Cadillac Fan

The cross cross pattern on the doors and seats look so out of place.

This car was for sale in 2021 without a top and without an interior. I was bidding on it (eBay) and it was pulled before the auction ended. Unfortunately, the new interior looks like a street rod from the 1990s. https://kraftauctions.hibid.com/lot/25205-268204-935094/1938-cadillac-series-75-4-door-convertible-sedan/

1937 would be the best in regards to parts. 1936 has a one year only water pump(it is longer). I have seen 1937-48 water pumps on a 1936 block and the fan belt is not straight. 1936 has a one year only carburetor, but the later carburetors will fit if you are not concerned about authenticity. 1936 has a one year only block and heads. The pistons are also different, but you can use 1941-48 pistons/rings in a 1936 block. (This is for the 348 ci engine). 1936 series 60 has the 322 block with a different carburetor.

I would be surprised if he had a smaller series.

https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Photograph_of_Admiral_Chester_Nimitz_and_his_family,_taken_on_the_occasion_of_the_celebration_held_in_Washington..._-_NARA_-_199198.jpg Is this a 41 Buick?

Styling is an opinion. When the designers and engineers are calling the car a grandma car, It is hard to disagree, though.

The top car is an executive car. The bottom car is a grandma’s car, or at best a secretary’s car. I see one car with style and the other as a six cylinder entry level. Sorry you don’t share my opinion and I don’t share your option. Are we in a safe space, were I am unable to give my opinion? Chuck Jordan and Dave Holls share my point of view. Go read the quote I provided. No self respecting man would buy a Chevrolet in 53-54. Good news: you can own cars other people don’t like or think have much style. Own what you like. FYI, that is the wrong tail fin. Search p38 lighting.

I am only saying that 49-54 Chevrolets were dogs. 1955 Chevys changed that and made Chevrolet desirable. What occurred before 49 and after 55 is immaterial. Chevy made some good looking cars (before 49 and after 55) though I don’t see much Cadillac in that 72.

Yes. I agree re 1932. But by the early 1950s they had lost their way with regard to Chevrolet styling.

That was not the view of GM styling department at the time. I would check out “Fins, by William Knoedelseder, and specifically chapter 15. https://www.amazon.com/Fins-Harley-General-Motors-Detroit/dp/0062289071

Ford outsold Chevrolets in 1949. And 1950-54 are just warm over versions. Before 1955, no one really wanted a Chevrolet, they’re settled for them due to price. The economy was booming during this time. Average wages doubled since the war. (1946-53). It was the design of the car that was the hit.

GM sold less 1957 Chevrolets then 1956 Chevrolets. GM sold less 1956 Chevrolets than 1955 Chevrolets. The hit was 1955. Before the 1955 Chevy, Chevrolets were considered “grandma’s cars.” While the public seems to like 1957 Chevrolets, the designers believe 1955 is the purest form, and did not like the ornamentation added to it.

This general understanding is also detailed in the book “Fins” by William Knoedelseder. Harley Earl had directly the styling department what he wanted for the 59 model year, and left for his annual European vacation. While he was away bill Mitchell saw the 57 Chrysler products and had the design staff work on two tracks. The first, the continuation from the 58 models as directed by Harley Earl, before he left. The second track was a new design in view of the 57 Chrysler products. This second design is what they decided to make.

I have always understood it to be a derogatory term. The thought being that a car manufacturer who does not make its own engine is not really a car manufacturer but an assembler of other’s products. Exactly what locomobile/winton is implying / stating.

I believe a gentleman named Kenworthy was part of the Romer/Barley company of Streeter IL and Kalamazoo MI. Is this the same person?

I understood an “assembled car” to mean that the parts were designed by the supplier and not exclusive to the car manufacturer. As opposed to the engineering department of the car manufacturer directing the supplier how/what to make, and the part being exclusive to the car manufacturer. it indirectly refers to who designed/ engineered the parts of the car.

Yes. With asking prices up to $50k

I would have been tempted at this for $33k: https://www.mecum.com/lots/FL0122-485826/1931-lincoln-model-k-touring/ even with the awful interior.

My guess is that it is a $35-45k car and that it will be for sale shortly at that price. Mecum is a good place to purchase pre war cars of this caliber. 95 percent of the bidders have no interest and most dealers with some interest will be vary cautious (ie low bidding). To be honest, I’m not sure there is a good auction venue for pre war cars of this caliber.

Is there a year / model pierce arrow (years 1930-38) to avoid? is there one that is particularly good/ reliable year / model. Or, said another way, is there a year /model in which parts are readily available over other years/ models.

My guess hammer of $120k. the other one is with Wayne at F40. fast forward to 38:30 :

looks like Nucky Thompson’s Rolls is leaking pretty badly.

Pretty sad. I generally don’t buy the “slippery slope” argument but it clearly applies in this case. The original sin was the Cadillac series 62. Presumably because people want an easy tour car. Once that opened the door, it allowed others to lobby for similar cars, each farther and farther from the original intention of the founders. I have said this before, Classic Era Car Club of America. Mecum just sold a 1940 60 special for $14k. If you want to join the activities of the club, you can do so with a sub $20k car already. I don’t believe this will add to the membership, but will alienate the membership that has the “real” classics. https://www.mecum.com/lots/FL0122-485956/1940-cadillac-series-60/