1955 Cadillac Series 75 Fleetwood

The Cadillac Series 75 Fleetwood was the largest in the Cadillac lineup, with a wheelbase of 149.8 inches and an overall length of 237.1 inches. It had unique trim and styling with a horizontal rub molding that ran nearly the entire length of the bodyside, from the front parking light housings to the back edge of the front door. The word 'Fleetwood' could be found on the deck lid and a vertical air slot-style fender-break molding could be found directly behind the rear doors. The engine was a 331 cubic-inch eight-cylinder, overhead-valve unit with a compression ratio of 9.0:1, and developed 250 horsepower at 4,600 RPM. Bodystyles included an eight-passenger sedan with a base price of $6,200 and the Imperial Sedan with a price of $6,400. Cadillac built 1,975 examples of the Series 75 as commercial chassis, 841 of the Imperial sedan, and 1,075 of the sedan.

The large platform of the Series 75 was used by Mamie Doud Eisenhower, the First Lady of the 34th President of the United States, as a formal and parade vehicle when needed. She selected the eight-passenger Imperial sedan, body style 7533X, with coachwork by General Motors' in-house coachbuilder, Fleetwood. The car received broadcloth upholstery, power brakes, E-Z Eye tinted glass, a rear compartment radio, a heater, and air conditioning. Upon completion, it was sent to Hess & Eisenhardt of Rossmoyne, Ohio where the rearmost part of the roof was replaced with a section and rear window from a Series 62 Coupe DeVille. The result was the removal of the C-pillars transforming it into a pillarless 'hardtop' limousine. It allowed a viewport for onlookers and it lowered the rear roofline with a lower Florentine curve. Grab rails, Cadillac's optional Sabre-Spoke wheels, and a sliding sunroof were added.

The car remained in the White House garages for the remainder of President Eisenhower's term. Another Series 75 Fleetwood eight-passenger sedan was owned by Elvis Presley who reportedly transported him and his band to gigs around the South. Rumors also exist that the band strapped their instruments to the roof of the car.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2020