1955 Cadillac Fleetwood

60 Special Sedan

8 - Cyl.

Automatic

556058543

Gasoline

In 1955, this magnificent Cadillac Fleetwood Sixty Special was the king of the American highway. The fins and chrome say it all: optimism, exuberance, and can-do attitude. We hadn’t yet gone to the moon, but we could put rocket taillights on our luxury cars and feel like we were ready to blast off. I’m optimistic, too. That’s why I’ve listed this amazing piece of America’s automotive history on eBay for no reserve. Yes, I’m really going to sell it for whatever the closing price is. So here’s your chance to pick up a classic piece of American history for a bargain. Why not throw in a lowball bid and see what happens? Note: please do not bid unless you are a serious buyer. Zero feedback bidders will be deleted. I bought this Oklahoma car from its third owner. It is a very dry, rust-free car, having spent its life in Tulsa. I am the fourth owner. There are a mere 38,000 miles on the odometer. Yes, you read that right. I can document the mileage as well, with gas and oil change receipts, Oklahoma registrations, and so forth. The car is incredibly original, down to the original owner's manual and Phillips 66 Oklahoma map in the glove box. In fact, 85 percent of the paint is original (the left rear fender was repainted at some point)--and it is remarkable. It is a heavily optioned Cadillac, coming equipped with EZ Eye Glass, power windows, power seats, dual speakers, Wonderbar radio, and most fabulous of all, Cadillac’s famous air conditioning with the ceiling-mounted blowers and vents. Cosmetics: Whereas most Cadillacs of this era are boring black, here’s your chance to own a Cadillac in an a stunning blue. As you can see from the pictures, it’s in amazing shape. Of course it has chips, dings, scratches, and wear-through where it’s received 50 years of polishing and waxing, but the overall impression of this paint remains beautiful. It shines better than many new paint jobs, which in my collector’s mind makes it perfect for the preservation class in the Cadillac and LaSalle Club. Think: it still wears the finish it received from Clark Avenue. But if you’re a perfectionist, it will need a quality repaint. The chrome on the car is very good overall, as is the stainless. A few minor areas (door handles, some window trim) are beginning to show their age, but the bumpers and interior chrome are simply stunning. Speaking of the interior, it is, simply put, heavenly. The dash is a work of art and the chrome is flawless. The front seat has been recovered and is in the correct, matching material and absolutely perfect. The door panels are very good (my only quibble is that the front door panel armrests were covered in vinyl, not leather--the untrained eye would never notice). The carpet is getting worn, but is still original and amazing. The headliner is rip free and very nice. The steering wheel is fantastic. Overall, the interior is as Cadillac designed it and will make you smile behind the wheel. I promise. Mechanics: Today, with a twist of the original hexagonal key, the old Fleetwood settles into an easy purr. And purr she does--this car idles at the proper 450 rpm and the exhaust note is excellent (the car is equipped with original-style resonators) It really is a beautiful thing. But get after her and the V8 roars to life and will propel all this metal to highway speeds in a very respectable 10 seconds. Amazingly, I took this car on a road trip recently and averaged 17 mpg. Granted, I wasn’t going over 60 mph, but I had the air conditioning blasting the whole time. Speaking of the AC, yes it still blows cold. The transmission shifts like a pre-1956 Hydramatic. If you haven’t driven one, know that the 2-3 shift is firm. It isn’t as harsh as some I’ve driven, and I’ve gently adjusted the linkages on this Fleetwood to smooth her out, but I mention it simply to warn the Cadillac novice. The power steering is incredible--smooth and reliable. Same with the brakes. The car stops well, though if you’re not familiar with mid-fifties Cadillacs you have to plan your stops with these drums. I recently flushed the entire brake system with new fluid and checked all the pads. I also replaced the water pump and pressure checked the radiator. The car’s temp gauge never goes above the half mark--even on a 100 degree day in Alabama, idling, with the AC on! I’ve just changed the oil and done a full lube job to the chassis, so you’re ready to drive. By the way, in the engine picture you'll see some rust-looking color on the firewall, some hoses, and beneath the hood. This IS NOT rust. It is Oklahoma red dirt and comes off with a stiff brush and Simple Green. I've removed it from much of the engine bay, but the hobbits at home could continue to clean and detail to make it truly show-worthy. Electrical: Cars from the 1950s are plagued by electrical bugs but this car is amazing. All the power windows glide up and down. All the interior nighttime running lights glow beautifully. Courtesy lights function as designed. The horn trumpets as a Cadillac should. The radio sounds gorgeous and will blast you out of the car. The headlights, taillights, turn signals, and license plate lights all work as designed. The clock keeps good time. The battery is new. The temperature and fuel gauges work well. The dash lights and high beams are very bright. The temp and oil lights function as designed. The parking brake warning light (which I love) illuminates a big red “BRAKE” on the middle of the dash at the pull of the chrome handle. The reverse lights will let everyone know to get the heck out of your way. Even the glove box lights glow nicely. The only electrical item that does not work is the trunk light. The hinge has cut the wire, and I’ve simply not found time to tape it back together. Some extras: this car originally had a dealer-installed roof visor, which was removed at some point and the remnants put into the trunk. The bracket is still atop the car, which you can see in pictures. I also have letters from the original owners, Mr. & Mrs. C. W. Titus, giving the car as a donation to the Tulsa Boy’s Club to use as a “staff car” in 1967. I was told that the creases on the right side of the car (from above the right rear wheel to the back of the front passenger door) were caused when some of the boys took the car out joy riding one night through Tulsa. This is the major cosmetic flaw of the car, but one that does not capture well on camera. It is, to me, a livable flaw and a good story, but again, my preference would be NOT to paint the car. If you must have perfection, then you’ll want to bid accordingly. You’ll need body work beneath the beltline on the passenger side. I'm a member of the Cadillac and LaSalle Club, the Classic Car Club of America, the AACA, and a slew of other clubs. I also drove a 1958 Cadillac 15,000 miles this summer (see my blog at www.motorpool.com), so know what I'm talking about when it comes to fifties Cadillacs. You get luxury, history, and a fabulous 1950's color. Plus this car is equipped with air conditioning, which is a stupendous and much-coveted option. If you’re looking for a Cadillac where every option works, bedecked with options--this beauty is your car.

Note: the car will come with a notarized bill of sale and original Oklahoma title. The state of Alabama does not title vehicles manufactured prior to 1975, so it WILL NOT come with a title or registration from Alabama in my name. For more information on that rule, see http://www.revenue.alabama.gov/motorvehicle/Title_FAQ.html#titlefaq1 Lastly, I am open to offers and reserve the right to end the auction at any time. Serious buyers are welcome to come inspect and drive the car prior to the close of the auction. Please, however, do not email me asking if I have a “Buy it now.” Many thanks for your interest.