By the 1930s, Cadillac was firmly established as the leading luxury automobile in the U.S. The cars were redesigned for 1936, and the Fleetwood Series 75 Touring Sedan (5 passenger) was at the top of the heap (except for limos). This solid example has been sitting for the past 10 years in Nampa, Idaho, and looks like a solid restoration candidate. It’s available here on Facebook Marketplace for $10,000.
These machines were at the pinnacle of their game in terms of 1930s technology. The L-head V8 engine displaced 346 cubic inches (the seller says 356 in this car), paired with a 3-speed manual transmission, and had an independent front suspension and a “live” rear axle. The drum brakes were hydraulically operated. Doors were now hinged at the front, thus opening at the back like automobiles of today. No more than 2,000 of the Series 70 and 75 Fleetwoods are thought to have been produced.
This weather-worn sedan has 59,000 miles on the odometer. The paint decodes as Beaver Brown Iridescent, which is probably past the point of being buffed out. Rust doesn’t appear to be an issue, and none is mentioned. At a minimum, the old car is going to need a new battery and have the fuel system cleansed before any attempt can be made to fire it up.
It’s been at least a decade since this car last ran. The interior seems okay, but dirty. And I like the folding full-width footrest for the rear seat passengers. After 90 years, there can’t be many of these Fleetwoods left, making it a very rare find today. Imagine how stately it would look when restored!
Nice write-up on a fascinating car, Russ! This one squeals with opportunity.
Not certain but it looks like the rear doors still hinge at the rear, which is totes preferrable.
My ’48 Cadillac hearse had this engine in it and to this day it was the smoothest engine I’ve ever driven.
So, think this car came from Idaho? Not bloody likely, got California all over it. I read, Idaho in the 30s was not a happy place. Riddled with effects of the depression, a Caddy limo was a rare sight. I say, some Hollywood mogul had to split, and hello Idaho. Does anyone know what that “city, pass, drive, park” thing on the speedo was? I read, this was on the lower end new, at about $3200, but some went as high as $7grand,, a hefty post-depression sum only an actor could afford. Remember a 1936 Ford cost about $600. Imagine who could have ridden in this, Marlene Dietrich maybe? Like the other 30s Caddy, sadly I just don’t see any interest in this anymore.
It could have come from Nevada. There are places there so dry and dusty they look like the aftermath of a nuclear holocaust and water doesn’t dare show its face. It’s the only way this car can look as solid as it does, by being from Nevada.