1959 Cadillac Fleetwood

Limousine Limousine

6 - Cyl.

Automatic

59R098294

Gasoline

This is a very rare in remarkable condition factory made 1959 Limousine. It is said to have been used to take Eleanor Roosevelt from her Hyde Park estate in New York into Manhattan for such events as attentance at the United Nations the last few years of her life, although I have no diffinitive proof other than newspaper articles, etc. I have papers that indicate there were only approximately 710 four door 9 person sedans and 690 four door 9 person limousines ever made in 1959. It is unknown how many survive today. Few if any in this condition. Beyond what I paid for it years ago, I have put over $27,000 into restoration. I have all the receipts and photos related to the work. Among the highlights...I had the engine completely rebuilt by a very high end mechanic shop that is locally known for their restorative efforts on Lamborginnis, antique cars, and race cars. When the engine was rebuilt it was done using heavier caliber seals so that she can take unleaded gas. Other than that the instructions were to keep it as authentic to 1959 Cadillac as possible and it took a lot of searching and shipping of engine parts..some very very heavy. The cost on this stage was easily $10,000 plus. Some electric motors that roll the windows up and down as well as the glass divider between the chauffer and the passenger compartments as well as additional engine work on the radiator, harmonic balancer, hoses, etc totaled another $5,000. Once that was completed a $12,000 plus restoration of the exterior was performed including chrome parts, soddering in new metal sections, and a repaint. The four mufflers were newly fabricated and installed as well for a quieter ride. I have used it in a couple of weddings and other private functions. The original miles are unknown as the odometer is not working, however, I have used it for less thann 1,000 miles since the rebuild of the engine and simply keep a written log each time I go out in her. These engines are extremely simple and solid and easy for most mechanics. The only issues I can think of maybe your usual rust underneath perhaps here and there, although there are no holes or anything remarkable that I can see. The antenna mast was removed to be rebuilt but I have it and it is simple enough. The radio was working at the time the antenna was unscrewed. These radios had AM scan technology that automatically goes to stations. The electronic "eye" that sits on the dash I do not believe works, although it may. This eye is meant to detect oncoming lights and automatically switch from high to low beams. The cruise control and some panel functions probably need work as well. The dash has a crack in it. These are available for about $1,000 + as new reproductions. I have a dash mat on it that says in the corner "1959 Cadillac". I took her in to have her a/c replaced with a new one for limousines but when the technician charged up the old one and it worked he actually refused to remove it...probably wise considering authenticity. He just couldn't bring himself to do it. It blows air a little "annemically" for my taste and for the hot Florida summers. He said the channels in the ceiling that supply the air need openning up as they may be blocked. There are some interior fabric pannels and some interior metal decorative plates that are stained or damaged that could be replaced and these are available at several on-line antique cadillac reproduction part companies. I can't really think of much else. I have all the receipts and photos of all the work done. It looks fantastic. The only time I ever showed it in competition it won "Best in Show" as a "Crowd Favorite". Please feel free to ask any questions. I hate to let it go but a business opportunity presents itself. For this reason, there is no purpose in selling it for less than what I need to pursue this other opportunity. If she is sold, I just hope she goes to a good home that will truly appreciate such a beautiful, rare, and historic automobile.