When you hear the name “Imperial”, you probably think of ChryCo’s Imperial, a trim level that morphed into its own brand starting in 1955. But before that time, and dating to the 1930s, Cadillac used the “Imperial” designation on its topflight Series 75 limousines and that’s what we have for your review today. This example hails from 1949 and is waiting in Albany, New York for its next formal assignment. It looks a bit faded but still possesses a regal bearing so let’s delve in and see what’s here.
Rare? You bet as the Classic Car Database claims that this is one of only 651 assembled in ’49. This is a true limousine with a retractable glass divider between Jeeves and the gentry and the chauffer compartment is typically finished in black leather as opposed to the tan mohair that cossets the passengers. The 131″ wheelbase of this 226″ leviathan easily accommodates additional jump seat passengers. Speaking of the interior, the upholstery is in pretty decent condition which is a surprise for a 75-year-old car. The odometer claims a mileage of only 51K but sometimes age, three-quarters of a century to be exact, and storage conditions, are more the determinant of interior condition than actual use.
The big news for Cadillac in ’49 was the introduction of its first overhead valve V8 engine, in this case, a 160 gross HP, 331 CI powerplant working through a Hydramatic automatic transmission. It’s often claimed that Cadillac was first to the dance with this OHV design, but Oldsmobile also had its own version and went to market just ahead of Cadillac. I’ve always thought that the Chevrolet small block V8 engine, introduced in ’55, bore a resemblance to this Caddy prime mover and the reason for that appears to be the involvement of a young engineer named Ed Cole. I wrote a piece on Cole some time ago and in his early years at GM, he was assigned to the Cadillac engine development team. He later led the effort for the design and prototype production of the Chevy mouse motor and ultimately went on to the CEO role at GM. Anyway, getting back to the subject at hand, the seller tells us, “The motor is correct for car and I believe original to car. It was Cadillac’s first overhead valve V-8, and it created a sensation in Detroit that year. I have not tried to start motor though it turns readily by hand. The prior owner told me it may need work“.
The exterior is sound but is displaying obviously faded paint – a finish that is believed to be original. The chrome bits and stainless trim have become dowdy with the passage of time. The body shows a few small contusions but it appears that rust has mostly stayed away only afflicting the spare time compartment. The seller rates the glass as “very good”, though the hydraulically activated side windows are stuck in the raised position. The listing mentions that this outsized rig rolls and steers but I’d keep even that to a minimum based on the condition of its wide whites.
OK, so now it’s “What to do with it?” time. It’s not useable as is and will require a bit of refurbishment. The engine is unknown, as is the transmission, and these really big cars can lead to a really big $$$ outlay. Some will suggest getting it in shape for chauffer-driven rental use at weddings, proms, etc. but I question the viability of that direction. I wouldn’t rule it out but…If you’re interested in considering potentials for this big Caddy’s future, you’ll find it here on eBay where it’s available for a no-reserve bit of $2,000 with two bids tendered so far. Other suggestions anyone?
This Caddy is very unique. When I saw ’49, first thing I looked at was the front end, which sure didnt look like a ’49, not even a ’48 whicu is the first year for the newer body style only it had the pold flat head V8, then the lack of tail fins. I said wait a minute. But then I saw the OHV 331 V8 which sure looks like its been there for many decades. ’49 was the first year for that. I’ve never seen a ’49 Caddy like this before. Anyone else have any insight on this?
Sorry for the fat thumbs. I looked and it sure is a 49 Cadillac dashboard and steering wheel. Not a 47 or before. This really is one unique Caddy. Sure hope it gets restored to its former glory. I have a feeling the original owner didnt spend much if any time behind the wheel. Really nice article Jim. Thank you.
Dave
Cadillac didn’t always update the series 75 cars with the new body style. I’ve read it was due to low production numbers that it didn’t make economic sense. I wonder if they were just using up old stock? Another example of this was the 1965 series 75 that used ’64 bodies.
Agree
Low production and the intended purpose of these spacious, almost regal vehicles, likely made the decision to keep the earlier body style an easy one.
To Driveinstile: Cadillac and Oldsmobile both had new postwar bodies for 1948, other G.M.s to follow in ’49; however, the only slightly face-lifted 1941 bodies still were used through 1949 for the biggest Cadillacs (such as this one). This might have led to some confusion, with particularly the ’49 senior Cadillacs being mistaken for a ’47 or ’48. But they did make them like this in limited numbers for 1949 — I was around then (smile). Albany is only about 50 miles for me, but my interest here would just be to look at it and remember, not to buy it. The unusually wel-preserved interior is a definite plus!
Son of my ’48 Hearse! The flathead V8 was smooth as glass while the new overhead valve V8s of Cadillac and Oldsmobile became the hot rodder’s dream engines. This is one of the cleanest designs GM ever put out and really lived up to the word “stately”.
Was a/c available from the factory?
There was AC option from GM in the ’48 Buicks as my mother’s uncle had it in his bright yellow Roadmaster convertible. Would assume it would be available in the Cadillacs too. I was about 2 feet tall then and loved the cold air coming out of the vent while the top was down.
There was no factory A/C option in Cadillacs nor Buicks until 1953 with the 12-volt electrical system. If a ’48 Buick had it, it was an after-market installation.
Agree on ‘53 airconditioning from any GM division. Early versions were trunk mounted with clear ducts going from parcel shelf to registers above the doors to distribute cool air. Convertibles didn’t get a/c until all components were front mounted and cool air came through the dash
Packard had a/c prior to WWII but it had no clutch and the drive belt had to be removed to turn it off. So I was told.
I love it but not sure what I would do with it if I owned it
All that’s missing are the flags affixed to the front bumper and some dignitary of a 3rd world country in the back waving to the peasants as he drove by. Or General Whosis back from overseas. Military used these extensively. The car was no stranger to Hollywood either where all the biggies drove Caddys, or New York where Doris Duke, a billionaire tobacco heiress, apparently claimed to be the richest woman in the world, had a car just like this. Maybe it was hers, what the heck. Why not? No worse than Romneys Rambler, no? I read, this car cost a whopping $5172 new, which would explain the military and Hollywood connection. Can you imagine what someone may think of this car in another 50 years?
Oh, one other thing, does anyone know what that starter motor on the firewall is for? It looks to have a hydraulic attachment. I read, the limo had a hydraulically operated divider lift, and I wondered if the suspension was hydraulic as well.
Could that be the pump for the hydraulic window mechanism?
Rear upholstery looks like wool broadcloth— not mohair.
My college buddy and room mate had a ’48 Series 75 Fleetwood sedan like this – spent a lot of time in it at college. It comfortably sat 7 people but didn’t have the division window. He sold it some years ago and I’ve kept an eye open for it. Easy to identify – it had body number 444 of 449 built in 1948. It had a replacement WWII Cadillac flathead V8 in it. And yes, that “starter motor” on the firewall is the pump for the hydraulically operated power windows and power seat.