"The Duchess" on display at first Cruise Night of the summer in downtown Kincardine

"The Duchess" was one of many unique vehicles on display at the first Cruise Night of the summer, Friday, June 30, in downtown Kincardine.

Owned by Steve Plunkett of London, "The Duchess" is a 1941 Cadillac custom-bodied limousine, built for King Edward of England who abdicated the throne in 1936, to marry the American woman, Wallis Simpson, while living at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York.

They commissioned this one-off Cadillac to be built, overseen by Alfred Sloan, General Motors' chief executive officer, at a cost of $14,000, for their personal use. They owned this car for 11 years, fondly calling it "The Duchess."

All body panels were handmade and were different than the production '41 Cadillacs. The flowing body lines would later influence the styling of Buicks and even Rolls Royces.

This car was the absolute height of luxury and advanced features of the day, such as: automatic transmission, first car with power windows, fully-chromed wheels, dual automatic heating, power division window, two clocks, 11 courtesy lights, three lighters, cigar humidor, pipe rack, dual radios, two illuminated vanity mirrors, foot rests, four jewellery cases, satin privacy window shades, and under-seat umbrella holder.

Another vehicle of note, was the rare 1973 Cadillac Eldorado convertible, owned by Jim Battin of Otterville. It is one of only two cars that can be documented to have been used by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on her several visits to Ontario.

Built in Detroit, Michigan, on May 2, 1973, by General Motors' Cadillac division, it was used by the Queen and Prince Philip between June 25 and July 5, 1973, on her 14th visit to tour southern Ontario, driving some 2,800 miles.

It was titled by GM of Canada on July 9, 1973, and ownership was transferred to the Addison Cadillac (Toronto) dealership on Aug. 8, 1973. The vehicle was sold to a prominent Toronto dentist on Aug. 9, 1973, where it remained until Oct. 30, 1981, when it was bought by J. Corbeil of Otterville.

A day later, it was transferred to A. Vanderhaeghe of Tillsonburg, and subsequently to W. and M. Hurley, also of Tillsonburg, March 17, 1982. The vehicle was purchased by the present owners March 30, 2006, from the Hurley estate.

The vehicle has undergone a frame-off total restoration with its horsepower being increased to 450 from 235. Otherwise, this fully-optioned classic automobile remains in the same pristine condition as when it was used by Queen Elizabeth II.

Cruise Night saw a huge crowd enjoying the many vintage and unique vehicles parked along Queen Street and several side streets, as well as the motorcycles along Harbour Street.

Dave Mellor won the Kincardine and Community Health Care Foundation 50-50 draw, taking home $1,265.

The remaining two Cruise Nights will be held Aug. 4 and Sept.1, from 6-9 p.m., in downtown Kincardine.