There have been frequent connections between automobiles and architecture throughout the history of cars — in particular, with regard to how and where vehicles are launched. Hyundai has hosted events for its Tucson crossover in Tucson, Arizona. Performance-oriented models are frequently shown at race tracks. Honda introduced its off-road-oriented Pilot on the trails of Sedona. And in late 1960, Cadillac showcased its lineup of luxury cars at a then-new, high-end resort in Arizona.

Mountain Shadows, located on Lincoln Drive in Paradise Valley, opened on January 16, 1959, showcasing mid-century design drawn by Martin Stern Jr. The language (complete with a butterfly-style roof) mirrored the Space Age, sharp styling of cars during that time. Mountain Shadows became a celebrity-frequented desert destination; it is said that Bob Hope and Elizabeth Taylor were regular guests. It was there in late 1960 that Cadillac held a national press preview launch activity for its 1961-model-year lineup shortly thereafter.

While visiting the property recently for a cocktail, I noticed they had some historic photographs of the property — including one that showed the cars on display poolside — so I had to dig a little deeper.

By 1961, Cadillacs had been toned down from the high-finned look of the 1950s, although the fins (which as some called out, were “razor-sharp”) were still a key element of the silhouette. The car was marketed as “A new inspiration or the motoring world.” The design was said to be sophisticated yet bold at the same time. Charles Phoenix featured an exceptional Coupe deVille in one of his videos on Facebook.

As a great illustration of the fabulous rear end design, below is an example of a deVille that sold on ClassicCars.com:

And here’s a remarkable Series 62 convertible that’s currently listed by a seller in Atlanta, Georgia, if you have $115,000 to spend:

So, what has become of Mountain Shadows in the 65-plus years since that Cadillac launch took place? The original building closed in 2004 and was demolished in 2014. The property then went through a complete rebuild before reopening in 2017. Today, it has 216 guest rooms including a “presidential suite” that faces Camelback Mountain.

The architecture holds true to some of the original influences by using large windows, mid-century modernism, and luxurious finishes. An 18-hole “short course” (par 54) golf course gives visitors an opportunity for a quick round after work or during a conference. The resort’s restaurant is named Hearth ’61, named for the year that the original hotel was expanded. And, as it turns out, it was also the model year of cars that Cadillac was so proudly displaying back in the day.

It’s fun to stumble across the location of a significant automotive event while out for a weekend adventure. Next time, I’d like to arrive in a proper mid-century Caddy for the full experience.