Custom Pink Cadillac Autographed by Aretha Franklin Auctioned for Music Cares

After the action got underway at the 2008 MusiCares Person of the Year Gala during Grammy Week, one lucky bidder was able climb behind the wheel of a one-of-a-kind Cadillac to drive down the "Freeway of Love" as stylishly as the "Queen of Soul" herself. Leo Bunin of California won final bid on a special pink Cadillac CTS - the 2008 Motor Trend Car of the Year - hand-signed by Aretha Franklin, and awarded in a live auction in Los Angeles on February 8, 2008. The car was definitely the talk of the night, and at $51,500 was one of the top five items sold at the auction which set a record for MusiCares fundraising - $4.5 million.

Aretha Franklin signed the headrest with a paint pen in a color that matched the car's custom paint job which was primarily pink, but in certain lights appeared gold to capture the spirit of the 50th Annual Grammy Awards. Franklin, a 17-time Grammy-winning recording artist and Detroit native, was honored at the 18th annual MusiCares Person of the Year dinner and concert. Proceeds from the annual Grammy Week gala provide essential support for MusiCares, which ensures that music people have a place to turn in times of financial, medical, and personal need.

"Cadillac is tickled pink to provide a unique auction item celebrating Detroit native Aretha Franklin at this year's MusiCares gala," said George Doss, regional divisional marketing manager for Cadillac in GM's Western Region. "Cadillac is proud to return for the fourth consecutive year as a major sponsor of this prestigious Grammy Week event."