In the not-so-distant past, a prewar Cadillac convertible sedan was considered a desirable classic with a price tag to match. Average collectors looked at them like poor kids peering in a candy shop window. Although they are still one of the best choices among CCCA classics for touring and driving pleasure, values have plummeted to previously unfathomable depths. Why? This 1938 Cadillac Series 65 convertible sedan for sale on eBay in West Kingston, Rhode Island, is a good example of the decline in desirability that cars of this caliber are experiencing. This unrestored but complete and driveable drop-top Caddy has just 24,165 miles on it and has a documented history since new. Sadly, bidding is languishing at $15,600. Would you be willing to pay used car money for a great prewar car to add to your collection?
I have been lucky to say that I have been part of the classic car hobby for most of my life. If you count restoring cars with my grandfather, building up my meager collection, and the ten-plus years I have spent writing for Barn Finds, I’d say I am as good an observer as any when it comes to spotting trends in the market. One of the most troubling is that of prewar car values. Top-end classics like Duesenbergs, Cords, Model K Lincolns, early open bodies Chrysler Imperials, twelve-cylinder Packards, and their Cadillac equivalents have all managed to hold their value or appreciate slightly. The same can be said for most prewar Fords in very good condition. As for the rest of the market, the glut of sellers looking for the few buyers out there has brought doom to the values of lesser and less popular examples. This trend shows no signs of ending any time soon.
The good news is that every cloud has a silver lining. For those who know their automotive history and have some spare change and space to store them, there are a whole lot of awesome opportunities out there. Collectors of lesser means can now afford some very nice examples of Detroit’s finest prewar automobiles. This beautiful Cadillac Series 65 is a perfect example of what is out there. The Series 65 was built on the same frame as the Buick Roadmaster and was considered higher up on the GM totem pole than the LaSalle, but just a notch below the Series 70 Fleetwood. It came equipped with Cadillac’s reliable and powerful 346 cubic-inch V-8, which was capable of an impressive 135 horsepower. This was the engine used by Cadillac until 1948 that also served as the powerplant propelling M5 Stuart and M24 Chafee tanks during World War II.
As for this particular Cadillac, it has quite a story behind it. A lady by the name of Beatrice Douglass purchased the car in June 1938 and used it to tool around her West Orange, New Jersey home. The seller mentions that her next-door neighbor was none other than Thomas Edison. When she sold it, the car went to a gentleman named Michael DeCapua, who owned a livery service. DeCapua painted the car black and sued it sparingly. Some of its more notable outings were its use as a parade vehicle for several New Jersey governors and as transportation for President Harry Truman when he campaigned for reelection in 1946. Its last brush with notoriety was its appearance in a Champion Spark Plugs ad in 1970. Upon Mr. DeCapua’s passing in 1999, the car was left to his daughter. After 26 years as its caretaker, she is ready to let someone else enjoy this unique car.
Unlike many prewar cars we feature on these pages, this car is useable as it sits. The seller tells us that the car is in running and driving condition. It is capable of highway speeds, and the seller claims that they would not hesitate to drive it long distances. Despite its somewhat rough cosmetic condition, the addition of Coker radial tires, an electric fuel pump, and two Optima six-volt batteries suggests the car is driven regularly. A close look at the pictures reveals nothing more than surface rust and the deterioration that age brings to cars as old as this one.
Is there the potential to pick this car up at a bargain price? Perhaps. Restoring a Cadillac of this era is not inexpensive, nor is it a casual project. Someone would have to want this car and treat its restoration as a labor of love. What would they get in return? A spectacular road car with a convertible top and looks that are still breathtaking after so many decades. Or, the buyer could patch the top and continue to drive the car as it sits. Either way, this is a car that deserves to be used and enjoyed.
Would you be willing to take a chance on this amazing Cadillac? What would you do with it if it were yours? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
Can you imagine this beauty hitting a new car today with a full head of steam… Like a fly on the windscreen…
A regal looking Dame.
The discovery of this, unknown to me, model led to hours down the rabbit hole.
I’ve always liked these old Cadillacs.
There were several people in our town that had them and as a young motorhead, I was fascinated with them. But I knew in my heart that I could never afford to own one as prices back then (’68) were going through the roof. If this car were mine, I’d safen it up so it could be used as a daily driver. Just think of all the looks you’re gonna get as you
motor down Palm Bay Road or Eau
Gallie Boulevard over by the beach.
Yessir, this car has been one of my faves since ’68 when I saw one at a car show at Miller Park in Bloomington Illinois so long ago. Today, it would make a great subject
for a print. Hope Rick, Frog, and Angel see this one. After all, this is what Caddys were all about.
About getting the looks driving it unrestored, back in the early 2000’s in Stockholm Sweden I sometimes saw what I think was a circa 1952 Mercedes 220 Convertible. It was very much unrestored and a bit ratty. But still what a treat to see a car like that being used rather than sitting disassembled in someone’s garage.
Not a big fan of convertables but I’m with ya on the run and have fun part!
What a fine ride. It’s not the car but the condition that’s slowed down the bidding. This would be lovely to drive or restore. Maybe repair the top and improve the interior. You’ll have the only one around.
Just to tidy this lovely Caddy up to respectable driving condition it’s likely to cost an arm and a leg, especially a decent top.
I do believe I saw a car like this on a episode of the honeymooners. Now that was awhile back. Pride is a funny thing, one person would be proud to be seen tooling around in a car like this while another would be ashamed to be seen anywhere near it. Me I fall into the first category I’d be real proud to be the owner of this great time piece.
God Bless America
I love the Deco lines and details of this car. But in spite of the value you may get as of purchase, it’s the fortune you’ll have to spend afterward to do it justice that brushes people back. It’s just ungodly expensive to redo a car like this anymore. All the things that once were affordable are now far out of reach. And especially facing a sudden, new economic depression,at least for 99% of us, who can afford to be instantly upside down when they buy a project like this? It’s folly, with no room for romance or sentiment.
I had a 1953 Chevy in the mid 60s and the mechanic put in the 2 battery setup because it was so hard to start when it was warmed up. Solved the issue at the first start.
Wish I had the funds to restore this beast.
I think $15,000 is a fairly high price for a car that needs upholstery repair, paint touch-up or repaint, and what will have to be a custom-made new convertible top. Definitely a rare car, though.
Love the car. But time and finances…
Love the car. But time and finances…
Love the car. But time and finances…
I bet you would love this car, Harrison, but would you have the time and finances?
What’s everyone thinking restoration for the top and upholstery would be for this car? I have no sense for cars, but upholstery for a vintage boat is in the $5-7K range if you’re going back to the OEM specs and stitch patterns.
If only I were 40 years younger……
Someone like me who could never afford this in the days when plenty of people sought after them; could now swing this financially. But if I owned it I would content myself to leaving the cosmetics pretty much the way they are. I wouldn’t be taking this out in bad weather anyway so I might just patch the top up and live with it. Besides, with the top down; which is how I’d be driving it, you can’t really see how worn it is. And you can let the survivor interior be on full display. Unfortunately I don’t have any more indoor storage space. Otherwise I might make a move on this. I think this neat old classic will be finding a new home. I can’t be the only person that appreciates what an opportunity this represents. GLWTS.
RE hitting a modern engineered car of 4500 pounds and same dimensions, the new car driver would walk away and the Caddy drive would be speared in the chest by the steering column, IF the body stayed on the chassis. There are gruesome photos out there, including a picture book from the LA Time photographer in Orange County during the 1940’s and early 50’s.
A new convertible top on line for a Roadmaster/LaSalle/Cadillac runs a bit over $1,000 USD. Installation could run the same or more.
Preservation Class would be best for this one of 110 units manufactured in 1938 Caddy in the short term. Offer it up to Film Companies, and you would get rental fees and perhaps a new coat of paint or new interior.
All you gotta do is love it, have proper storage space for this behemoth, and have a spare $15-20,000 K.
A fastback, four door (with suicide doors) convertible CADILLAC! Now why the hell can’t Cadillac or anyone make something like this now?
The Last four door convertible was the 1967 Lincoln Continental WITH suicide doors.
The have made four door fastback since the 40s and I believe the last were the 80s although Hyundai and Kia and others are making small fastback with four doors but no one is doing suicide doors except Rolls Royce. But a four door fastback convertible you’ll never see again. Not like this.
Oh to be born good-looking instead of filthy rich! 😆🙄
What a wouldn’t give to own this car.
My preference is to make sure it is safe to drive and the engine ticks over sweetly. Put a beach towel or blanket over the seats and when you drive it you will feel like it is 1938. If you restore it, you will feel like it is 2025 which is not as much fun.
You’re correct on the soft market for these cars. Guys that grew up with them and appreciate them are dying off or too old and frail to drive or care for them. While this one is interesting with the history, I’d rather spend a bit more and have one that’s restored already as you’ll spend less. Look no further than the next Mecum or BJ auction as there will be many to choose from.
If you want one, seek out and buy the best example you can find. In the end, it is nearly always cheaper.
This sure beats the hell out of an Escalade.
“Some of its more notable outings were its use as a parade vehicle for several New Jersey governors and as transportation for President Harry Truman when he campaigned for reelection in 1946.”
Just for the historical record, Truman campaigned for election in 1948, not 1946. He was elected vice president in 1944 on the Roosevelt-Truman ticket, succeeded Roosevelt in 1945 upon Roosevelt’s death, and ran for election (not re-election) in 1948.
If money were no object, I would elect to restore this Caddy. Unfortunately, money is a negating factor.