1954 Cadillac Series 75 Fleetwood

When peacetime resumed, the Cadillac Series 75 Fleetwood was the company's long-wheelbase line of vehicles initially offered in 5-, 7-, and 9-passenger body styles, along with a commercial chassis. It wore unique bodies and was powered by a 346 cubic-inch V-8, L-head engine delivering 150 horsepower at 3,400 RPM. In 1950 it received an all-new body that was similar to the styling of the other Cadillac models. The 'high-headroom' bodies were in keeping with the car's luxury persona, and jump seats were used for the seven-passenger sedans. The 331 CID engine was now rated at 160 horsepower. Styling changes followed in 1952, in celebration of the company's Golden Anniversary and in a similar fashion to the other Cadillac models. The 331 CID engine now delivered 190 horsepower, increasing to 210 horsepower in 1953.

The 1975 Cadillac Series 75 Fleetwood was available as an eight-passenger sedan priced at $5,900 or an Imperial Sedan selling for just over $6,000. A commercial chassis was also available and were often used as ambulances, funeral cars, and other commercial purposes.

The wheelbase on the Series 75 measured 149.8 inches, increasing by 2 inches over the previous year's measurement. The overhead-valve V8 had five main bearings, hydraulic valve lifters, an 8.25:1 compression ratio, and delivered 230 horsepower at 4400 RPM.

A V-shaped ornament was placed on the deck lid and the hood, and the 'Fleetwood' ***** also adorned the deck lid. A total of 889 examples of the sedan and 611 of the Imperial Sedan were built. A further 1,635 examples of the commercial chassis were constructed.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2006