Vehicle Description
1925 Cadillac V-63 Sedan
The Cadillac V-63 is a large luxury automobile that was introduced
in September 1923 by Cadillac as a 1924 model replacing the
previous Type 61. It used the GM C platform and was replaced by the
Cadillac Series 355 in 1931. The most noticeable update for 1925
was the introduction of two classifications of body style choices.
The "Standard" bodies were added for 1925 that offered a five
passenger Brougham, two passenger Coupe, four passenger Victoria, a
five- and seven passenger Sedan and a seven passenger Imperial
limousine. A higher content "Custom" body styles offered a
Roadster, Touring Car, Phaeton, five passenger Coupe and Sedan,
seven passenger Suburban with the top level seven passenger
Imperial limousine, while the mechanicals and chassis were
otherwise largely unchanged. Coachwork continued to be offered by
Fisher Body who was the primary supplier of all GM products at this
time, and Duco automotive lacquer paint, introduced by DuPont was
the first quick drying multi-color line of nitrocellulose lacquers
made especially for the automotive industry. The introduction of
lacquer paint afforded the clients with a choice of 24 matched
color choices along with 10 different upholstery patterns.
For consignment, a barn find version of the 1925 V63 Sedan. With
its innovative and smooth 8 cylinder engine, mechanical drum
brakes, and 21-inch wood spoked wheels, the performance race,
although in its infancy, was on between manufacturers. Sporting a
very simple but comfortable interior and still showing the luxury
that this car came equipped with when new. This definitely will be
a project for its new owner, but one that in the end may prove
profitable as this example is not an oft seen automobile.
Please Note: NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY*
Exterior
With its totally square design passenger compartment, this all
steel car maintains its exterior integrity with very faded black
paint and primer, patina riddled panels and glass. There is
evidence of prior repairs and some rust particularly on the lower
cabin structure. The boxy design continues through the back of the
car with a rear mounted spare tire and platform for a trunk. Dual
twin bar simple bumpers frame the spare tire nicely and add a flair
along with the triple taillight on the driver's rear fender. Moving
to the long dual cowled hood front end, this shows no rust, and has
a radiator surround in black topped with a Boyce MotoMeter, and
Cadillac crest. Shiny trim is at a minimum, only showing on the
round headlight bezels and on the headlight tie bar is a MotoVox
horn assembly, otherwise all else is encased in black steel. A 3
bar front bumper caps off the front end and wraps around to
undulating fenders with wooden running boards to differentiate the
front from the rear. Up top, black vinyl covers the roof and shows
cracks, tears and tape cover ups. Black painted Landau bars frame
the oval opera windows at the rear of the cabin and add an extra
touch of class. Big 21-inch wood spoked wheels are on all 4 corners
of this car and will need restored.
Interior
Taking a look at the twin bench seats will give you an idea of the
original interior design and use of fabric. Here we see a large
panel tuck and roll pattern mohair in a coffee brown looking much
like comfortable couches. These stretches from side panel to side
panel. These present with some tearing, dirt and moth damage but
are usable as is. A very simple curved metal dash has a cluster of
gauges in its very center, which have gold bezels, and also contain
a few knobs and pulls. A restored wooden steering wheel is fronting
the dash and appears to be held together with black tape of sorts.
Solid wood makes up the flooring as the carpet has long since been
absent from this car. The mohair felt headliner presents in coffee,
and in surprisingly good tight shape, and has an interior light
mounted in the center.
Drivetrain
Assumed to be original, the Flathead V8 engine with some surface
rust is seen under the cowled hood. This specs out as a 314.5ci
L-headed V8 with a 1-barrel carburetor to feed it. A 3-speed manual
transmission is on back, and the rear axle setup consists of 4.50
gears.
Undercarriage
Looking underneath we note some surface rust on the usual suspects,
like suspension and some mechanical steel parts. However, there
appear to be no structural problems as seen, rockers and body
hangers are solid, as is the frame. Leaf spring suspension is on
all 4's as are mechanical drum brakes.
Drive-Ability
While the engine does turn over by hand, we did not attempt to
start it due to many unknowns. Let's assume a rebuild is in order,
sadly, no test drive was completed.
A buttoned-up barn find if you will, no major rust, mostly original
steel panel car, with an original interior to go by when you
undertake the restoration. This is a blank palette for the
potential restorer, as these cars were really colorful, and as you
proceed through the restoration, your personality can shine
throughout, creating your own work of art.
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.