Here’s an interesting find, a car with a political connection. And on top of that, it is a pretty rare 1946 Cadillac Series 75 Fleetwood. It is supposedly one of only 225 constructed that year so let’s check it out and see what’s here. This Cadillac limo is located in Toccoa, Georgia and is available here on eBay for a current bid of $2,663, two bids tendered and the reserve not yet met. Thanks to Larry D. for this tip!
As the story goes, this Caddy belonged to the Georgia governor’s mansion during the time Ellis Arnell (1943-1947) was occupying the office. At some point, it ended up being acquired and then parked in the basement of a Cadillac dealership where it languished for 40 years. Whether or not the car continued in statehouse service beyond Governor Arnell’s term is not disclosed. The current seller bought this Fleetwood with the intention of restoring it but that never came to pass so now it’s for sale.
There’s no doubt about it, this seven-passenger Cadillac Series 75 Fleetwood is a big car, it rides on a 136″ wheelbase, is 227″ in length, and weighs about 5,000 lbs. On the surface, this example is rough looking but the seller states that he has all of the missing stainless trim, the wheel covers, and the bumpers – all are included in the sale. Hopefully, he has the windshield wipers too. The burning question is why were all of these items removed in the first place? The sheet metal appears to be in pretty solid shape and there are no obvious signs of rust except in the trunk where the spare tire well has rotted away. As is often the case with a find like this limousine, a thorough cleaning would give a prospective buyer a much better view of the exterior’s true condition and needs.
The interior is a dead end, unfortunately. There is only this single image and it’s not very telling. Being a seven-passenger arrangement, a comprehensive view of the interior would emphasize the most important feature of this long-wheel-based car and that’s the ability to transport those seven individuals in luxury. All this image tells us is that the steering wheel is decomposing, a radio knob is missing and the clock’s chrome-plated bezel has gone awol.
Under the hood is a 150 HP, 346 CI flathead, V8 engine. The seller claims that it ran two years ago but no attempts have been made to start or drive it since then. That’s actually not a bad sign as old, but not real old, gasoline will probably be the main impediment to getting the engine started once again. The seller does not disclose which transmission this Cadillac possesses, it could be either a three-speed manual or a four-speed Hydramatic automatic unit.
The political angle probably has no impact on this limousine’s value (unless you are an Ellis Arnell fan). The rarity and the existential nature of the car is its calling card – it’s the first of the big, post-war cars, a Cadillac Series 75, then the top of the domestic food chain and the “Standard of the World”. This Fleetwood deserves to be saved but it’s going to take a dedicated effort by a knowledgeable enthusiast to take on a car of this size and nature, anyone interested?
My kid brother bought that governor owned schtick when he bought his ’63
Fleetwood limo in the fall of ’81. And like this car, his was a real mess too.
It’s only saving grace was that it ran and drove until the first test drive when the car puked it’s entire transmission all over
the street in front of my house. I can
still see that puppy dog look in his eyes
when he asked me if I could fix it. At the
behest of my parents, I called an old friend of mine that owned a classic car
dealership. He took the limo in trade for
a ’74 Pinto wagon he had lying around.
In the end, my brother rode off into the
sunset with a very reliable ride. Though
not as grand as the limo, it served him
well into the ’90s when he bought his first new car. Thanks for the memories.
It’s actually sitting for 70 YEARS. Not 40
actually. it’s 40 years. not 70
Um, no, but I would be interested in the ol’ KWhopper, K100 cabover. Pre-emission trucks like this cabover, are a hot commodity these days. Due to the expense and complexity of newer trucks, many are restoring old cabovers. Sure baffles this old trucker, when you couldn’t give these hacks away. I’d buy it, AND FLIP THE HECK OUT OF IT!!, What?
Far as the old Caddy, with 2 bids ( and no comments) very few would consider this today. It’s a respected car,,,for anyone on Medicare, but unless it was spotless, I just don’t see any interest. Shame, it was the best American car you could get after the war. Many that bought them, deserved a Caddy, it was their reward for serving in the war. Just don’t have that today.
That is big! only 6 inches shorter that my 1979 Lincoln Town coupe.
I think the old girl has more potential than the photos convey (seller should have hosed it off and taken more). The fact that he has all the parts,that the engine ran recently and still has paint on the heads, means it might be possible to have a driver in a months time. I have a soft spot for WWII era rides (have a ’48 Continental cabriolet in the garage).
This reminds me of my first old car purchase, in 1977, a 1941 Cadillac model 75. It was complete and not running. I never got it going before I sold it on but loved sitting in the rear seat and looking over the flying goddess out front. Great dress as ms were had. I saved a pile of money by not restoring it.
I’ve been collecting limousines and LWB sedans for about 40 years, having owned well over 35 of them. So I speak as someone who is familiar with these cars. I’ve owned a ’41 and a ’48 Cadillac limousine, both basically identical to this ’46.
This is a body style number 7523, that’s not a limousine, it’s a 7-passenger sedan. 95% of 7-passenger sedans were sold new to the funeral trade, not to government or business accounts. Every long wheelbase car I’ve seen over the last 50 years, that was documented as a government car, State or Federal, was a division window limousine, not a 7-passenger sedan.
It was also painted blue from the factory, with the basic tan broadcloth interior. This is typical for a funeral car, not a Governor’s car.
The #1 reason given for needing the division window was so private government conversations could take place without those in the front seat hearing.
Without some documentation, I would say this isn’t likely a Governor’s car. That said, it is still a car worth saving and putting some $ into. And I highly suggest who ever buys it, please keep the original blue color. Don’t paint it black!
I don’t have quick access to my 1941 – 60 Cadillac master parts manual to confirm, but I believe the trunk floor is the same as used in the pre-war Cadillac and Buick sedans. So finding a good trunk floor should not be too difficult.
Hey I resemble that remark! As a kid I would have grabbed this in a hot minute……….but if you want to sell it……pull your skirt up a littlle.show me some leg………
I don’t have the money to this car justice, but I sure like it. Being a funeral home car is just as good to me as a governor’s car, You know they were used sparingly and were well maintained. I hope it gets restored, I’d love to see it if it does,
I’m trying to see but it’s hard to tell , Is this car a 4 Door . And if it is are they Suicide ? That would be the main factor if I were to Purchase the Beautiful Cadillac…
It’s Really hard to tell but is this car a 4 Door ? And if so are they Suicide ? That would be the big difference of me Wanting the Beautiful Cadillac…