Edmond pediatric pulmonologist Santiago Reyes, M.D.. developed his taste for Cadillac motor cars at an early age.

"I like their shape very much," he said. "They are beautiful."

Born in 1947 Dominican Republic, as a youth he often saw the impressive American cars driven by the island's important men.

"I remember the dictator Rafael Trujillo had a Cadillac," Reyes said. Known as El Jefe (the Chief) or El Benefactor, Trujillo although widely feared was also often referred to mischievously as Chapitas (bottlecaps) for the many medals he wore.

Another of the big automobiles played an even more important role in the inquisitive youth's motoring history, however. "I learned to drive in a 1954 Cadillac," he said. "It belonged to my Great Uncle Ramon Baez, who was also a physician."

It was Baez's chauffer Fernando Correa who had the task of teaching young Reyes the art and science of driving. "He was very patient with me. Especially considering I smashed one of the fenders," the jovial doctor said.

"There was a narrow two-way road and I had to stop behind a parked car to let another car proceed," he said. "Mr. Correa told me I didn't have enough space without backing up, I said to him, 'No, no, I have enough space,' but he was right."

The chauffer took the fender bender in stride, using it as a lesson for his pupil that he should pay attention. "My Uncle Ramon, however, was pretty upset," Reyes said.

Dr. Reyes didn't have his first car until he was in medical school. It was a 1962 Renault Caravelle. The sporty ride had a 956 cc rear mounted engine and typically unusual French design which people tend to either adore or despise.

"My youngest son William once asked me what kind of car I had in high school," Reyes said. "I told him I was very lucky. I had two cars in high school. William asked, 'Oh yeah, what kind were they?'" Dr. Reyes slapped each of his thighs in turn, "The right and the left."

Since those early days, Dr Reyes has owned many cars, including several VW bugs that he was very fond of. But his affection for the gold standard of rides remained undiminished by time.

In 1989, Dr. Reyes began looking for a 1940s era Cadillac. He found a distinct possibility listed in the newspaper classified ads. It was a 1942 Cadillac Fleetwood Series 75, which was one of the most luxurious and expensive vehicles of its day. Ignobly, it was parked outside in a pasture near Lindsay and had not been driven for over 28 years. The Caddy had last seen regular service at a local funeral home.

"It had been exposed to the elements for all that time and there was a lot of rust," Reyes said. Fortunately, the car appeared to never have been wrecked and fundamentally the body was sound.

Reyes contracted with Gary Bramman of Norman to revitalize the old beauty.

"The restoration took well over a year," he said. "Gary took the car apart bolt by bolt. I will show you." Dr. Reyes brought out a large 3-ring binder full of photos of the renovation as a work in progress. Indeed, the car had been totally disassembled at the start of the project. It is a very large car and would have been a formidable challenge even for an experienced team of craftspeople.