Rare Fleetwood Cadillac Series 75 Convertible Heads To Auction

By Tyler Heatley Jan 23, 2019

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By Tyler Heatley Jan 23, 2019

This one-of-30 Cadillac Series 75 Convertible Coupe featuring coachwork from Fleetwood is heading to Mecum's next sale.

The 1940s marked a return to prosperity for American car manufacturers, with the struggles of the Great Depression receding. Grand automobiles returned to the road as manufacturing goods for the allied war effort brought money back into the United States. This 1940 Cadillac Series 75 Convertible Coupe is a product of its time and, with just 30 believed to exist, this example will be sought after at Mecum's upcoming 2019 Phoenix sale.

After a comprehensive restoration, this coachbuilt Cadillac is a mobile piece of Art Deco craftsmanship. The Oxblood Maroon colored convertible features a contrasting cloth top and generous helping of highly polished chrome.

A pair of distinctive spare wheels are encased by the body and topped with period correct side-view mirror. But more than anything, this land-yacht's coachbuilt Fleetwood bodywork is what makes this Cadillac so sought after, with just 30 examples created.

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["Cadillac Series 75 Convertible Coupe Mecum Auctions"]

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The interior has received just as much attention, with its original wood trim carefully restored and refitted. Passengers can enjoy the comfort of the large bench seat upholstered in luxurious tanned leather. Its vast canvas roof can be stowed, allowing occupants to enjoy some alfresco motoring when the weather permits. You’ll also find a few fully-functional luxuries such as a heater with defrosting function – forward thinking for 1940.

Powering this Cadillac Series 75 is a 346 cubic inch flathead V8 engine capable of producing 140 horsepower. A three-speed manual transmission sends power to the rear wheels, while drum brakes at each corner can bring this giant to a stop. Powerful, luxurious, and beautiful, the 1940 Fleetwood catalog called this car one of ‘General Motors’ Masterpieces.’

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Mecum Auctions don’t currently have an estimate for the car, but a 1939 variant of this Cadillac sold for $173,600 at RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction. We’ll be watching this March 14-16 event with keen interest to find out how much this automotive American dream achieves when the hammer falls.