Vehicle Description
By the late 1930s, the era of the custom coachbuilt American car
was waning. Prestigious independent manufacturers began to falter,
and many would soon close their doors, with Pierce-Arrow, Auburn,
and Duesenberg falling by the wayside or on the brink of
disappearing by the end of the decade. Even the stalwarts of the
market like Packard and Cadillac had to make drastic changes in
order to stay relevant in a rapidly changing marketplace. Cadillac
adopted a new strategy to consolidate their lineup to allow for
higher volume production and increased profits - while still
maintaining an image of exclusivity. It is not to say that Cadillac
abandoned the custom-model market altogether, but one look at the
sales charts for 1937 was enough to recognize these were
dramatically changing times. Sales of the Series 50 LaSalle hit a
whopping 32,000 units, while all other full-blood Cadillac models
managed just 14,152 cars. Fisher and Fleetwood still offered their
range of bodies; however, there was considerably more sharing
between the various series within the Cadillac range. Subtle
styling changes differentiate the 1937 Cadillac from 1936. The most
obvious being the handsome new die-cast "egg-crate" radiator grille
and restyled hood moldings. Bullet shaped headlamps carried over,
although new adjustable internals allowed them to be mounted
rigidly to the body. Running boards were more closely tucked
against the body, signaling another trend that would see running
boards all but vanish by 1941. Despite Cadillac's efforts to
streamline production, the full-figured and curvaceous front
fenders were still largely hand-finished; welded up from multiple
stampings and meticulously filed by Fleetwood's craftsmen. The
process was a time consuming and costly operation, which General
Motors certainly would not have tolerated on its lesser brands.
While the Cadillacs of the late 1930s differed significantly from
their earlier brethren, none of the elegance, sophistication, and
style was lost, and they remain some of the most sought after
automobiles of the American Classic Era. This 1937 Cadillac Series
75 is one of just over 50 examples to wear Fleetwood's elegant
Convertible Sedan coachwork. Style number 37-7529 from Fleetwood's
catalog was one of the most expensive bodies offered on the Series
75, and such was its prestige that it was also shared with the
flagship Series 90 V-16. While most open cars catered to the
owner/driver, Fleetwood's Convertible Sedan had elements of a
chauffeur-driven limousine, particularly in the roll-up divider
window - an increasingly rare feature by the late 1930s. It was
also a large and imposing car, dramatic, stately styling by Harley
Earl. This Series 75 is a very late production example, the serial
number indicating it was the seventeenth-from-last car off the line
in 1937. With an older, recently refreshed restoration, this car
presents in very good condition, with undeniable presence thanks to
its impressive scale and bold livery. Primrose yellow paintwork is
in fine order overall, with consistent finish quality and a few
minor imperfections noted on close inspection. Brightwork is
similarly well-presented, with good quality plating on the bumpers,
grille, and body trim. Accessories include a goddess mascot, dual
fog lamps, twin reverse lamps, Cadillac Crest bumpers, and dual
side-mount spare wheels with full, color-keyed covers. Original
disc wheels feature correct style wheel covers and wide whitewall
tires. Up to five passengers ride in comfort in the opulent,
leather-trimmed cabin. The taupe-colored leather upholstery appears
recent, with taut, crisp seating surfaces and excellent quality fit
and finish. Matching leather door panels are in excellent order, as
are the complementing brown carpets and wood door caps. Interior
fittings such as door handles, window cranks, and switches are in
good condition, with a blend of original and restored parts. This
car features a banjo steering wheel, factory under-dash heater, and
a lovely Jaeger clock in the rear division panel. Chrome plating
and wood on the folding top frame looks to be in very good order.
As the convertible sedan was the top-line open car in the Cadillac
lineup, comfort and luxury were imperative. The convertible top is
lined for maximum sound and weather insulation, and rear passengers
enjoy individual footrests and a folding armrest. Cadillac's 347
cubic-inch Monobloc V8 is one of the truly great power plants of
the era. Robust, refined, and with respectable power output, the
Cadillac V8 endured for decades until the arrival of the
overhead-valve 331 in 1949. This car's engine presents in good
order, appropriately detailed for an older restoration that has
seen some light use. Likewise, the undercarriage is tidy and in
good condition for a usable, enjoyable car. These cars have
excellent road manners, thanks to the eager V8, powerful hydraulic
brakes, and 3-speed "Clashless" synchromesh transmission.
Recognized by the Classic Car Club of America as a Full Classic,
this rare and stately 1937 Cadillac Convertible Sedan is an
excellent choice for CARavan touring and similar on-road events.
With a good-quality restoration and recent freshening, it is ready
to enjoy and is sure to turn heads wherever it takes you.