1941 Cadillac Fleetwood Series 75 Limo

Looking across the large hood of this 1941 Cadillac, the goddess-like ornament captures the eye. “I don’t know where you could find another one of those,” says Frank Cousins, referring to the beautiful chrome mascot adorning his very original Cadillac Fleetwood Series 75 Limo. “The car is all complete, everything is there.” The theme of originality is a pleasant surprise in a day where everyone can overhaul and customize a car in a week. This car has been basically left alone for over 60 years.

Built for the Wrigley family, of the Wrigley gum empire in Chicago, it was used sparingly as a personal limousine for the family. During the brutal mid west winters it was always kept the in a heated garage, something that is apparent while looking at the straight rust free body on the car today. Other than the eight year old layer of piano black paint (the original color) and some fresh chrome, the body is just as it was when the limo was purchased in 1941. Fender skirts adorned with Cadillac crests cover the rear white walls and running boards run the length of the 136 inch wheel base and along the bottom of the vault-like suicide doors. The yellow fog lamps and hill holder were optional on the series 75 Cadillac Fleetwood and both are featured here. The standard touring sedan sold for $3140 with only 405 built. Only an additional 98 were constructed with a formal electric divider from the chauffeur and the cost was $4045, the most expensive car in the line-up. This is one such car and a rare survivor.

“I always liked the ’41 and I have been looking for one for a long time.” says Frank. “I drove to L.A. four times. I went to look at one I had found on-line and the pictures looked great but when I got there, the car was in pieces. He hadn't mentioned that!” After looking for years he found this example in Volo, Illinois offered by a dealer and purchased it in April 2005. The odometer reads a tick over 55k miles on the original 346cu in. flathead V8 with all numbers matching. The three speed transmission is selected through a column mounted shift knob and the car amazingly lacks power steering although Frank assures me it isn’t missed as it’s weighted properly for both highway cruising or parking lot trundles.

While the exterior is substantial; the roof is seven feet tall and the wheelbase is six inches longer than a Chevrolet Suburban, it’s the interior that draws your attention. The dash was special ordered body color (black) instead of wood, an interesting detail. The rich leather seat has been re-covered recently but otherwise the gauges, instruments, steering wheel, leather headliner and even that new fancy plastic material- everything-remains as it did all those years ago. The rear compartment is stunning considering it has only been cleaned and nothing more. The plush theater style bench seat is wrapped in what feels like cashmere and adults sit comfortably three across. Two individual “opera” seats fold out from a hidden floor compartment, just in front of the rear footrest, making this limo a true seven seater. The wood work is intricate and frames the entire rear compartment. An elegant clock rests front and center, classy opera lights are found on each side of the cabin and even the standard smoking kits in both arm rest glove compartments are complete with cigarette holder. The ladies side featured a special mirror and a radio for the backseat passengers.

Not intended to be a performer, Frank says it’s easy to cruise along at highway speeds and the 150 horse power and around 280 lb/ft of torque, which was standard on all Cadillac’s through 1948, is plenty. Frank drives the car every weekend around the county. “I have four grand kids and they love riding in it,” he tells me. Being that it is a “driver” and not some trailer queen; the car may not be in “concours” condition, which helps make this Cadillac so appealing. Sure, there are the spots of tired paint but consider the alternative. Instead of hiding in a warehouse, being stripped of its purpose and identity, this lucky car is owned and enjoyed by people who cherish the opportunity to drive it. I hope they keep driving it; looking out to that classic mascot on the hood to guide their way.

*Originally published in the Good Times for Hot Rods at the Beach 10/05*