Vehicle Description
1939 Cadillac Fleetwood Series 75 Convertible
Cadillac introduced the Series 75 in 1936 as its top-of-the-line
V-8 model, a step above the Series 60 line. Initially offered with
both Fisher and Fleetwood bodies, by 1938 only bodies from the
high-end Fleetwood could be had. Nonetheless, the selection was
vast with no less than a dozen different all-steel body styles
offered in 1939 from formal and upright limousines to two and four
door open cars. Sales were rising and as if in reply to the
spirited upswing, GM cars, Cadillac included, tended to sport
pointed frontends. Styling was becoming more modern, with the truck
neatly integrated into the body but major changes were still a few
years off. No matter what the body style, a generous 141-inch
wheelbase provided ample space for people and luggage.
For consignment, a rare bird for the well heeled in the form of a
1939 Cadillac Fleetwood Series 75 Convertible 4 door sedan. This
example has some faults in the paint but otherwise looks great from
an earlier restoration. 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 one 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. The first thing one notices is the fine horizontal
bar grille leading in front of the pointed nose, which was GM's
design of the era. Flanking on either side are some smaller curved
waterfall vertical ribbed grilles which emulate the front fender
curves. Long encased bullet style headlights are mounted just
outboard of the main 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 Monterey Blue paint. Above resides
the beautifully preserved ivory colored canvas top which is nearly
a mile long to cover the large spacious passenger compartment. On
the back is a zip down rear glass and some excess glue and caulking
is noted on this glass panel. 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 bezels all wrap around
thetaillights which sit at the peak of the sloping rear fenders and
a chrome bumper is below with a central Cadillac embossment in your
grandmother's script. Blue 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 the
quarter sawn oak sills with beige leather coverings for the doors
lowers. These have chrome cranks and actuators as well as padded
armrests. Inside, the simple but elegant original beige leather
covered bench is showing some slight soiling and folds which
typically comes with aged and used leather. This bench rests in a
beige leather covered bucket framing on the sides. A beautifully
finished faux wood burl paint over the metal dash houses a
speedometer, and a few controls, as well as a glovebox. These are
all in the Art Deco style. In the center is a chrome speaker grille
for what is now an AM/FM/CD player which resides below this dash. A
lineup of cream bakelite knobs for the starter, courtesy lights,
and cigar lighter to name a few also grace the dash. The original
cream bakelite banjo style steering wheel fronts this dash and is
in very good condition with only minor chipping of the finish at
the 10 o'clock position. Very clean deep blue carpeting covers the
floors. Slipping into the rear passenger compartment we are greeted
by many hides of luxurious beige overstuffed leather covering the
rear bench seat. This seat is livened up by a fold down armrest and
deep plush overstuffed cushions. The armrests have lighters and
ashtrays with their arms and behind the driver's seat are two fold
down jump seats, also covered in beige leather, in case a few
extras decide to tag along. Within the panel behind the drivers
bench is flip up windshield laden cowl that notonly allows easy
access for the rear seat passengers,but also keeps the wind out of
theirsoft curls. Home Jeebs!
Drivetrain
Under the long front hood is an unrestored 346ci V8. It has a
2-barrel carburetor on top, and a factory 3-speed manual
transmission on back. The rear axle is a 4.58 version.
Undercarriage
Plenty of patina and undercoating chip off is noted underneath. X
framing is solid and very slight surface rust is noted in the rear
pumpkin. A new fuel pump has been put on, and noted are drum brakes
all around. Independent coil spring front suspension is on, and
leaf springs provide the ride in back.
Drive-Ability
It is nice to play the part driving one of these beauties and this
car did not disappoint. It started right up and ran smoothly and
quietly. Good handing and bias free panic stopping. While the brake
and tail lighting would not illuminate, all else was working very
nicely.
Overall a nice example, not perfect, but perfect to drive and enjoy
and not have to worry about a bug hitting the paint. Long and
luxurious and a convertible, dress up and let's go for a summer
cruise with the wind in our hair and not a care in the world!
Lovely.
TRIM TAG
STYLE NO 39 7529-1939 Cadillac Fleetwood Convertible Sedan
BODY NO 7
TRIM NO 814-Black Leather
PAINT NO 51-Black
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 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.
