Vehicle Description
1939 Cadillac Series 75 Touring Sedan
The Cadillac Series 75 was introduced in 1936, serving as the
flagship eight-cylinder model, a step above the Series 60 and below
the sixteen-cylinder Series 90. The twelve-cylinder Cadillac had
been discontinued following the 1937 model year. Bodies were
initially offered by both Fisher and Fleetwood, but by 1938 the
latter won out with the Series 75 available strictly as a
Fleetwood. Nevertheless, the list of body styles remained vast with
several different all-steel bodies offered in 1939 including formal
and upright limousines to two- and four-door open cars. The market
experienced an economic downturn for 1938, recovering for 1939, and
for Cadillac, sales rose accordingly, from 9,458 examples built in
1938 to 13,633 units the following year. 1938 production of the
Series 75 reached 1,911 units followed by 2,069 units a year
later.
The luxurious and well-defined body of this '39 Cadillac Series 75
has been well preserved throughout the years with an older repaint
and the original interior still showing proudly. Coupled with a
title verified 21,819 miles and a complete engine rebuild in 2019,
this car is a winner among winners in our Hallowed Halls. This
consignment was a most brilliant motor car for its day, and it,
with others like it, built the "Standard of the World" reputation
in years to come for the Cadillac brand. This magnificent sedan is
a highly sought collectible today as only 2,069 units were built
and when broken down by body style for the series this unit is 1 of
543 to roll down the assembly line. Right here gracing our the
South Mallway of Classic Auto Mall, ripe for the picking.
Exterior
The 1939 Cadillacs genuinely established the brand as America's
ultimate automobile status symbol with their modern design and
aerodynamics, but big changes loomed in the future. As a V8 car, we
note the fine horizontal bar grille leading in front of the pointed
nose, which was GM's design of the era. The bullet style headlights
are mounted just outboard of the grille and looming below are
waterfall grille assemblies in more shiny chrome. On either side
are the front fenders with inserted covers for the dual spare
tires. This leads us back to the passenger's compartment with
rubber covered running boards for safe entrance and exit. A
stainless trim spear runs the length of the passenger's compartment
and gives a wonderful curb appeal to the sea of lustrous green
paint. Pontoon style fenders provide a home for the rear wheels and
on the back a slightly hump-back design is formed by the trunk lid.
Chrome bezel taillights sit at the peak of the sloping peak of the
rear fenders and a peeling chrome bumper is below with a central
Cadillac embossment in your grandmother's script. Red steel 16-inch
wheels with large chrome standard issue Cadillac caps are wrapped
in wide whitewall tires and give footing for this Art Deco designed
standard of the world.
Interior
Swinging open the well-balanced front doors allows us to view a
simple but elegant original broadcloth covered bench in lightly
worn tan resting in a dark tan cloth covered bucket. A beautifully
finished wood burl paint over the metal dash houses a speedometer,
and a few controls, as well as a glovebox. In the center is a
chrome speaker grille for the AM radio and below are cream bakelite
knobs for the starter, courtesy lights, and cigar lighter to name a
few. The original gray bakelite banjo style steering wheel fronts
this dash and is in very good condition with only minor chipping of
the finish at the 9'oclock position. This tan and painted wood
pattern repeats itself on the nicely showing door panels with
chrome cranks and actuators as well as padded armrests. Very clean
chocolate brown carpeting covers the floors. Slipping into the rear
passenger compartment we are greeted by yards of luxurious
broadcloth on the tan and light brown rear bench seat. This seat is
livened up by a fold down armrest and deep plush overstuffed
cushions.
Drivetrain
Lifting open the long steel hood reveals a 346ci V8 that was
rebuilt in 2019 and has since been nicely preserved with a mix of
very light patina and shiny parts. A 2bbl carburetor lurks
underneath the oil bath air cleaner and bolted to the back of the
mill is a 3-speed manual transmission. Putting that smooth Cadillac
power to the pavement is a 4.58 geared rear axle.
Undercarriage
Too long to fit on our lift, I will entertain you with what I've
been able to surmise from the Cadillac paperwork that my crack
decoder forwarded to my secretary. We see independent coil spring
front suspension and rear leaf springs provide the ride. Drum
brakes bring this massive piece of Art Deco to a stop. A single
exhaust system is on to expel noxious gasses away from the
passengers.
Drivability
An easy starter after a turn of the key, and we were off for the
test drive. I took the rear passengers' seat and my cohort drove me
around our test track. But I digress and all worked well, with
smooth ride, nice acceleration and smooth manual shifting thanks to
the talented feet of my "chauffeur". It's always a pleasure to
enjoy a luxurious ride in a classic and this car delivered. I did
note the AM radio was nonfunctional, does anyone even broadcast on
the AM band these days? So, I had to make do with listening to my
cohort blather on but I was too engrossed in the plushness of the
rear passengers seating to be bothered.
A fine older restoration holding up well with an older paint job, a
recently rebuilt engine, and wonderful mechanicals. All ready for
you to enjoy and presently residing in our Hallowed Halls here at
the Classic Auto Mall.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
