black, and red), and now they’ve introduced 21 CT5-Vs to celebrate two decades of V-Series production. They constructed this fifth series off-line by hand, unlike previous models built on the main line at Lansing Grand River Assembly.

The Build Process

Cadillac assembles the bodies in Lansing, paints them black, and then ships them to GM’s Milford Proving Grounds for meticulous inspection. Here, technicians fine-tune panel gaps and hand-sand the body surfaces, including the engine compartment and trunk lid. They then respray the bodies in custom colors, adhering to PPG’s refinishing guidelines. Each vehicle receives three coats of clear paint, with additional sanding between coats. This painstaking process can take between 200 and 250 hours just for the paint.

Once painted, they ship the bodies to GM’s Artisan Innovation Center near the Warren Tech Center for final assembly. This facility, formerly used for constructing GM’s prototype vehicles, now employs its skilled staff to build these bespoke cars. The assembly process, including quality checks and signoffs, can take up to 200 hours or more, compared to the 50-80 hours typically required on the factory line. They check all fastener torque specifications here, and instead of using a garish paint pen, they apply fluorescent ink visible only under ultraviolet light, adding a unique touch to delight car enthusiasts at future Concours events.

What the 20th Anniversary Edition Includes

The 20th Anniversary Edition comes with a palette of 20 unique colors not available on production models, with two customers selecting black. They offer three unique upholstery designs, and each car’s serial number appears on the steering wheel and sill plates. A unique start-up animation plays on the screens, and there’s a commemorative plaque on the B-pillar. Buyers can choose from three new wheel designs and four caliper colors.

Most regular production options are also available, including the choice of manual or automatic transmission. The VIN plate shows the special assembly, with serial numbers ending between 2004 and 2024. For an additional $7,120, buyers could specify a particular VIN, adding a personal touch to their vehicle. About half of the buyers opted for this feature.

Additionally, each buyer receives a certificate of authenticity hand-signed by Cadillac Executive Chief Engineer Brandon Vivian, a hand-signed photo of the assembly team, and a leather binder containing 70 photos of their car taken during the assembly process. All Blackwing engines are also signed by their constructors in Bowling Green.

When, and How Much?

Cadillac is currently assembling the final examples of this exclusive series, completing the process as we speak. Each of the 21 lucky collectors spent $36,000 for the special option (RPO ZLT), bringing the base price to $132,990 for the six-speed manual and $133,490 for the automatic. With additional must-have features like carbon-fiber aero kits and ceramic brakes, the total price can easily reach $170,000 or more. Not a bad deal for a hand-painted, hand-built 668-hp super sedan. This experience of commissioning a 2024 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing 20th Anniversary Edition will serve as excellent preparation for those looking to spec out a future Celestiq or even a custom Rolls-Royce or Bentley.

For Those Eyeing a Hand-Built Cadillac Celestiq

If a $340,000 hand-built Cadillac Celestiq is out of reach, the CT5-V Blackwing 20th Anniversary Edition offers a similarly bespoke experience at a fraction of the cost. This limited-edition vehicle showcases Cadillac’s commitment to craftsmanship and exclusivity, providing enthusiasts with a unique piece of automotive history. Whether you’re a collector or a die-hard Cadillac fan, this special edition is a testament to the brand’s enduring legacy and innovative spirit. Photo Credit – Frank Markus / Motor Trend.