Famous for its fins, the Caddy symbolised success like no other American car
From finned monsters to formal limousines, Cadillacs symbolised success in the most materialistic motor vehicle market on Earth.
Fins were a Cadillac feature since the late 1940s and were adopted by most other North American car makers. Having begun the craze, Cadillac ended it, revealing in 1959 a shape with fins that defied physics and common sense.
Pre-1964 cars used 390ci engines with four-speed automatic transmissions. An all-new 390 engine appeared for 1963 and was enlarged to 429ci a year later. Despite expanded capacity and more power, the 7.0-litre Caddy engine was physically smaller and 45kg lighter than the 390.
1960s Cadillacs were offered in three Series – the ’62 with Coupe de Ville and Sedan de Ville models plus a convertible, Series 60 Fleetwood sedans and Hardtops and the 150-inch (3810mm) wheelbase Series 75 limousines. These could carry nine people and cost near double the price of a Coupe de Ville.
The 1965 range added the entry-level Calais. In the US market, a Calais was $600 less than a Coupe de Ville and an immediate success, contributing 32,000 sales to Cadillac’s 1965 total of 182,000 cars.
Mid-1960s standard equipment included power windows, steering and brocade trim. That was pretty basic stuff for an allegedly luxurious model, but among the options were air-conditioning, leather bucket seats with power adjustment and a variety of radios.
In 1967 Cadillac adopted ‘Coke bottle hip’ styling that defined the shape of late-1960s General Motors models. For 1968 the engine reached 472ci and output was 278kW. To accommodate concealed windscreen wipers, the bonnet was extended by 165mm.
A new grille, horizontal headlights and new tail lights defined the better-equipped, heavier and more expensive 1969 models. US safety requirements required dual-circuit brakes and head restraints.
Not even Cadillac could escape the 1970s emission regulations. By 1972 the 472’s compression ratio had dropped from 10.5:1 to 8.5:1 and claimed power to a realistic 220bhp (164kW). Power front disc brakes became standard from 1970.
Customer expectations of magic-carpet ride quality meant anything resembling lateral grip or steering feedback wasn’t a Cadillac priority. The suspension was biased towards bump absorption and the steering was super light.
Performance testing by US magazines found that 0-100km/h in three-speed automatic cars with post-1972 emission controls took over 10 seconds and 80-110km/h a sluggish 7.4. Earlier cars with ‘dirty’ versions of the 7.7-litre engine would reach 100km/h from rest in under nine seconds.
That kind of acceleration is going to inflict devastating damage on the wallet though because the 472ci car used in performance tests slipped below the old 10mpg mark to record a horrifying average of 30.5L/100km. Treat your Caddy gently and it should manage 18L/100km. Cadillacs from the 1960s and 70s are easily found and rarely cost more than $50,000. Some original 1960s arrivals survive and in good condition should cost $30,000-$40,000 for fixed roof cars and $50,000 for convertibles. 1959-60 models are more costly, with convertibles occasionally topping $150,000.
Value Range: Cadillac (Sedan/Coupe DeVille 1961-64)
Fair: $20,000
Good: $39,000
Excellent: $55,000
(Note: exceptional cars will demand more)
BUYER’S CHECKLIST
Body & chassis
The rugged slabs of steel that support Cadillac bodywork rarely suffer rust unless exposed to really extreme weather or abuse. Bodies are less durable than the chassis, so sills, floors, window surrounds, door edges, the firewall, bonnet lip and wheel arches must be inspected for bubbling or signs they have been filled. Missing or damaged brightwork will significantly reduce a Caddy’s value as these parts are expensive to replace. Reconditioned bumpers with poor-quality re-chroming sell in the USA for $800 each and excellent originals can cost $2000. Convertible tops that don’t retract smoothly
or lock into place on the header rail without force will need costly repairs.
Engine & transmission
Properly-maintained Cadillac V8s can last over 300,000km but oily exhaust smoke means rings and pistons need replacing. Leak points include the rear main bearing seal and transmission pan. Owners recommend replacing the standard distributor with an electronic ignition system which is more dependable and reduces maintenance. If the transmission jerks or won’t quickly engage gears it is due for a $4000 rebuild. Reconditioning a worn engine costs up to $8000. Premium 98 Octane fuel is essential in most Cadillacs, although some ‘Californian spec’ cars with lower compression ratios are compatible with low-octane fuel.
Suspension & brakes
Old worn brake drums need replacement and local suppliers had them available during 2022 for around $320 per pair. Disc conversions are available but watch the cost of replacement boosters which exceed US$1000. Ensure that the brake fluid is fresh and none of the wheel cylinders are leaking. Springs can sag but replacing the lot should cost less than $1000 plus labour. While under the car, look at ball joints and bushings which don’t last long in cars of the Cadillac’s size and weight. New ball joints – including the one above the differential – will improve dubious handling.
Electrical & interior
Various levels and types of trim were available on Cadillacs of this age including leather and high-quality cloth. Replacing seat and door trims with reproduction vinyl can rejuvenate a tired-looking cabin at less cost. Replacement steering wheels in good condition are scarce and Bakelite parts that haven’t cracked are hard to find. Replacing the generator with an alternator is recommended and a high-capacity battery is essential. The air-conditioning is complex and very expensive to fix. Accessories like cruise control and the ‘Autronic Eye’ headlamp sensors are also tough to repair
when they fail.
1959-1964 Cadillac specs
NUMBER MADE: 3,187,352 (all models 1959-74)
BODY: Separate body/chassis two and four-door hardtop, four-door sedan and limousine, two-door convertible
ENGINE: 6384cc, 7025cc and 7735cc OHV V8, single carburettor (triple-carb option 1959-60)
POWER & TORQUE: 252kW @ 4800rpm, 648Nm @ 3000rpm (429 engine)
PERFORMANCE: 0-100km/h 9.7 sec (1964 Coupe de Ville)
TRANSMISSION: Three or four-speed auto (3-speed manual available with Commercial chassis)
SUSPENSION: Wishbones with coil springs and shock absorbers (f) live axle with coil springs, locating links and shock absorbers (r) BRAKES: Drum or disc (f) drum (r) with power assist
TYRES: 9.00 x 15 cross-ply
From Unique Cars #473, Dec 2022/Jan 2023