1950-1956 Cadillac - Buyer's Guide

By: Cliff Chambers

Date: 22.02.2022

Marilyn Monroe's favourite was a black 1955 model Eldorado

Without our appetite for US-made films and TV shows, most Australians wouldn’t recognise a 1950s Cadillac or understand its symbolism.

Filmmakers unashamedly used these cars as metaphors for success. Whether carrying the hero or villain, an elegant or imposing Cadillac was often used by characters with attributes similar to the car’s. Vito Corleone’s funeral procession in ‘The Godfather’ has virtually a complete set of 1950s and 1960s models and Marilyn Monroe’s favourite was a black 1955 model Eldorado. However, ‘star car’ museums across the world routinely display mannequins of Norma Jean alongside pink versions.

And when Eartha Kitt asked ‘Santa Baby’ to check off her list of exotic gifts, an item very close to the top was a ’54 convertible, light blue and you can bet the soft-top for which she was pleading wasn’t a Plymouth.

The famous Cadillac ‘fins’ appeared in 1948 but it took two more years for a definitive 1950s shape to emerge. The all-new Cadillac was lower and wider, with extra chassis bracing to minimise vibration and the Hydra-matic transmission so smooth it was adopted by Rolls-Royce. 1949 had brought an all-new 5.4-litre overhead valve V8 with 160bhp (119kW). Top speed was said to be 112mph (180km/h) but with more than two tonnes to haul, the engine struggled to deliver on that claim.

By 1953, power had increased to 157kW, but it took three more years for an expanded 365 cubic inch (5.9 litre) engine to arrive. With ‘dual-quad’ carbys as fitted to Eldorado versions, the 365 cube Caddy produced 243kW and top speed was 185km/h.

Various body styles were offered the most popular being Sedan and Coupe de Villes. Several wheelbase lengths were available: ranging from the 61 Series 3099mm to 3735mm beneath the seven-passenger 75 Series Limousines. Convertibles were built on the 3200mm chassis. The vast majority of 1950s Cadillacs came with three or four-speed Hydramatic transmission, but in 1953 a temporary switch was made to Buick’s Dynaflow unit after the Hydramatic manufacturing plant burned down.

A 1954 restyle dropped the bonnet line and adopted by the entire Caddy range the wraparound windscreen that had previously been seen only on upmarket Eldorados.

Just 532 of the first-year Eldorado were built in 1953 – these cars characterised by 201kW engines and fibreglass covers that gave their four-seat cabin the appearance of a two-seat roadster. By 1956 there was an Eldorado Seville coupe; supplemented for 1957-58 by the extravagant four-door Brougham.

Cadillacs of this age were once rare in Australia. Only a handful came here when new but demand since the 1990s encouraged importers to accelerate the arrival of 1950s cars. Right-hand drive versions in roadworthy condition – see Check Points – were worth more than left-hand drive cars but growing desire for authenticity has seen these surge to the front. Usable cars start in the low $40,000s with the longer and more luxurious Fleetwood sedans slightly more. $70,000 should buy a mid-1950s two-door in very good condition.

Open-top cars have become very expensive, with exceptional 62 Series able to exceed $140,000. Eldorado convertibles can add $100,000 to that figure.

VALUE RANGE: Cadillac (1950-56 Coupe De Ville)

Fair: $25,000
Good: $45,000
Excellent: $70,000
(Note: exceptional cars will demand more)

BUYER'S CHECKLIST

Body & chassis

Despite claims to the contrary, Cadillacs were a mass-produced car built with no more attention to longevity than any other. If you have the money, choose a car that has been recently and properly restored with photographic records of work done. If you have the skills or money to fund a total restoration, opt for one with none of its defects concealed. Some new sheet metal is available, including floor pans, sills and door skins. Replacing damaged lenses and badges is possible but expensive – reproduction hood emblems available ex USA at US$500 plus freight. Replacement convertible tops start at US$655 but the costly components are electrical and hydraulic which cost thousands to get right.

Engine & transmission

Exhaust smoke, cylinder head oil leaks, misfiring under load and radiator bubbling indicate an engine in need of at least moderate reconditioning. Parts are relatively inexpensive. New camshafts for 5.4-litre V8s are less than US$700, with new piston sets and timing chains still available. What was surprising is the number of allegedly genuine dual-quad inlet manifolds at US$600-800 which with the correct carburettors will improve performance. Reconditioned four-speed automatics are very rare and having the job done locally by a specialist will likely result in an $8000 invoice.

Suspension & brakes

Lots can go wrong underneath these heavy cars so be prepared to spend money on new rubbers and perhaps a complete suspension rebuild. A car that sags on its suspension may be suffering worn bushings, damaged components or springs that are collapsing under their burden. Cars that were converted to right-hand drive several decades ago must be inspected by a specialist to ensure that any suspension and steering parts fabricated way back then are still safe. Worn drums pulse under light pedal application. Most brake parts are available, but the Caddy braking system is renowned for hydraulic and booster problems.

Interior & electrics

Electrical problems are almost inevitable in cars of this age and especially those with the complexity of a Cadillac. Everything electrical that can be checked needs to be as the repair bill for non-functioning windows will be substantial and fixing air-conditioners that no longer function will be astronomical. Fabric interiors, even in well-maintained cars, wear quickly so cars with their original trim are very rare. Replacement fabrics are available however small items of trim may need to be hunted down second-hand.

1950-1956 Cadillac specs

NUMBER BUILT: 1,074,760 (inc. commercial chassis)
BODY: All steel, separate body/chassis sedan, two and four-door hardtop, convertible and limousine
ENGINE: 5425 or 5981cc V8 with overhead valves and single or dual downdraft carburettors
POWER & TORQUE:
227kW @ 4600rpm, 547Nm @ 3100rpm (5.9 litre)
PERFORMANCE: 0-100km/h – 12 seconds approx 0-400m, 17.5 seconds approx (5.9-litre Eldorado)
TRANSMISSION: Three or four-speed automatic
SUSPENSION: Independent with coil springs, upper and lower control arms and telescopic shock absorbers (f) Live axle with semi-elliptic springs and telescopic shock absorbers (r)
BRAKES: Drum (f) drum (r), power assisted
TYRES: 8.00x15 or 8.20x15 cross ply

From Unique Cars 460, Dec 2021

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