Allanté-XLR & V

Chapter of the Cadillac LaSalle Club Since 2003.

About Us

A New Journey with the Allante – XLR & V Chapter

Dear Cadillac Enthusiasts,

I am thrilled to introduce myself as the new director of the Allante- XLR & V Chapter of the Cadillac LaSalle Club. My name is Dr. Laura Brown, and I have always held a deep admiration for Cadillac, particularly the exquisite Allante. This passion evolved into a personal journey last year when I purchased my first Allante: a stunning 1991 pearl white model. This car has sparked a unique love affair, igniting my enthusiasm for everything Cadillac represents.

Owning such a beautiful automobile has opened my eyes to the challenges of maintaining a classic car built over 30 years ago. I am gradually learning the intricacies of caring for my Allante, from sourcing parts to preserving its original condition.

The timeless design, crafted by the renowned Pininfarina Design Studio, embodies elegance and sophistication. It is remarkable to reflect on the long history between Cadillac and Pininfarina throughout the 20th century, a partnership that has produced iconic vehicles. Last year marked the passing of Paolo Pininfarina, the last in the Pininfarina family, a legendary figure in automotive design, whose influence extended beyond the Allante to many phenomenal automobiles. His legacy is a testament to the artistry and innovation that defines our beloved vehicles, and he will be deeply missed.

As I step into this role, I am filled with enthusiasm and dedication to continue the legacy of our chapter. I aim to invigorate our membership and create pathways for new members to engage with our community. With times rapidly changing, it becomes even more important to preserve and cherish these masterpieces for future generations. As a parent, I understand the significance of passing down the passion for automobiles and the traditions that accompany them. I look forward to sharing these automotive works of art with individuals from all walks of life.

Being part of a car club is not merely about the vehicles; it is about the camaraderie and shared experiences with fellow enthusiasts. I am eager to carry on the beloved activities of our chapter while introducing new adventures and opportunities for enjoyment in the coming year. I deeply appreciate the hard work of former directors and members; their dedication has laid a solid foundation for our club’s success. It is my sincere goal to honor their legacy and build upon the remarkable groundwork they established.

In closing, I invite all of you to join me on this exciting journey. Together, let us celebrate the beauty and history of Cadillac and the connections we share. Remember, as our club slogan relays, “It is not just the car, it is the people!” Here’s to a year filled with adventure, friendship, and, of course, the love of Cadillac!

Warm regards,

Dr. Laura Brown

Director, Allante XLR-V Chapter Cadillac LaSalle Club

Allanté-XLR & V Chapter

of the Cadillac LaSalle Club

Club Director

Dr. Laura Brown

708-552-0224

8N677 Wildwood Drive, Elgin, IL 60120

Laurasings@outlook.com

About Us

The members of the Allante’-XLR &V Cadillac LaSalle Club welcome you to our website!

The Allante’-XLR &V Chapter of the Cadillac LaSalle Club is dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of the Cadillac Allante’-XLR &V roadsters among friends. We received our charter from the Cadillac LaSalle club in 2002, and have been loyal supporters since. Our club dates back to the AAG (Allante Appreciation Group). Mark Dahl was a member of the AAG. With several members of the AAG,
they met in Chicago on November 9, 1996. Twelve members formed the Chicagoland Region of the AAG (as printed in the Allante’ World, volume 11, issue 10, dated December 1996). Mark Dahl passed away in June 2002 and at that time Bob Klopfer bought all rights to the Chicagoland Club. Bob Klopfer then renamed the club to the Chicagoland Allante’ Club. In 2002 the Chicagoland Allante’ Club received its charter from the Cadillac LaSalle Club (CLC) and became the “Allante’-XLR Chapter of the CLC”. On September 29, 2013 at the CLC Museum groundbreaking Bob donated his red 1993 Indianapolis 500 Allante’.

At the official opening September 28, 2014 Bob’s car was the centerpiece. In 2016 Bob Klopfer passed away. Subsequently, the Club bought all of the rights and interest from the Klopfer Family. We are the only Allante’-XLR Club owned by its members.

We have been an early supporter of the CLCMRC ( Cadillac LaSalle Club Museum and Research Center) In 2019 we sponsored Maurizio Corbi, lead designer from Pininfarina, at the Fall Festival. We have regular meetings, have election of officers every two years at our November annual meeting and have written by- laws. Your voice counts. “It’s not just the car …. It’s the people!”

With the CLC we are an International Club and serve the International community. The Chapter is very active in a multitude of events, Allante’-XLR car shows, tours of local interest and weekend trips are examples of our seasonal activities. Those that enjoy working on their vehicles will find our technical sessions by our Allante’-XLR technical advisor very helpful. We are a not-for-profit organization and all of our staff and officers are volunteers. We have a monthly report and a quarterly magazine, Roadsters by Cadillac, with articles of
interest and photos. We welcome you to our monthly meetings if you are in the area. The first Saturday of the month at 9:30 AM., breakfast is optional. The meeting is at the Lambs Farm, 14248 West Rockland Rd., Libertyville, IL., intersection of HWY, 176 and I-94 (toll road North). The Lambs Farm is a premier non-profit organization helping adults with developmental disabilities. We gather at their Magnolia Café and Bakery. If you happen to be in the area, you are always welcome to join us.

Also, for those not in the area, we are developing an electronic method for you to attend/participate in meetings from the comfort of your home. We will be smoothing out the wrinkles in the first few months of 2020.

Director
ALLANTE-XLR &V Chapter CLC

Italy Trip 2019 with Allante XLR Chapter of CLC Club – To read article,Click on title

by admin | June 14, 2019 | Uncategorized | 0 Comments

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by admin | June 14, 2019 | Uncategorized | 0 Comments

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by admin | April 4, 2019 | Uncategorized | 0 Comments

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by admin | March 23, 2019 | Uncategorized | 0 Comments

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by admin | March 23, 2019 | Uncategorized | 0 Comments

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The Cadillac Fall Festival 2019

by admin | March 19, 2019 | Uncategorized | 0 Comments

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by admin | March 19, 2019 | Uncategorized | 0 Comments

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by admin | January 6, 2019 | Uncategorized | 0 Comments

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Cadillac Museum Fall Festival

by admin | September 5, 2018 | Uncategorized | 0 Comments

Please join us Sept. 20–23 for the Ninth Annual Cadillac Fall Festival, a weekend to celebrate and support our Cadillac & LaSalle Club Museum at the Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners, Mich. 9/20/2018 to 9/23/2018 When: Thursday, September 20,...

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by admin | August 24, 2018 | Uncategorized | 0 Comments

FOR THE 3RD YEAR IN A ROW The 2018 Allante - XLR 3rd Annual Invitational will be held in Grand Rapids Michigan August 23rd, 24th & 25th. This event is open to all Allante Owners and XLR Owners and all club members throughout the U.S and Canada. The HOST HOTEL is...

Allanté History

Road & Track called the Allanté “the best front-drive car in the world.” The January 2000 issue of Car Collector Magazine includes the Allanté on the list of ten future classics, concluding that “it is a car that 20 years down the road will become one of the few American models from the late 20th century worth having been put away.”

The Allanté is arguably the most beautiful automobile ever to wear the Cadillac crest. The Allanté was made in Turin, Italy by the world-renowned automaker: Pininfarina. It was transported in special pods on Alitalia and Lufthansa Boeing 747s from Italy to Detroit. Known as the “airbridge,” it was the longest automobile assembly line in history. The Allanté was then mated to its American-made engine and transmission on its own line at the Hamtramck factory.

At 99.4 inches, the Allanté has the smallest wheelbase of any Cadillac since 1908. It is a two-seat convertible with a removable hardtop. The Allanté was made for seven model years, from 1987 to 1993. While the body style remained the same, with the exception of minor modifications, the Allanté has three different engines. The 1987-1988 models has a 4.1 liter, 16 valve, 170 HP, V8; the 1989-1992 model has a 4.5 liter 16 valve, 200 HP V8; and the 1993 model has the 4.6 liter, 32 valve, 295 HP Northstar V8. All of the engines were modified from their standard Cadillac equivalent.

In 1992, General Motors lost $24.2 billion, more than any other business on the planet. GM opted not to ante up the $240 million to retool the Pininfarina factory. Cadillac lost the automobile that set the design standard for its entire line.

After more than ten years since its introduction, Allanté owners are still asked about their new Cadillac, proving the classic styling of Pininfarina is timeless.