Vehicle Description
One of 23 Fleetwood coupes built on the 141-inch chassis. Runs and
drives very well, new tires and brakes, attractive recent interior.
Older repaint and mostly original chrome. A remarkable Full Classic
Cadillac that would make a fantastic tour car.The days of massive
bespoke automobiles was drawing to a close in 1939, but Cadillac
continued to offer no fewer than 26 different bodies on five
different chassis with two different engines powering them. The
Series 75 was the top-of-the-line, with bodies built by Fleetwood
and outfitted with the reliable and torquey 346 cubic inch V8
engine, and from the outside they are virtually indistinguishable
from the 90 Series V16s. Only 23 of these 5-passenger coupes were
built, and it's a staggering automobile-a limousine chassis with a
sporting 2-door coupe body on top. Proportions are excellent, so it
doesn't look as big as it is and from behind the wheel it drives
like a much smaller car. This coupe was repainted-probably in the
1960s-in its current livery called 'Evening Orchid' and it's quite
appealing in the flesh. It was originally code 55 Dragoon Blue, but
we find the current color to be appropriate and certainly striking
on such a distinctive automobile. Thanks to the ministrations of
our talented detailer, the color and shine were revived and the
straight, solid bodywork shows quite well. The doors close with
typical Fleetwood solidity and there's no evidence that this was
ever a rusty car. Most of the trim save for the bumpers is probably
original, so there's some deterioration, but it's all there and
it's certainly quite presentable for a driver-grade car. This is a
Cadillac that will make a stir anywhere it goes and the driver will
enjoy the journey most of all.The interior was restored more
recently using period-appropriate gray broadcloth and correct
button-tufted seat cushions. Again, we don't know when it was done
or by whom, but it makes the interior of this Cadillac feel as
luxurious as the long wheelbase. Correct door panels with real wood
garnish moldings, original door hardware, and a re-cast steering
wheel help with the plush feel and all the original gauges are
operational. Of note, the radio is missing so that will give you
something to track down at a swap meet, but otherwise the controls
are all present and accounted for, including an under-dash heater.
The 5-passenger coupe offers a full-sized rear seat and thanks to
the 141-inch wheelbase, there's plenty of room back there for even
full-sized adults. Sadly, there's a bit of damage at the base of
the rear seat, but otherwise it presents extremely well and makes
for first-class accommodations on a tour. Touring will also be
pleasant thanks to the absolutely mammoth trunk, which is neatly
upholstered in black carpet.Cadillac's 346 cubic inch V8 should
need no introduction to fans of the marque. It's one of the most
reliable powerplants of the era and develops the kind of low-end
torque that makes even this massive car feel effortless in
everything it does. Parts are readily available and this big coupe
cruises easily at 60 MPH, adding to its touring credentials. The
engine starts easily and idles nicely and just goes about its
business with a minimum of fuss. It's clean and tidy under the hood
and we have procured a correct air cleaner assembly to finish the
engine bay properly (it will be included with the car). There's a
pleasing V8 burble from the tailpipe, which features a new muffler,
and at speed it's virtually silent. It makes good oil pressure, it
stays cool, and generally asks for very little in return for the
fun it provides. The 3-speed manual transmission offers crisp
shifts and light clutch action, and we believe there are 3.90 gears
in back, explaining the car's exemplary highway manners. The brakes
were recently rebuilt and there's an electric fuel pump to assist
with starting and warm weather driving. The undercarriage is
original (we do not believe the body has ever been off the frame)
but aside from surface scale there is no significant rot in the
floors, rockers, or other structural areas-don't let a cursory
glance at the photos deceive you. It's solid. Ride and handling are
typical Cadillac, and it sits on a fresh set of 7.50-16 wide
whitewall tires, making it ready to hit the road.This car delights
us. We love the audacious coupe body on a limousine-sized chassis,
all backed by Cadillac's legendary reliability. This isn't a show
car and isn't priced like one, but it is a great entry-level Full
Classic that stands out in a crowded field since only 23 were
built. And while the color isn't for everyone, it certainly seems
fitting for such a dramatic machine. Call today!Harwood Motors
always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections
of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.
