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For Sale: 1940 Cadillac Fleetwood in St. Louis, Missouri

Vehicle Description

Spectacular condition with lots of originality!

Rare and desirable Fleetwood Series 75 top-of-the-line Formal Sedan

One of only 48 built

Delivered new to Don Lee Cadillac in Los Angeles, California

Formerly owned by American business magnate Howard Hughes

Only 63,739 original miles

Formerly part of the Art Astor collection

CCCA full classic; eligible for all events and caravans


Options include:

Dual sidemount spares with covers
Roll up partition window
Front and rear clocks
Rear fold away jump seats
Rear reading lamps
Motorola AM radio (working)
Whitewall tires
Wheel trim rings
Running boards


Recently serviced

Performs wonderfully!

Quite possibly one of the best examples with unique provenance that can be found on the market today!

A collector's dream!


1940 Cadillac brought seven different lines to market, including two specifically for LaSalle. New to the lineup was the Series 72, a lower priced companion to the top of the line 75 Series cars. Styling for all 1940 Cadillacs was taken up a notch with a massive new grille design that featured larger horizontal bars and vertical catwalk cooling slots. Under the hood was the 346ci V8 engine that offered 135 horsepower while the bumpers were adorned with a large Cadillac script that reminded those who saw the cars in passing the name of the brand that had become “the standard of the world.” The Series 75 with its imposing 141-inch wheelbase and stunning Fleetwood bodywork continued to be the Cadillac of choice for the wealthy and elite as its comprehensive offerings provided over a dozen unique styles and executive level limousines. These limos included the Formal Sedan featuring a covered roof with closed upper rear quarter windows for privacy. A combination of power and elegance that could only come from Cadillac the Fleetwood Formal Sedans were luxury that was designed to be driven. Priced at nearly $4,000 new, the equivalent of over $70,000 today, only 48 would be built and sold with style code 7559 for 1940, of which only a few are known to exist today. 

The 1940 Cadillac Fleetwood Series 75 Formal Sedan featured here is finished in stunning all black with a beautiful brown leather and tan broadcloth interior. It was sold new in Los Angeles, California, and went on to become part of the prestigious Art Astor Collection. Astor acquired this Cadillac because it was formerly owned by legendary American inventor, business magnate and philanthropist Howard Hughes who reputedly used it during his tenure at RKO Pictures. This Fleetwood was restored several years ago but still shows extremely well. It's excellent provenance and wonderful condition make it among one of the finest examples that we have seen in many years. We are proud to offer this investment-grade 1940 Cadillac Fleetwood Series 75 Formal Sedan to the most particular collector or enthusiast who desires the best. Classic cars have proven to be among the most resilient and rewarding investments in recent years with the Historic Automobile Group Index (HAGI) jumping 39% in 2013, 16% in 2014 and 17% in 2015 while posting gains of 467% over the last 10 years. Ready to make an investment you can actually enjoy? Please contact one of our expert sales consultants at (314)291-7000 or [email protected] for more information. They will be happy to give you a complete walk-around, supply you with a more detailed description, and answer any questions you may have. Buy with confidence.

Trades welcome! Financing available! Please visit www.schmitt.com to view our complete inventory.

Vehicle Details

  • 1940 Cadillac Fleetwood
  • Listing ID: CC-1049874
  • Price: $129,900
  • Location:St. Louis, Missouri
  • Year:1940
  • Make:Cadillac
  • Model:Fleetwood
  • Exterior Color:Black
  • Interior Color:Brown
  • Transmission:Manual
  • Engine Size:V-8
  • Odometer:63739
  • Stock Number:406844
  • Trim Level:Series 75 Formal Sedan Owned by Howard Hughes
  • Title Status:Clear
  • Exterior Condition:Excellent
  • Seat Material:Leather
  • Drive Train:Rear-wheel drive
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