1933 Cadillac Series 355-C Eight Dual Cowl Phaeton

The Cadillac 355C was available on two different wheelbases (134 inches and 140 inches) and in 10 regular catalogued body styles by General Motors' Fisher Body Division. Fleetwood, another General Motors Company, offered an additional 17 custom body choices.

There were two custom bodies built a Fisher on the Series 355 chassis. This was Fisher's attempt at the custom business marketplace. The first Fisher custom body was a roadster, and car number two was this Dual Cowl Phaeton.

The early history of the Dual Cowl Phaeton created by Fisher is not well known. It was part of the Harrah's Auto Collection until Bill Harrah's death. It was auctioned off and at the time it was in unrestored condition and wearing a pale green paint scheme. It was sold to Len Emke who immediately commissioned a comprehensive restoration that is reported to have cost over $200,000 in the mid-1980s.

The body was finished in pale gray while the chassis, hubs, and the rim of the chrome spoke wheels are red. The interior is also red and its folding top is black with a red pinstripe.

After the restoration was completed, it was shown at the National Cadillac & LaSalle Meet where it won Best in Show. In the late 1980s, the ownership changed to John Farrell who sold it to the current owner in 1989. In 1990 the car was on display at the Pebble Beach Concours where it won the Co-Chairman's Cup Award.

In 2007 it was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction held in Pebble Beach, California where it was estimated to sell for $350,000 - $425,000. The lot was sold for $440,000 including buyer's premium.

In 2010, this V8 Cadillac was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company Auction held in Amelia Island, Florida. The car was expected to sell for $350,000 - $450,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $385,000, inclusive of buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2010