21st Sep, 2005 0:00
The Pavilion Gardens
1950 Cadillac Series 60 Special Fleetwood Sedan
Estimated at £14,000 - £15,000
Lot details
Registration No: SSL 868
Chassis No: 506056602
Mot Expiry: Aug 2006
With their competitors slow to react after WW2, Cadillac seized the initiative. Introduced in 1948, their aeronautically inspired 'tail-fin' motif was the work of Harley Earl-trained stylist Franklin Q. Hershey. An immediate trend-setter, it was joined the following year by an all-new overhead valve V8 engine. Engineered by Ed Cole, Jack Gordon and Harry Barr, this 331ci unit was smaller, more powerful and almost 200lbs lighter than its predecessor. Boasting wedge-shape combustion chambers, 'slipper' pistons and hydraulic valve lifters, it soon found favour among the competition fraternity. Distinguished by their lower / sleeker contours, single-piece windscreens and larger egg crate grilles, the 1950 model year Cadillacs were underpinned by a surprisingly competent modular chassis design. A massive cross-braced affair equipped with independent front suspension, a 'live' rear axle and potent drum brakes, it proved its mettle / metal during that year's Le Mans race when a near stock Sedan entered by Briggs Cunningham came home an incredible tenth overall at an average speed of 81.5mph! Rather more exclusive than its Series 61 and Series 62 brethren, the Series 60 Special Fleetwood came with GM's smooth Hydra-Matic Drive (auto gearbox) and power windows as standard. Sporting eight vertical chrome louvers to the base of each rear door, the Fleetwood was aspirational motoring at its best.
Finished in maroon with oatmeal button velour interior, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in very good overall condition. Apparently supplied new by Lendrum & Hartman Ltd of Albermale St. London, it is said to have undergone some restoration work in 1997. Treated to repainted wings, new chrome trim and fresh upholstery / carpets, its underside was found to be in "excellent order". Benefiting from the optional power seats, this imposing Caddy also retains its original radio and rear spats. Uprated to "12volt starting", it is offered for sale with MOT certificate current until August 2006, initial green logbook and "good history file".
Registration No: SSL 868
Chassis No: 506056602
Mot Expiry: Aug 2006
With their competitors slow to react after WW2, Cadillac seized the initiative. Introduced in 1948, their aeronautically inspired 'tail-fin' motif was the work of Harley Earl-trained stylist Franklin Q. Hershey. An immediate trend-setter, it was joined the following year by an all-new overhead valve V8 engine. Engineered by Ed Cole, Jack Gordon and Harry Barr, this 331ci unit was smaller, more powerful and almost 200lbs lighter than its predecessor. Boasting wedge-shape combustion chambers, 'slipper' pistons and hydraulic valve lifters, it soon found favour among the competition fraternity. Distinguished by their lower / sleeker contours, single-piece windscreens and larger egg crate grilles, the 1950 model year Cadillacs were underpinned by a surprisingly competent modular chassis design. A massive cross-braced affair equipped with independent front suspension, a 'live' rear axle and potent drum brakes, it proved its mettle / metal during that year's Le Mans race when a near stock Sedan entered by Briggs Cunningham came home an incredible tenth overall at an average speed of 81.5mph! Rather more exclusive than its Series 61 and Series 62 brethren, the Series 60 Special Fleetwood came with GM's smooth Hydra-Matic Drive (auto gearbox) and power windows as standard. Sporting eight vertical chrome louvers to the base of each rear door, the Fleetwood was aspirational motoring at its best.
Finished in maroon with oatmeal button velour interior, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in very good overall condition. Apparently supplied new by Lendrum & Hartman Ltd of Albermale St. London, it is said to have undergone some restoration work in 1997. Treated to repainted wings, new chrome trim and fresh upholstery / carpets, its underside was found to be in "excellent order". Benefiting from the optional power seats, this imposing Caddy also retains its original radio and rear spats. Uprated to "12volt starting", it is offered for sale with MOT certificate current until August 2006, initial green logbook and "good history file".
Auction: The Pavilion Gardens, 21st Sep, 2005
All successful bids must be paid in full by midday the day after the auction at the latest.
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