Neucom Black Cat

A 1971 Neucom Black Cat in Aubergine

The Neucom Black Cat is a German-American ultra-luxury coupé designed by Neucom, and built by Neucom and Serpent between 1970 - 1979 in limited numbers.

## History

While there were many options for luxury cars available in the US in the 1960s and 70s, the market for ultra-luxury cars was mostly limited to low-volume imports or custom-built vehicles. This led German-American firm Neucom to begin prototyping a retro-styled ultra-luxurious coupe in the late 60s, eventually resulting in what would become the "Black Cat". Using underpinnings from American manufacturer Serpent, including the chassis, engine and transmission, a deal was negotiated where Neucom would be able to distribute the car through Serpent's dealer network.

The first Black Cat was completed in late 1970, as a 1971 model year - featuring a front fascia inspired by cars such as the Serpent V-12, intricate chrome bumpers, side trim and a boat-tail rear. The large body was completely bespoke, leaving only the chassis, engine and transmission from Serpent.

The design was immediately met with mixed reactions - Hard Charger Magazine, for example, called it "unbelievable, and not in a good way", and criticized the boat-like exterior. Similarly, many found the exterior, while attempting to emulate 30s luxury cars, instead ended up a mish-mash of various features, resulting in an overall design looking messy and conflicting. Furthermore, as the 70s wore on, the design only became more "kitsch" and chrome-laden.

In 1973, Neucom introduced the "II", sporting larger federally regulated bumpers, larger bottom vents, the removal of the lion hood ornament, and new wheel options. This was followed in 1975 by the "III", sporting new squared bumpers, and round taillights, and in 1977 by the "IV", with new squared headlights and flush taillights.. Other variants of the car were also introduced through the 70s, including the "Trifecta", a shooting-brake style two-door wagon.

   While the car itself was profitable, Neucom was not able to build many due to a prohibitively high price and eventual waning interest through the 70s. Even the updated "IV" model, with new updated lights, wider tires and more luxury features, could not attract enough customers for the car to be viable. Production ended in mid-1979, the final unit being painted all-black and selling for $66,000 when new (approx. $275,000 in 2023).

## Significance

Regardless of varying opinions on its kitsch design, the Black Cat became popular with the very highest echelon in showbusiness - with the base price at $29,900, largely regarded as "outrageous," and "absolutely out-of-this-world,", it became an icon of affluence for entertainers. Entertainer Elton Graceland owned four (a 1971, 1973 "II", a 1975 "III" and 1978 "IV" model), and regarded the model as one of his favorite cars - especially his original 1971 model.

After production stopped, and after some adventures into four-door and convertible models, the Black Cat largely disappeared out of public eye. With only approximately 450 units produced, all by hand, and most with small unique differences, it did not enjoy much mainstream attention come the mid-1980s and 1990s as their owners moved on to more modern cars as retro-styled cars fell out of fashion.

Today, Black Cats rarely command very high prices, contrary to its original price - good condition examples fall somewhere between $40,000 - $200,000, depending on the year and model. The early "split window" model is considered the most valuable.