1953 Cadillac Series Sixty Special Fleetwood

Cadillac received all-new postwar bodies in 1948, a new overhead-valve V-8 engine in 1949, followed by a twenty-five percent increase in horsepower for 1953, from 160 bhp to 210 bhp. All 1953 Cadillac models received upgraded electrical systems to 12 volts as the demand for power accessories increased.

All 1950 Cadillacs wore all-new styling, and the Sixty Special represented its fourth-generation design that would continue through 1953. Its exterior was similar to the less-expensive Series 62, distinguished by chrome louver trim located just ahead of the rear wheel wells, and a 4-inch longer wheelbase than the Series 62 (albeit three inches shorter than the previous year). All 1951 Cadillacs received full wheel discs, a small egg-crate grille was placed into the outboard grille extension panels, and the prominent bullet-shaped-style bumper guards grew larger.

The V-shaped hood and deck emblems of the 1952 Cadillacs were done as gold castings in celebration of the company's 50th anniversary year.

1953, the final year of the styling introduced in 1950, included a redesigned grille with integral bumper and bumper guards, repositioned parking lamps, and chrome 'eyebrow' headlamp surrounds. In the back was a single-piece rear window devoid of division bars. The entry-level model continued to be the Series 62, offered as a sedan, coupe, Coupe DeVile, and Convertible Coupe. Prices ranged from the mid-$3,000s to the low $4,000s. Within the Series 62 range was the new-for-1953 Cadillac Eldorado Special two-door Sport Convertible Coupe, with a staggering price of $7,750. This limited-edition vehicle came with a plethora of standard features and amenities, and just 532 examples were built.

The intermediate-level Series Sixty Special Fleetwood was priced at $4,300 for the four-door sedan. It rested on a 130-inch wheelbase while the Series 62 had a 126-inch platform. The range-topping Series 75 Fleetwood, with prices beginning in the mid-$5,000s, had a 146.75-inch wheelbase (the commercial chassis was even larger, at 157-inches).

Again, distinctive styling features of the Series Sixty Fleetwood included the extra-wide full-length chrome trim, Fleetwood insignia on the rear deck lid, and the eight vertical louvers on the lower rear fenders, directly behind the fender breakline.

Approximately 20,000 examples were built in 1953, an increase over the 16,110 examples built in 1952.

The overhead-valve V8 had a cast-iron block, a 331 cubic-inch displacement, five main bearings, hydraulic valve lifters, and a four-barrel carburetor. With 8.25:1 compression, the engine delivered 210 horsepower at 4,150 RPM and was backed by a four-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission.

by Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2008