Rebuilt 346ci V8/Original Interior/Older Repaint/Good Runner & Driver

1939 Cadillac Series 75 Touring Sedan

The Cadillac Series 75 was introduced in 1936, serving as the flagship eight-cylinder model, a step above the Series 60 and below the sixteen-cylinder Series 90. The twelve-cylinder Cadillac had been discontinued following the 1937 model year. Bodies were initially offered by both Fisher and Fleetwood, but by 1938 the latter won out with the Series 75 available strictly as a Fleetwood. Nevertheless, the list of body styles remained vast with several different all-steel bodies offered in 1939 including formal and upright limousines to two- and four-door open cars. The market experienced an economic downturn for 1938, recovering for 1939, and for Cadillac, sales rose accordingly, from 9,458 examples built in 1938 to 13,633 units the following year. 1938 production of the Series 75 reached 1,911 units followed by 2,069 units a year later.

The luxurious and well-defined body of this '39 Cadillac Series 75 has been well preserved throughout the years with an older repaint and the original interior still showing proudly. Coupled with a title verified 21,819 miles and a complete engine rebuild in 2019, this car is a winner among winners in our Hallowed Halls. This consignment was a most brilliant motor car for its day, and it, with others like it, built the “Standard of the World” reputation in years to come for the Cadillac brand. This magnificent sedan is a highly sought collectible today as only 2,069 units were built and when broken down by body style for the series this unit is 1 of 543 to roll down the assembly line. Right here gracing our the South Mallway of Classic Auto Mall, ripe for the picking.

Exterior
The 1939 Cadillacs genuinely established the brand as America's ultimate automobile status symbol with their modern design and aerodynamics, but big changes loomed in the future. As a V8 car, we note the fine horizontal bar grille leading in front of the pointed nose, which was GM's design of the era. The bullet style headlights are mounted just outboard of the grille and looming below are waterfall grille assemblies in more shiny chrome. On either side are the front fenders with inserted covers for the dual spare tires. This leads us back to the passenger's compartment with rubber covered running boards for safe entrance and exit. A stainless trim spear runs the length of the passenger's compartment and gives a wonderful curb appeal to the sea of lustrous green paint. Pontoon style fenders provide a home for the rear wheels and on the back a slightly hump-back design is formed by the trunk lid. Chrome bezel taillights sit at the peak of the sloping peak of the rear fenders and a peeling chrome bumper is below with a central Cadillac embossment in your grandmother's script. Red steel 16-inch wheels with large chrome standard issue Cadillac caps are wrapped in wide whitewall tires and give footing for this Art Deco designed standard of the world.

Interior
Swinging open the well-balanced front doors allows us to view a simple but elegant original broadcloth covered bench in lightly worn tan resting in a dark tan cloth covered bucket. A beautifully finished wood burl paint over the metal dash houses a speedometer, and a few controls, as well as a glovebox. In the center is a chrome speaker grille for the AM radio and below are cream bakelite knobs for the starter, courtesy lights, and cigar lighter to name a few. The original gray bakelite banjo style steering wheel fronts this dash and is in very good condition with only minor chipping of the finish at the 9'oclock position. This tan and painted wood pattern repeats itself on the nicely showing door panels with chrome cranks and actuators as well as padded armrests. Very clean chocolate brown carpeting covers the floors. Slipping into the rear passenger compartment we are greeted by yards of luxurious broadcloth on the tan and light brown rear bench seat. This seat is livened up by a fold down armrest and deep plush overstuffed cushions.

Drivetrain
Lifting open the long steel hood reveals a 346ci V8 that was rebuilt in 2019 and has since been nicely preserved with a mix of very light patina and shiny parts. A 2bbl carburetor lurks underneath the oil bath air cleaner and bolted to the back of the mill is a 3-speed manual transmission. Putting that smooth Cadillac power to the pavement is a 4.58 geared rear axle.

Undercarriage
Too long to fit on our lift, I will entertain you with what I've been able to surmise from the Cadillac paperwork that my crack decoder forwarded to my secretary. We see independent coil spring front suspension and rear leaf springs provide the ride. Drum brakes bring this massive piece of Art Deco to a stop. A single exhaust system is on to expel noxious gasses away from the passengers.

Drivability
An easy starter after a turn of the key, and we were off for the test drive. I took the rear passengers' seat and my cohort drove me around our test track. But I digress and all worked well, with smooth ride, nice acceleration and smooth manual shifting thanks to the talented feet of my “chauffeur”. It's always a pleasure to enjoy a luxurious ride in a classic and this car delivered. I did note the AM radio was nonfunctional, does anyone even broadcast on the AM band these days? So, I had to make do with listening to my cohort blather on but I was too engrossed in the plushness of the rear passengers seating to be bothered.

A fine older restoration holding up well with an older paint job, a recently rebuilt engine, and wonderful mechanicals. All ready for you to enjoy and presently residing in our Hallowed Halls here at the Classic Auto Mall.