Vehicle Description
Before World War II (and for some time after, for that matter),
Cadillac was the Standard of the World and car's like this
beautiful 1938 Cadillac Series 65 sedan would showcase the fact
that you were still a master of the universe. Big, comfortable, and
flamboyant, it's also one of the best-driving cars of the era with
lots of power, incomparable ride quality, and enough chrome to
outfit a fleet of modern cars. In the pre-fin era, this car is a
vaunted movie star. Pre-war Cadillacs aren't found on the market
frequently, especially in turnkey condition, so if you've been
looking to purchase the apex of American antique luxury you better
act fast, because this Caddy won't be with us long.
Long, sleek bodies like this always look great in dark colors, and
Cadillac Black never goes out of style, especially on a
senior-circuit CCCA car like this. This 2nd and final-year offering
of the two-year only Series 65 C-body showcased classic features
including an integrated, coupe-like trunk that has an appearance of
being an integral part of the body (which would inspire 'three-box'
sedan styling for years to come), oversized fenders connected with
running boards, convertible-style front-hinged front doors and
suicide rear doors, and a steeply-raked and Veed windshield up
front. Luxury vehicles in this class were mostly built to be
chauffeur-driven prior to the Series 60 and 65 cars, but this buxom
beauty with its large 'six-window' canopy glass area was intended
to be owner-driven, and with that lofty purpose it became quite a
game-changer. Even Ms. Daisy could have driven herself to the
Piggly Wiggly in one of these if she so chose. The design remains
extremely attractive today with an expensive look that hasn't
changed in the last 80+ years. The panels on this handsome sedan
are in good condition, and the shiny black, driver-quality finish
is worthy of a Cadillac with great pedigree, although the glossy
finish is not without its flaws. Nevertheless, the curb appeal is
quite stunning, giving this car a presence that easily overlooks
the imperfections it has accrued throughout the years. There's also
a lot of chrome too, from the massive grille up front, the
horizontal bars on the sides of the alligator hood, to the big
chrome bumpers fore and aft that all bring great contrast to the
otherwise jet-black complexion. The bullet-shaped headlights are
carefully wedged between the fenders and hood, and out back the
taillight design is a small preview of the big tailfins soon to
come in later models.
There's more Pre-War luxury inside, where the original bench seats
are upholstered in correct beige broadcloth that looks perfect for
1938, and by the looks of it, it might all be original to the car.
The soft upholstery is durable, handsome and shows incredibly
little wear considering the age, but is easily explained because
the status of this car almost demands you to put on a tuxedo before
you get inside. Beautiful tan plastics are used for the banjo
steering wheel and accessory knobs, the dashboard is opulently
appointed and polished, and the tall door panels are ornately
finished with original hardware and arm rests. Dark wood outlines
the windshield and all the windows, and it's all in great shape,
giving the interior an incredibly upscale look and feel. A full
array of factory gauges provide a comprehensive view of the engine,
and they're joined in the beautiful dash by multiple switches and a
factory clock that's flanked by chrome-accented speaker grills. The
slender shifter controls a 3-speed manual transmission, which was
the new standard transmission in 1938, and although there's no
radio one could easily be stashed away inside the glove
compartment. The carpets are incredibly plush and insulate the
cabin nicely, the headliner is original-style and taut, and the
rear seat looks like it's rarely seen passengers, because even the
armrests show almost no wear. There's also a rather large trunk out
back that includes a full-sized spare and complete jack
assembly.
Power comes from Cadillac's famous 346 cubic inch Monobloc V8 - the
flathead later used extensively in Sherman tanks during World War
II - which speaks to its bulletproof reliability. The engine makes
135 factory-rated horsepower and a serious dose of torque, and
combined with excellent gear spacing in the transmission, it's
swift and effortless in traffic, and will cruise all day at 60 MPH,
making late pre-war Cadillacs like this ideal tour cars. Very
nicely preserved and finished with correct engine paint and a
proper air cleaner, the engine bay is ready to be shown off with
pride. With a Stromberg carburetor, electric choke, and
'Synchro-Flex' flywheel working in tandem with the stock 6V system,
the engine runs smoothly, and the 3-speed manual transmission
shifts smoothly. Underneath, the chassis is all-stock as well, with
a 'Knee-Action' independent suspension up front, hypoid rear axle
out back, and a sturdy X-frame design that might be more at home
supporting a bridge somewhere, as it easily supports the 4K plus
pounds of this big body touring car. That heavy-duty frame means
the big-body Caddy sits up straight and ready for action, and that
awesome stance is further enhanced by the paint-matched steel
wheels adorned with correct Cadillac hubcaps and 7.50-16 whitewall
bias-ply tires.
Enthusiasts already know what magnificent road cars these are, and
any grand tour or CCCA Caravan will typically include several
Pre-War Cadillacs in the herd, although not many are blessed with
cars as rare as this Series 65. Own a piece of motoring history,
call today!
