1959 Cadillac Limo 56k miles in Michigan $35k

[Lebowski]

Why don't the front and rear seats match? Did it come from the factory like that?

 

https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/cadillac/unspecified/2421330.html#&gid=1&pid=1

 

 

[gossp]

Leather in the front and cloth in the rear was very common on chauffeur driven cars.  That car was built very near the end of the practice. 

[Matt Harwood]

2 hours ago, gossp said:

Leather in the front and cloth in the rear was very common on chauffeur driven cars.  That car was built very near the end of the practice. 

 

Yep. For many years, cloth was luxurious and leather was utilitarian. They used it in the chauffeur's compartment because there was a possibility that he might be dirty or greasy and didn't want to ruin that lovely expensive wool cloth.

 

 

  

Edited August 7, 2020 by Matt Harwood (see edit history)

[edinmass]

Both comments above are correct...........leather was for the help.............

[gossp]

Hop in a modern stretch limo and you will find the opposite to be true.

[Ed Luddy]

Very common until long after "coach built" limo's or regular luxury units were equipped. Remember these were not built to last 75 + years. Maybe 5 to 7 years with a body change every few years. The start of  built in obselesence . Brocade cloth was the top line trim option.

[Lebowski]

Thanks for the info. My next question is what are the two square pieces in the headliner of the passenger compartment? Are they part of the intercom system?

[Matt Harwood]

I bet they're A/C vents. 

[58L-Y8]

Leather for the chauffeur was a holdover from the horse-drawn carriage days into the open-front town car era.  Being a more durable material better able to withstand the rigors of wear given by the chauffeur's activities plus weather exposure.  Fine fabrics, as one would find in the owner's home parlor, were what was considered appropriate upholstery for the enclosed tonneau,  The tradition continued into the enclosed drive limousine era.

[lancemb]

Beautiful car, but you have to add in the cost of extending your garage!

[W_Higgins]

Quote

....originally purchased by a funeral home in Gersham, Oregon.

 

It's refreshing to see an honest listing for once.  This may be the only '59 Cadillac in the world that wasn't previously owned by Elvis.

 

 

[John_Mereness]

On 8/6/2020 at 10:41 PM, Matt Harwood said:

I bet they're A/C vents. 

I believe so - diffused the air so that it did not directly blow on you. 

[John_Mereness]

Nice car - they tend to be pretty driven hard and put away wet and/or worked over and this one strikes me as pretty middle of the road.  it could stand a little wider whitewall and needs lots of tinkering, but nice car.