Vehicle Description
The late 1930s were a time of major transition for America's luxury
auto makers. Those companies that survived the Great Depression now
faced a drastically different market with fewer buyers opting for
expensive coachbuilt bodies, and instead buying readily-built
factory-supplied cars straight off the show floor. Both Cadillac
and its chief rival Packard had seen the importance of junior
ranges to offer their respective marque's luxury and style at a
more affordable price, with LaSalle introduced by GM in the late
1920s to fill the void between top range Buicks and entry level
Cadillacs. But by the late 1930s, that price gap between LaSalle
and the lowest price Series 70 had grown again, so a new model was
introduced to serve as price-leader for Cadillac. The Series 60
debuted in 1936, and while it was a value leader, it was still a
true Cadillac. Harley Earl penned a new body with a distinct tall
and narrow grille, v-shaped windscreen and round, flowing fenders.
Motivation came courtesy of Cadillac's new and less expensive
"monoblock" V8 engine displacing 322 cubic inches and producing 125
horsepower - which increased to 135 with when the engine was
upgraded to 346 cubes the following year. The chassis featured GM's
Knee-Action independent front suspension as well as dual servo
brakes. Built from 1936-1938, the original Series 60 was a fine
driving motorcar, available in a variety of body styles and
configurations. While it was designed as lower priced model for the
prestigious marque, there was no doubt it was still very much a
proper Cadillac, and with approximately 7,000 built (vs 31,000
Series 50 LaSalles) it remains relatively rare today. This handsome
1937 Cadillac Series 60 wears an uncommon and elegant convertible
coupe body by Fisher. 1937 models were refreshed by Harley Earl to
wear a distinct die cast egg crate grille and complementary bright
hood side vents with V8 logos. It is a fine looking automobile, and
the presentation very good in Richelieu Maroon with a tan top, and
bright red wheels adorned with wide whitewall tires. A good quality
restoration is reflected in excellent panel fit, attractive and
glossy paintwork, and proper detailing. This particular car was
once part of famed California broadcaster Art Astor's extensive
collection of cars and automobilia. The Fisher convertible coupe
body is very stylish and nicely detailed with rare amber Cadillac
fog lamps, a beautiful Goddess mascot, as well as an unusual rear
treatment that features both a rumble seat and an integrated trunk.
Lacking sidemount spares, the look is clean, sleek and uncluttered,
beautifully proportioned on the 124" wheelbase chassis. The
interior is trimmed in maroon leather on the seats and door cards,
with a contrasting tan steel dash and tan carpets. Seats are in
quite good condition, with just a few minor creases in the leather
from light use, but otherwise remaining supple and attractive. The
leather door and kick panels, as well as the carpets are also very
good, showing little in the way of wear. Original instruments grace
the painted steel dash and the original switchgear all appears in
good order. The tan canvas top is presented in similarly fine
condition, featuring a unique split glass rear window. Like the
exterior, the cabin shows a quality restoration that has aged very
well and seen only light use. Cadillac's Monoblock 346 cubic inch
V8 engine is one of the greats of the era. It is relatively light,
powerful and very flexible, making these Cadillacs some of the best
driving machines of the late-pre-war period. Our example is no
exception, with a good running V8 that presents very well in the
engine bay. Some of the original-type porcelain coatings have been
baked-off the manifolds, which is certainly not uncommon for a car
that has seen use on the road. Despite this, the engine bay remains
very attractive displaying mostly correct colors, finishes and
details. Overall, this car's good quality restoration, while older,
still presents well, making it a fine candidate for AACA or similar
shows. Perhaps more so, this rare and attractive Cadillac Series 60
Convertible Coupe would be a wonderful machine to enjoy on tours
and rallies, thanks to the powerful V8, fully synchronized
transmission, and excellent handling from the independent front
suspension. It is a stylish and attractive example of this
immanently usable and very enjoyable pre-war Cadillac.