Though the first model Cadillac emerged from the factory in Detroit on October 17, 1902, it would take until 1950 for one of the American marque's cars to take the start at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and it did so thanks to Briggs Cunningham. The nickname attributed to the Cadillac Spider became self-explanatory when it crossed the finish line in 11th place in the hands of the owner of the team associated with Phil Waters, just behind the Coupe de Ville also representing the American outfit!

Now on display at the Revs Institute in Naples in southwest Florida, as is the entire Collier collection, the "Le Monstre" was given a day pass from the museum for a few laps alongside the Cadillac DPi that allowed brothers Ricky and Jordan Taylor to win the 2017 edition of the Rolex 24 at Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring, then the titles at the end of the season. At the wheel, the younger of the two, Jordan, winner in the LMGTE Pro class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2015 at the wheel of a Chevrolet Corvette C7.R with Oliver Gavin and Tommy Milner, was visibly proud to be able to do four laps at the Daytona circuit.

PHOTO (Copyright - Archives/ACO): The Cadillac "Le Monstre" entered by Briggs Cunningham at the 1950 24 Hours of Le Mans.