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.