By SEMA Editors
 Ken Bolen, center, was the first recipient of the CLeo award for his ’69 Cadillac Deville restoration. | |
The first-annual CLeo Interior Restoration Trophy winner was Ken Bolen for his ’69 Cadillac Deville restoration, Malcolm Johnson, CEO of ColorBond Automotive Paint, announced. The award was presented January 15, at the Mobile Tech trade show in Orlando, Florida.
The CLeo crystal trophy is awarded to an individual who has shown excellence utilizing ColorBond paints to restore the interior of any vehicle, including trucks, musclecars, classics and antiques. The CLeo was established to honor Leo Kagan, who, in 1977, was responsible for moving the SEMA Show from Anaheim, California, to its current location in Las Vegas. At 98 years old, Kagan continues to work for ColorBond Automotive Paint.
The 20-ft.-long Cadillac Deville convertible was owned by Kay Stevens, a singer, entertainer and celebrity guest host, and was frequently seen in the company of the Rat Pack. Bolen purchased the vehicle from Stevens for $2,600 in 1994. The Caddy sat in a garage until 2013 and was restored last year. Bolen spent a total of $350 for ColorBond Paint and restored the leather seats, door panels, convertible boot and dash panel to the original color, Diamond White. Reskinning the leather interior would have cost $3,000–$5,000.
The 2015 CLeo award will be presented at the SEMA Show in November. The winner will receive a $500 check and the opportunity to display their car at the 2015 SEMA Show.
For more photos and background information on Bolen's ’69 Cadillac Deville, visit ColorBond Automotive Paint's blog.