1951 Cadillac Series 75 Schwartz Sedan

This unusual car is known as the Gene Autry Cadillac Woody. It has coachwork that was pre-formed by one of America's last custom houses of the classic era, Maurice Schwartz of Pasadena, formally of Bowman & Schwartz and Murphy. It is believed that this Cadillac was commissioned by Harry Karl the husband of movie actress Marie McDonald. Gene Autry purchased it in the mid-1950s and owned it for over 30 years.

This vehicle began life as a 75 Series sedan with body style number 7523X. It was one of 1,090 examples built that year, rested on a lengthy 147-inch wheelbase platform, had seating for up to eight passengers, and had a base price of $5,200. In July of 1951, it was delivered through Casa de Cadillac of Sherman Oaks, California, to its original owner Harry Karl. The car was then sent to Maurice Schwartz of Pasadena, formally of Bowman & Schwartz and Murphy, to perform modifications and customization. The work included the fitting of wood skins to all doors, and adding extra trim to the rear of the body between the fenders and trunk. It was given an accessory rooftop luggage rack and matching wood slats to ensure the paintwork would not be damaged.

The customization work was completed in 1952, so a 1952 front grille was installed.

In the mid-1950s, the car was acquired by Western movie actor and singer Gene Autry, who fitted license plate 'GWB 038,' a reference to his company, Golden West Broadcasters. The car was used in the 1957 movie Footsteps in the Night produced by Allied Artists Pictures Corporation, a studio with a connection to Mr. Autry, who later acquired its filming lot north of Los Angeles and turned the lot into his own Melody Movie Ranch. The car remained at the ranch until 1989, when Mr. Autry sold it to Christina Paine of Phoenix, Az. It was later purchased by Jack Ross, also of Phoenix, who displayed it at his Lincoln-Mercury dealership. John Lintz purchased the Cadillac around 2005, selling it a year later to Glenn Mounger, who returned it to its original condition with refinished wood, new paintwork, replacement of any weathered chrome, and the interior reupholstered by John Parkhurst.

In 2008, the Cadillac was shown at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

The current caretaker purchased the Cadillac in 2008 and entrusted McDonald Vintage Restorations to ensure its mechanical condition was in proper order. In 2018, it was shown at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering.

Currently, this Cadillac wears an Empress Blue paint scheme, and its interior is finished in dark tan broadcloth - colors original to the car. There is wood trim around all interior window frames, and the rear compartment has dual folding jump seats. Power is via a 331 cubic-inch overhead valve, V-8 engine with a single Carter Downdraft two-barrel carburetor and delivers 160 horsepower at 3,800 RPM. There is a four-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes, and an independent front suspension with coil springs.

By Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2023