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1940 was the only year for the Model 72. This car has a 138” wheel base. The higher production Model 75 had a 141” wheel base. It also has unique high mount Model 72 only tail lights. It is a formal sedan in that the rear quarters are closed. This car is bone stock original. It has NOT been restored to original specifications. It is exactly as it left the factory except for 68,000 miles and 70 years of tender loving care.
I have the build sheet from Cadillac. Everything matches up exactly - Cavern Green Body, Tilton Green Wheels, Tan Vogue Pattern Broadcloth Interior.
According to Roy Schnieders book on “Cadillacs of the Forties” this body style had a production run of only 20. I have searched the Classic Car Directory and the Cadillac LaSalle directory and can only find 2 of these cars listed. The other car happens to be in Des Plaines, IL. It is not running and in need of a complete restoration. The car that I have may indeed be the only running Model 72 Limousine in existence.
The padded top is original and you can barely tell it from new. The paint is substantially original (minor touch ups) and shines beautifully. The interior is also original and, according to Cadillac experts who have looked at the car, is a very rare original diamond fabric pattern on the seats that is irreplaceable. The front is leather and the rear is cloth. There are no tears. The interior is in excellent condition. Chrome is also original and very nice. I am aware that the bumpers have been replated. The interior wood is very nice. The full disk chrome hubcaps sparkle. To the best of my knowledge, the engine has never been apart.
This car is an absolute time capsule. It was chauffer driven and owned by the prominent See’s Candy family in California for the majority of it’s first 40 years. After that was museum car also stored in a climate controlled setting.
My father has shown this car often. To name a few of the many awards it has won:
• First Place CCCA Grand Experience Original Car Award
• AACA HOPF Award
• Cadillac LaSalle Grand National Past President’s Preservation Award – Best Original First Place
My father and I have been going to classic car shows for over 50 years and rarely do I see a truly original car of this caliber, nor have I ever seen another car like it.
Please contact Craig at 215-796-1021 / craigkapel@aol.com. I will be happy to answer any questions or send any pictures that you would like to see.
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