Cadillac Month kicks off with the Fleetwood
With the end of World War two ushering in a whole new era, Cadillac wasted no time getting back into the car business. The production of the M-24 tank ended in August of 1945 and two months later the Series 62 four-door sedan rolled off the line. It was the first Cadillac produced after WWII and was a quick rehash of the Cadillac last produced in 1942.
1946 Cadillac Fleetwood Special 60 - Survivor
In this new model, Cadillac used the V-8 that was quite literaly “Battle Proven” from its use in the M-24. The 345 cubic inch cast iron engine produced 150 horsepower. This engine was used in all Cadillac models through 1948. The Series 60 Special Fleetwood was a four door sedan with 2 inch wider doors and was distinguished by four slanting louvers on the rear roof pillar. The Series 75 Fleetwood used a distinctive longer wheelbase chassis that was not shared with any other GM divisions. It was offered in five body styles. These Cadillacs were all heavily-optioned since price controls were in effect, and dealers could maximize profits through add-ons.
The Classic Car Club of America recognizes the 1946-1947 60 Special and the 1946-1948 Series 75 Fleetwood as Full Classics. Overall, the 1946 through 1949 Fleetwood scores two out of five stars for reliability and three out of five stars for maintenence costs, parts support, and market appeal. Good examples can fetch over $20,000 though recent sales are all over the map. These cars were created during the golen age of the United States and the crafstmanship and quality really shows on these classics. We'll be keeping our eye out for a few for sale will suggest a model for consideration later this week.
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(Car summary courtesy of Sports Car Market magazine)
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