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Thinking of buying my first late 30’s Cad

StylishOne
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StylishOne 2,500+ Points

StylishOne

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Not sure if this is the right place but thought I’d ask you guys with knowledge on this era of car.   The car is running and she stops it’s a 3 owner rare body style car.  I have no talents to fix anything , I  do have talents with the look of a car with my design background. I can’t even drive a shift, but I’m a preserver of history ! It needs top replaced  which is leather padded and paint/chrome which is just okay now, the front seat looks vinyl of course needs to be leather  , rear seat etc is good original. The bottom of drivers door the wood is separated.. But once these issues are fixed, aren’t most old cars reliable for the occasional drive? There’s no power anything or intricate systems ,so doesn’t that help it from needing lots of service?
My other choice was an SC111 which I’ve owned a few of and know them  pretty well.. n how expensive they are to fix, but they have air power windows and are more usable in daily use ..Torn between saving a rare car and doing the RR thing..So looking for advice..Never owning or driving a car from the 30’s, I wanted to know the reality of actually owning one.. ??

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Walt G 25,000+ Points

Walt G

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Before you experience the reality of owning one can you get a ride in one? Have you ever ridden in one? That can be a deciding factor beyond appearance. Think of it as looking at a great dessert that looks wonderful but before you take a bite you may want to know what you are swallowing.  I too am an artist/ taught and studied art but just to know something by the visual appeal is not enough when you are looking to own a mechanical object. The work that the car that appeals to you seems to have to many things that need attention that you can not undertake even at a minimum contribution. You need to "curb your enthusiasm" to understand the reality of the time and expense it all take to have a car fit and reliable enough to enjoy or are you just satisfied to have 'garage art'?  This in no way meant to be a put down or discouraging - it is reality. Town cars were driven by people who were not tall. I owned a 1927 RR Phantom I Trouville town car for a decade and was in denial for the entire time that I fit behind the wheel and was in comfort while driving it. I am just over 6 feet tall and have long legs - not the combination for one who drives a car with a division window. Vehicles with wheels are made to move not just sit and be admired for their style.

Edited by Walt G (see edit history)
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John_S_in_Penna 25,000+ Points

John_S_in_Penna

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4 hours ago, StylishOne said:

I have no talents to fix anything...

I can’t even drive a shift, but I’m a preserver of history! 

 

My situation may be similar to yours.

When I got my pre-war car, a large 1916 model,

I wasn't adept at driving a manual-transmission car.

But I figured the original owner may have just

graduated from a horse, and if he could learn,

so could I!  Driving it is no problem now.

 

Be sure you have someone who can work on

your pre-war car knowledgeably;  the average

garage man likely can't, even if he says he can.

If there are restoration shops or pre-war antique car

specialists near you, that will work;  but they may have

long backlogs, so you might wait months even for

minor work.

 

Having realistic expectations will keep the car from

disappointing you, and enhance your enjoyment of the hobby.

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edinmass 25,000+ Points

edinmass

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There are no rare late 30's Cadillacs. Even the "best" models are available fairly easy. Don't buy a car you see because its' a "good deal". Buy a good car....much cheaper in the long run. Late 30's parts are easily available unless it's a V-16. You can buy a fantastic car for very little money.......so buying any late 30's Cadillac that doesn't go down the road well and reliable isn't any type of "deal".

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Walt G 25,000+ Points

Walt G

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Look at the back cushion of that front seat - vertical as possibly can be - like sitting in a church pew, "stylish" yes, comfortable - not at all after the first 5 minutes. Don't get me wrong - the town car is my favorite body style I love them, just can't fit well in one . John S. says it well - heed his advice  You obviously admit that with  this era car you are a "newbie" we all were at some point, I just don't think this is the 'cradle' you want to ride about in if you have no skills to work on it . Make the time to find someone to teach you some skills, it will be well worth it.

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edinmass 25,000+ Points

edinmass

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Run like hell. High 90's point 60 Specials are available turn key for 25K. That car Under hood is a mess. The alternator means absolute hack work with no talent to keep it running. Look at the plug wires and other electrical mess. You can buy a good car for the same money as a project or rolling mess. 

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StylishOne 2,500+ Points

StylishOne

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So the question becomes it’s running and you see the top etc in this shape what the right dollar on it?? Or is it one to discard ? I love the style almost bought the 36 in Ct. I’ve had formal sedans. I know the seat issue . The question is what it’s worth as she sits ? 

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Cadillac Fan 2,500+ Points

Cadillac Fan

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24 minutes ago, StylishOne said:

So the question becomes it’s running and you see the top etc in this shape what the right dollar on it?? Or is it one to discard ? I love the style almost bought the 36 in Ct. I’ve had formal sedans. I know the seat issue . The question is what it’s worth as she sits ? 


https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1936-cadillac-75/

 

 

this sold for $65k.   You probably have at least $100k to get the 37 to look like this one, and I am being very low in my estimate.  
 

 

if you are a novice in this area, join the Cadillac lasalle club or the ccca.  Go to a meet and talk with the owners of the cars you are interested in. 
 

 

Very nice 1941 60 specials are selling at auctions for mid $20k (then dealers are asking $45k ).  Take some time and you can find many bargains.  

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edinmass 25,000+ Points

edinmass

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38 minutes ago, StylishOne said:

The question is what it’s worth as she sits ? 


The 64 dollar question. It’s not what this car is worth, it’s what can you buy with the identical amount of money. The choices are much more prolific than they have been for the last 30 years. Pick a number.......25k, 35k, 50k, 60k.........doesn’t matter what the number is, it’s the other turn key choices you have for the same dollar amount, or the number this car is plus the time, effort, and money to get this car into a driver in the condition you can live with. 
 

Look at the car below, 27 k at RM recently, for a fantastic coupe. Get in it and go. So, now value the town car.....it isn’t easy.

 

 

F81BB6C1-5AEB-49AE-B1FC-4E34577A76BF.png

Edited by edinmass (see edit history)
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Cadillac Fan 2,500+ Points

Cadillac Fan

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52 minutes ago, edinmass said:


The 64 dollar question. It’s not what this car is worth, it’s what can you buy with the identical amount of money. The choices are much more prolific than they have been for the last 30 years. Pick a number.......25k, 35k, 50k, 60k.........doesn’t matter what the number is, it’s the other turn key choices you have for the same dollar amount, or the number this car is plus the time, effort, and money to get this car into a driver in the condition you can live with. 
 

Look at the car below, 27 k at RM recently, for a fantastic coupe. Get in it and go. So, now value the town car.....it isn’t easy.

 

 

F81BB6C1-5AEB-49AE-B1FC-4E34577A76BF.png

Now asking $45k on eBay

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1941-Cadillac-Other-Deluxe-Coupe-/115077242792?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0

Edited by Cadillac Fan (see edit history)
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edinmass 25,000+ Points

edinmass

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I applaud you know what you want. Stick with it.👍👍👍

 

Cars only need to please the owner. Now that we established you really prefer town cars, it makes arguments for and against easier. Things like location (cost of shipping), flying out to look at it (Do not buy a car without seeing it yourself), budget constraints, and condition expectations. Now all of those permutations only really apply to you. Don’t want to hammer on the car, but in my opinion 45 is too steep. PM me if you would like to have a private conversation.

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Steve_Mack_CT 25,000+ Points

Steve_Mack_CT

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I have nothing new to add to this other than Ed continues to be very generous with his expertise and time with forum members.  He passionately talked me out of a car once, we spent a good half hour or so on a call before we had ever met in person.  

I would take advantage of the offer especially on prewar cars in general, Cadillac in particular.

Edited by Steve_Mack_CT (see edit history)
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Walt G 25,000+ Points

Walt G

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That 37 town car for the 56k seems like so much more and better . Every car no matter how nice/well restored will need the new owners "hands on" to make it their own.

As mentioned - I love the town car body style but just do not fit behind the steering well due to long legs, and the very very vertical stance/angle of the seat back up against the division window.

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StylishOne 2,500+ Points

StylishOne

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After ‘37 I’m not too into the shape of anything from the 40’s, But maybe Continental,Town n Country,or Darrins..  I like mostly 30-37 especially 34-37 in Cads ..like Town Cars for their formal uniqueness. 
the ‘40 Cad is heavy looking  but of course beautifully finished ..I don’t need or want perfect ..they damage with use and then you’re angry that you used them . 

Edited by StylishOne (see edit history)
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Rivguy 2,500+ Points

Rivguy

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Stylish One made a very good observation, That using your car will result in some wear and tear. If near perfection is your standard. then it would be frustrating to even take your car out of the garage! I think it is important to find a car in the best mechanical shape possible especially at this price point. I think that the need for a very good mechanic is also called for, especially if you are not going to do any work on it yourself. I'm not criticizing anyone for that. I've spent my whole life with old fixer uppers and they are starting to lose their charm. When I buy a brand new car I sure don't plan on turning wrenches on that car for years.  

Cadillacs were known for their reliability, if one has been properly restored and maintained I wouldn't be afraid to drive one anywhere. They are a lot like old trucks from the 40's through early '60s. The mechanicals are simple and robust. The fueling, cooling, and electrical systems need to be in good condition as they can deteriorate from sitting. 

Best of luck with your search.

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