1950-1959

There are no translations available.

1957 Cadillac Fleetwood

 

SERIES SIXTY SPECIAL FLEETWOOD

1957 Cadillac FleetwoodThe 60S Fleetwood long-deck four-door hardtop sedan featured a wide, ribbed bright metal fairing extending from the lower rear half of the door to the back bumper. A Fleetwood nameplate appeared on the rear deck lid, which also housed the backup lamps on this car.

 
Model NumberBody StyleDoorsModelSeatingFactory PriceShipping WeightProduction Total
57-6060394-doorHardtop Sedan65539475524,000


SERIES SIXTY SPECIAL FLEETWOOD ENGINE
  • V-8, Overhead valves.
  • Cast iron block.
  • Displacement: 365 cubic inches.
  • Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.625 inches.
  • Compression ratio: 10.0:1.
  • Brake horsepower: 300 at 4800 rpm
  • Five main bearings.
  • Hydraulic valve lifters.
  • Carburetor: Rochester four barrel Model 7015701.


SERIES 75 FLEETWOOD

Long-wheelbase Cadillac’s came in Fleetwood limousine or nine-passenger sedan configurations, both with auxiliary seats. Side trim was the same as on Series 62 models, except that no Cadillac crest was used on the rear fins.

Model NumberBody StyleDoorsModelSeatingFactory PriceShipping WeightProduction Total
57-757523X4-doorSedan9734853401,010
57-757533X4-doorImperial Sedan975865390890
57-868680S-Commercial chassis-- -2,169

NOTE: The commercial chassis featured a 156 inch wheelbase and was provided to professional car makers for construction of funeral cars and ambulances, etc.

SERIES 75 FLEETWOOD ENGINE
  • V-8, Overhead valves.
  • Cast iron block.
  • Displacement: 365 cubic inches.
  • Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.625 inches.
  • Compression ratio: 10.0:1.
  • Brake horsepower: 300 at 4800 rpm
  • Five main bearings.
  • Hydraulic valve lifters.
  • Carburetor: Rochester four barrel Model 7015701.
CHASSIS
 
FeatureSeries 60 FleetwoodSeries 75 Fleetwood
Wheelbase133"149.7"
Overall Length224.4"236.2"
Front Tread61"
Rear Tread61"
Tires8.00 x 15 blackwall8.20 x 15 six-ply blackwall
ExhaustStandard dual exhausts
 
CONVENIENCE ACCESSORIES
  • Hydra-Matic drive, power steering and power brakes were standard in all Cadillacs.
  • Many models (designated by non-bracketed "X" suffix in charts above) also had standard power window lifts.
  • Fore-and-Aft power seats were standard on the same models.
  • Six-Way power seats were regularly featured on Eldorados and Sixty Specials.
  • Air-conditioning, radios, heaters, etc. were optional on most other models (standard in Brougham) along with regular GM factory and dealer installed extras.


HISTORICAL
  • The 1957 Eldorado Brougham was designed to compete with the Lincoln-Continental Mark II.
  • The new dual quad headlamps seen on the Brougham were illegal in some states during 1957.
  • The Brougham air suspension system proved unreliable and Cadillac later released a kit to convert cars to rear coil spring type suspension.
  • This makes Broughams with the feature rarer and more valuable today.
  • The Brougham is a certified Milestone Car.
  • Series 62 sedans were short-deck models with trunks five inches shorter than 60S sedans.
  • Ball joint suspension was a new technical feature adopted this year.
  • Model year sales amounted to 146,841 deliveries earning Cadillac Division ninth industry ranking for two years in a row.
There are no translations available.

1957 Cadillac Eldorado

 

1957 Cadillac EldoradoCadillac's completely restyled 1957 offerings borrowed heavily from the lines of the Park Avenue, a hardtop sedan "idea" car shown at the 1954 Motorama. A new X-member chassis contributed to structural rigidity as well as to a profile nearly three inches lower than before. Of course, the lack of side rails meant that the new frame afforded virtually no lateral impact protection, but Detroit wasn't particularly safety-conscious in those days.

1957 Cadillac Eldorado 

Once more the Eldorado Biarritz and Seville had their own rear-end configuration. The work of Ron Hill, a talented 23-year-old design newcomer, it featured a sloped deck flanked by rounded fenders sprouting sharply pointed fins. Rear wheel openings were again skinless, and the lower rear fenders were liberally garnished with chrome. The hood ornament was eliminated, contributing to a smoother frontal appearance. Overall, the '57 was more readily 1957 Cadillac Eldoradodistinguishable from other Cadillacs than any Eldorado since the original. Oddly enough, the dual four-barrel carburetion was dropped this year, and standard horsepower backed off slightly to 300 despite an increase in compression ratio. The all-out performance buff could still get the twin pots and 325 horses, but they now cost extra.

But the Biarritz and the Seville were no more than a warm-up for 1957s main event. As it had in the Thirties, Cadillac plunged into the super-luxury market with the new Eldorado Brougham, a virtually hand-built hardtop sedan on a more compact 126-inch wheelbase. 1957 Cadillac EldoradoConceived largely in response to the Continental Mark II from Ford Motor Company, it came with every extra in the Cadillac accessory book -- plus a few brand-new exclusives -- but was no more successful. Price was a formidable $13,074, for which you could very nearly buy both a Biarritz and a Seville. Demand was predictably limited, and just 400 were built for the model year, all in Cadillac's own plant, by the way.

Model NumberBody StyleDoorsModelSeatingFactory PriceShipping WeightProduction Total
SERIES 62 ELDORADO SPECIALS
57-626237SDX2 doorCoupe Seville Hardtop6728648102,100
57-626267SX2 doorBiarritz Convertible6728649301,800
57-626239SX4-doorSedan Seville6--4
SERIES 70 ELDORADO BROUGHAM
57-707059X4-doorHardtop Sedan613,0745315400

NOTES
  • The Eldorado Sedan Seville was a special order model built in limited quantities.
  • The symbol "X" after Body Style Number in brackets indicates power windows optional
  • without brackets indicates this feature standard.
 
SERIES 70 ELDORADO BROUGHAM

Announced in December, 1956 and released around March, 1957, the Eldorado Brougham was a hand-built, limited-edition four-door hardtop sedan derived from the Park Avenue and Orleans show cars of 1953-1954. Designed by Ed Glowacke, the Brougham featured America's first completely pillariess four-door body styling. The ventipanes were electrically controlled. The Brougham was further distinguished by a brushed stainless steel roof, the first appearance of quad headlights and totally unique trim. The exterior ornamentation included wide, ribbed lower rear quarter beauty panels (extending along the full rocker sills) and a rectangularly sculptured side body "cove" highlighted with five horizontal windsplits on the rear doors. Tail styling treatments followed the Eldorado theme and "suicide" type hanging was used for the rear doors. Standard equipment included all possible accessories such as

 
  • a dual four-barrel V-8
  • air-suspension
  • low-profile tires with thin whitewalls
  • automatic trunk lid opener
  • automatic "memory" seat
  • Cruise Control
  • high-pressure cooling system
  • polarized sun visors
  • Signal-Seeking twin speaker radio
  • electric antenna
  • automatic-release parking brake
  • electric door locks
  • dual heating system
  • stainless steel (with a silver finish) magnetized glove box drink tumblers
  • cigarette and tissue dispensers
  • lipstick (cologne was mentioned in the dealer Data Book, but was not actually offered)
  • ladies' compact with powder puff, comb, and mirror
  • leather notebook
  • STEP atomizer with 1 oz. bottle of "Arpege" perfume extract made by Lanvin, Paris.
  • automatic starter (with re-start function)
  • Autronic-Eye
  • drum-type electric clock
  • power windows
  • forged aluminum wheels
  • air conditioning

 

Buyers of Broughams had a choice of 44 full leather interior trim combinations and could select such items as Mouton (French for lambskin) and Karakul carpeting.

ENGINES
 
FeatureSeries 62 EldoradoSeries 70 Eldorado
TypeV-8, Overhead valves
BlockCast iron block
Displacement365 cubic inches
Bore and stroke4.00 x 3.625 inches
Compression ratio10.0:1
Brake horsepower300 @ 4800 rpm325 @ 4800 rpm
Main bearingsFive
Valve liftersHydraulic
CarburetorRochester four barrel Model 7015701Two (2) Carter four barrel (Front) Model 25a4S; (Rear) Model 2583S


CHASSIS
 
FeatureSeries 62 EldoradoSeries 70 Eldorado
Wheelbase129.5"126"
Overall Length222.1"216.3"
Front Tread61"
Rear Tread61"
Tires8.20 x 15 whitewall8.40 x 15 high-speed type whitewall
ExhaustStandard dual exhausts


POWERTRAIN OPTIONS
 
  • The 325 horsepower Eldorado Brougham dual four-barrel V-8 was optional on the Eldorado Seville and Biarritz only.
  • In normal attachments on these models the front carburetor was changed to a Carter four-barrel Model 258S.
  • When air conditioning was also installed, the front carburetor was the same model use in the Brougham, which came standard with air conditioning.
CONVENIENCE ACCESSORIES
  • Hydra-Matic drive, power steering and power brakes were standard in all Cadillac’s.
  • Many models (designated by non-bracketed "X" suffix in charts above) also had standard power window lifts.
  • Fore-and-Aft power seats were standard on the same models.
  • Six-Way power seats were regularly featured on Eldorados and Sixty Specials.
  • Air-conditioning, radios, heaters, etc. were optional on most other models (standard in Brougham) along with regular GM factory and dealer installed extras.
HISTORICAL
  • The 1957 Eldorado Brougham was designed to compete with the Lincoln-Continental Mark II.
  • The new dual quad headlamps seen on the Brougham were illegal in some states during 1957.
  • The Brougham air suspension system proved unreliable and Cadillac later released a kit to convert cars to rear coil spring type suspension.
  • This makes Broughams with the feature rarer and more valuable today.
  • The Brougham is a certified Milestone Car.
  • Series 62 sedans were short-deck models with trunks five inches shorter than 60S sedans.
  • Ball joint suspension was a new technical feature adopted this year.
  • Model year sales amounted to 146,841 deliveries earning Cadillac Division ninth industry ranking for two years in a row.
There are no translations available.

1957 Cadillac Series 62

 

1957 CadillacThe ratings were 300/325 for 1957, when compression went to 10:1 and the line was again rebodied, emerging with blockier but still evolutionary styling inspired by the Orleans, Eldorado Brougham, and Park Avenue show cars of 1954-55. Reaching into the luxury stratosphere, Cadillac unveiled a production Eldorado Brougham priced at a princely $13,074. Like its Motorama namesake, it was a surprisingly compact, low-slung pillarless sedan with a special 126-inch-wheelbase chassis, center-opening doors, and a brushed stainless-steel roof (one of Harley Earl's favorite touches). Standard quad headlights were an industry first shared that year with Lincoln, Nash, and some Chrysler Corporation cars.

1957 Cadillac1957 Cadillac Fin

The Brougham's most intriguing mechanical feature was its unique air suspension, the work of engineers Lester Milliken and Fred Cowin. Based on systems used for commercial vehicles since 1952, it employed an air "spring" at each wheel comprising a domed air chamber, rubber diaphragm, and pistons. Fed by a central air compressor, the domes were continually adjusted for load and road conditions via valves and solenoids for a smooth, level ride. Cadillac's system differed from "air ride" options at other GM divisions in being "open" (taking in air from outside) rather than "closed." Unhappily, cost and complexity were too high relative to benefits. The air domes leaked, and dealer replacements were frequent, leading many owners to junk the system in favor of conventional coil springs. Four years later, Cadillac and GM abandoned air suspension altogether.

1957 Cadillac

After two years and 704 units, the Brougham was fully restyled and its final assembly farmed out to Pininfarina in Italy. Only 99 were built for '59, another 101 of the near-identical '60s. Though clean-looking (lines actually previewed Cadillac's 1961 styling), these were larger (130-inch wheelbase) and heavier cars that weren't put together very well (bodies contained lots of lead filler). They're collector's items now, but restoring one is a chore.

1957 Cadillac 

SERIES 62


1957 CadillacFor 1957, Cadillac adopted a tubular X-frame, without side rails, on all models. This resulted in greater structural rigidity and provided for lower body lines without loss of useable space. New front end styling was marked by rubber bumper guard tips and dual, circular parking lamps set into the lower bumper section. Side trim was revised and a dual taillight theme was used throughout the line. By utilizing different center frame sections the wheelbases and overall lengths of specific body styles was altered. In the 62 lineup, including the Eldorado sub-series, three different overall measurements appeared on cars with matching wheelbases. The Sedan DeVille was bigger than "standard" models and the Eldorado Coupe Seville and Biarritz convertible were larger still. Identifying the "standard" 62 models were

  • vertical bright metal moldings, just forward of the rear wheel openings, highlighted by seven horizontal windsplits.
  • At the upper end this fenderbreak trim joined a horizontal molding that ran along a conical flare extending forward from the taillamps.
  • A crest medallion was seen on the forward angled rear fins.
  • Coupe DeVilles and Sedan DeVilles had special nameplates on the front fenders.
  • Eldorados were further distinguished by the model name above a V-shaped rear deck ornament and on the front fenders.
  • The rear fender and deck contour was sleekly rounded and the wheel housing was trimmed with broad, sculptured stainless steel beauty panels.
  • Also seen were pointed, "shark" style fins pointing towards the back of the cars.
  • A three-section built-in front bumper was another exclusive trait of the two luxury cars, which came with a long list of standard accessories.

I. D. NUMBERS

  • Serial numbers and engine numbers were the same again.
  • They appeared
    • on a boss on the front righthand face of the engine block;
    • on the lubrication plate on the left front door pillar (1953-1957)
    • and on the right frame side member behind the motor support.
  • The first pair of symbols were "57" to designate the model year.
  • The next two symbols indicated series as follows:
    • "62" = Series 62 including Eldorado Specials
    • "60" = Series 60 Fleetwood
    • "70" = Series 70 Eldorado Brougham
    • "75" = Series 75 Fleetwood
  • The immediately following numbers, beginning at 00000 for each series, indicated the production sequence in consecutive order.
  • Ending numbers were the same for all series since the engines were installed in mixed production fashion.


     

Model Number

Body StyleDoorsModelSeatingFactory PriceShipping WeightProduction Total
57-626239(X)4-doorHardtop Sedan64713459532,342
57-626239(X)4-doorExport Sedan647134595384
57-626239DX4-doorDeVille Hardtop65188465523,808
57-626237(X)2-doorHardtop Coupe64609456525,120
57-626237DX2-doorCoupe DeVille65048462023,813
57-626267X-Convertible Coupe6522547309,000
57-6262-Chassis only---1

NOTES:
  • The export sedan was shipped in CKD form to foreign countries.
  • The symbol "X" after Body Style Number in brackets indicates power windows optional without brackets indicates this feature standard

SERIES 62 ENGINE

  • V-8, Overhead valves.
  • Cast iron block.
  • Displacement: 365 cubic inches.
  • Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.625 inches.
  • Compression ratio: 10.0:1.
  • Brake horsepower: 300 at 4800 rpm
  • Five main bearings.
  • Hydraulic valve lifters.
  • Carburetor: Rochester four barrel Model 7015701.

CHASSIS

 

Feature

Series 62 SedansSeries 62 Coupes & Convertibles
Wheelbase129.5"
Overall Length215.9"220.9"
Front Tread61"
Rear Tread61"
Tires8.00 x 15 blackwall
ExhaustStandard dual exhausts
 

CONVENIENCE ACCESSORIES

  • Hydra-Matic drive, power steering and power brakes were standard in all Cadillacs.
  • Many models (designated by non-bracketed "X" suffix in charts above) also had standard power window lifts.
  • Fore-and-Aft power seats were standard on the same models.
  • Six-Way power seats were regularly featured on Eldorado’s and Sixty Specials.
  • Air-conditioning, radios, heaters, etc. were optional on most other models (standard in Brougham) along with regular GM factory and dealer installed extras.

HISTORICAL

  • The 1957 Eldorado Brougham was designed to compete with the Lincoln-Continental Mark II.
  • The new dual quad headlamps seen on the Brougham were illegal in some states during 1957.
  • The Brougham air suspension system proved unreliable and Cadillac later released a kit to convert cars to rear coil spring type suspension.
  • This makes Broughams with the feature rarer and more valuable today.
  • The Brougham is a certified Milestone Car.
  • Series 62 sedans were short-deck models with trunks five inches shorter than 60S sedans.
  • Ball joint suspension was a new technical feature adopted this year.
  • Model year sales amounted to 146,841 deliveries earning Cadillac Division ninth industry ranking for two years in a row.
There are no translations available.

1956 Cadillac Fleetwood

 

 
SERIES SIXTY SPECIAL FLEETWOOD

Cadillac's non-limousine style Fleetwood model carried the Sixty Special designation in script below the Cadillac crest on the sides of the front fenders. A Fleetwood name also appeared on the rear face of the deck lid. Solid chrome exhaust extension trim moldings were seen on the rear fenders.

Model NumberBody StyleDoorsModelSeatingFactory PriceShipping WeightProduction Total
55-626019X4-doorSedan 66019499217,000
 
SERIES SIXTY SPECIAL FLEETWOOD ENGINE
 
FeatureStandard EngineOptional Engine
TypeV-8: Overhead valves
BlockCast iron block
Displacement365 cubic inches
Bore and stroke4.00 x 3.63 inches
Compression ratio9.75:1
Horsepower rating285 @ 4600 rpm305 @ 4700 rpm
Main bearingsFive
Valve liftersHydraulic
CarburetorCarter WCFB four-barrel, Model 2370STwo (2) Carter WCFB four-barrel, Model 2371S
 
SERIES 75 FLEETWOOD


Side trim on the long-wheelbase Fleetwood models was about the same as 1956, except for the addition of exhaust extension moldings on the rear fender. This trim ran along a tapering conical flare from above the wheel housing to the rear bumper. A Fleetwood script appeared on the deck lid and limousine styling was seen again. Changes in grilles and bumpers conformed to those used with other series. Both models had auxiliary seats and the Imperial sedan again featured a glass driver's partition. Standard equipment on all Cadillac’s was comparable to that included the previous year.   

Model NumberBody StyleDoorsModelSeatingFactory PriceShipping WeightProduction Total
55-757523X4-doorSedan 7655850501095
55-757533X-Imperial Sedan867735130955
55-868680S-Commercial chassis--2,025 

NOTE: The commercial chassis featured a 158 inch wheelbase and was provided to makers of professional cars for construction of funeral cars and ambulances, etc.

SERIES 75 FLEETWOOD ENGINES
 
FeatureStandard EngineOptional Engine
TypeV-8: Overhead valves
BlockCast iron block
Displacement365 cubic inches
Bore and stroke4.00 x 3.63 inches
Compression ratio9.75:1
Horsepower rating285 @ 4600 rpm305 @ 4700 rpm
Main bearingsFive
Valve liftersHydraulic
CarburetorCarter WCFB four-barrel, Model 2370STwo (2) Carter WCFB four-barrel, Model 2371S
 
CHASSIS
 
FeatureSeries 60 FleetwoodSeries 75 Fleetwood
Wheelbase133"149.75"
Overall Length225.9"235.7
Front Tread60"60"
Rear Tread63.1"63.1"
Tires8.00 x 158.20 x 15 Black wall
ExhaustDual exhaust


CONVENIENCE OPTIONS
 
  • Air conditioning.
  • White sidewall tires.
  • E-Z-Eye safety glass.
  • Autronic eye automatic headlamp dimmer.
  • Signal-seeking radio with preselector and antenna.
  • Heating and ventilation system.
  • Power window lifts (specific models).
  • Gold finish grille.
  • Two-way posture power seat ($81).
  • Six-way power seat ($97).
  • Other standard GM accessories available.
  • (Note: Posture power adjustable seat on convertible, DeVilles and Series 60S only. Six-way seat on 62 Coupe and sedan and standard for Eldorado).
 
HISTORICAL
  • The Cadillac Series 62 Sedan DeVille four-door hardtop and Eldorado Seville two-door hardtop were introduced to the public almost a month earlier than other models on October 24, 1955.
  • The remaining cars in the line were introduced the following month on November 18.
  • The 1956 Hydra-Matic transmission incorporated changes that increased its size and smoothed out shifting qualities.
  • It was developed by GM at a cost of $35 million.
  • The 1956 line set records in sales and production moving Cadillac from 10th to 9th position in the American sales race.
  • On Aug. 5, 1956 the division announced the purchase of the former Hudson Motor Car plant on Detroit's east end.
There are no translations available.

1956 Cadillac Eldorado

 

1956 Cadillac EldoradoThe 1956 Cadillac line offered buyers a choice of Eldorado’s for the first time. The convertible returned with the name Biarritz (body style series # 6267SX) to set it apart from a new two-door hardtop companion called Seville (body style series # 6237DX). Both names were taken from historic -- and, of course, prestigious -- European cities, Seville in Spain and Biarritz in France. Styling changes common to both included the addition of a smart, twin-bladed hood ornament -- suitable for impaling unsuspecting pedestrians -- and a pair of ribbed chrome "saddles" on the door tops.

1956 Cadillac EldoradoThe Seville proved to be particularly popular, outselling the Biarritz by nearly 2 to 1 (3900 to 2150). Interestingly enough, their positions would be reversed within three years. Under the hood, the Cadillac V-8 was enlarged for the first time since 1949, with a 3/16-inch increase in bore (4.00-inch) and the same 3.63-inch stroke bringing swept volume to 365 cid. Compression was 9.75:1. Horsepower was rated at 305 at 4700 rpm for the two Eldorado’s, again 20 more than that of other models. The engine had two carburetors (rather than one for other models): Carter WCFB four-barrel Model 2371S.

Wheelbase=129 inches; overall length=222.2 inches; front tread=60 inches; rear tread=63.1 inches; tires=8.20x15 whitewall. The Eldorado Seville two-door hardtop was introduced to the public almost a month earlier (October 24, 1955) than other models which were introduced on November 18. The 1956 Hydra-Matic transmission incorporated changes that increased its size and smoothed out shifting qualities. It was developed by GM at a cost of $35 million.


1956 Cadillac Eldorado
CHASSIS
 
FeatureSeries 62 Eldorado
Wheelbase129"
Overall Length222.2"
Front Tread60"
Rear Tread63.1"
Tires8.20 x 15 whitewall
ExhaustDual exhaust


CONVENIENCE OPTIONS
 
  • Air conditioning.
  • White sidewall tires.
  • E-Z-Eye safety glass.
  • Autronic eye automatic headlamp dimmer.
  • Signal-seeking radio with preselector and antenna.
  • Heating and ventilation system.
  • Power window lifts (specific models).
  • Gold finish grille.
  • Two-way posture power seat ($81).
  • Six-way power seat ($97).
  • Other standard GM accessories available.
  • (Note: Posture power adjustable seat on convertible, DeVilles and Series 60S only. Six-way seat on 62 Coupe and sedan and standard for Eldorado).
 
HISTORICAL
  • The Cadillac Series 62 Sedan DeVille four-door hardtop and Eldorado Seville two-door hardtop were introduced to the public almost a month earlier than other models on October 24, 1955.
  • The remaining cars in the line were introduced the following month on November 18.
  • The 1956 Hydra-Matic transmission incorporated changes that increased its size and smoothed out shifting qualities.
  • It was developed by GM at a cost of $35 million.
  • The 1956 line set records in sales and production moving Cadillac from 10th to 9th position in the American sales race.
  • On Aug. 5, 1956 the division announced the purchase of the former Hudson Motor Car plant on Detroit's east end.
There are no translations available.

1956 Cadillac Series 62

 

1956 CadillacThe 1956 year saw introduction of Cadillac's first four-door hardtop Sedan de Ville, which immediately scored almost as many sales as the Coupe de Ville and standard 62 hardtop combined.

Despite an all-new '56 Lincoln and revitalized '57 Imperial, Cadillac remained America's luxury sales leader by far. Combined Lincoln/Imperial volume never exceeded 40,000 cars a year in this era; at Cadillac, that was good quarterly output.

For 1956, the milestone V-8 was stroked to an even 4 inches to deliver 285 bhp standard and 305 for Eldorado.

1956 Cadillac

SERIES 62

1956 CadillacAlthough a facelift was the major restyling news for 1956, there were still many changes in the Series 62 lineup and especially in the Eldorado sub-series. The annual "beauty treatment" consisted of a new grille with finer textured insert and the repositioning of the parking lights in the bumper, below the wing guards. Buyers were given a choice of a standard satin finish grille or optional gold finish, both selections decorated with Cadillac script on the lefthand side. On the rear side fenders of Series 62 models a narrow chrome molding and nine vertical louvers were seen.

The Coupe DeVille had a model nameplate and Cadillac crest on the sides of front fenders, while the more standard cars had only the crest. An Eldorado script appeared, with a fender crest, on the luxury convertible, which also featured a twin-fin hood ornament. Other extras on this car -- now known as the Biarritz -- were a ribbed chrome saddle molding extending from the windshield to the rear window pillar along the beltline and flat, pointed rear fender fins. Totally new models included a pillar less four-door called the Sedan DeVille and an Eldorado Coupe Seville. The latter represented an especially luxurious hardtop coupe, which was built to Eldorado standards and similarly priced. As usual, the standard four-door 62 sedan was seven inches shorter than the other cars in the same series. Both cars in the Eldorado sub-series were slightly longer this year.

1956 Cadillac Fin

I. D. NUMBERS

 
  • Serial numbers and engine numbers were the same again and were found in the same locations.
  • The first two symbols were "56" to designate 1956 model production.
  • The next two symbols indicated the series as follows:
    • "62" = Series 62
    • "60" = Fleetwood Sixty
    • "75" = Fleetwood 75
  • The remaining digits represented the consecutive unit number and began at 00000 for each series.
  • All series had the same ending number, which would be misinterpreted if listed.

Model Number

Body StyleDoorsModelSeatingFactory PriceShipping WeightProduction Total
55-626219(X)4-doorSedan 64241443026,222
55-626219(X)-Export Sedan642414430444
55-626239DX-Sedan DeVille64698455041,732
55-626237(X)2-doorHardtop Coupe64146442026,649
55-626237DX-Coupe DeVille64569444525,086
55-626267X-Convertible Coupe6471146458300
55-6262-Chassis only- --19
ELDORADO (SUB SERIES)
55-626237DX-Coupe Seville6650146653900
55-626267SX-Convertible Biarritz6650148802150


NOTE: The symbol X in brackets after Body Style Number indicates hydraulic window lifts optional; without brackets indicates this feature standard.

SERIES 62 ENGINE

 

Feature

Standard EngineOptional Engine
TypeV-8: Overhead valves
BlockCast iron block
Displacement365 cubic inches
Bore and stroke4.00 x 3.63 inches
Compression ratio9.75:1
Horsepower rating285 @ 4600 rpm305 @ 4700 rpm
Main bearingsFive
Valve liftersHydraulic
CarburetorCarter WCFB four-barrel, Model 2370STwo (2) Carter WCFB four-barrel, Model 2371S

 1956 Cadillac

CHASSIS

 

Feature

Series 62 SedanOther Series 62
Wheelbase129"129"
Overall Length214.9"221.9
Front Tread60"60"
Rear Tread63.1"63.1"
Tires8.00 x 158.00 x 15
ExhaustDual exhaust


CONVENIENCE OPTIONS

 
  • Air conditioning.
  • White sidewall tires.
  • E-Z-Eye safety glass.
  • Autronic eye automatic headlamp dimmer.
  • Signal-seeking radio with preselector and antenna.
  • Heating and ventilation system.
  • Power window lifts (specific models).
  • Gold finish grille.
  • Two-way posture power seat ($81).
  • Six-way power seat ($97).
  • Other standard GM accessories available.
  • (Note: Posture power adjustable seat on convertible, DeVilles and Series 60S only. Six-way seat on 62 Coupe and sedan and standard for Eldorado).
 

HISTORICAL

  • The Cadillac Series 62 Sedan DeVille four-door hardtop and Eldorado Seville two-door hardtop were introduced to the public almost a month earlier than other models on October 24, 1955.
  • The remaining cars in the line were introduced the following month on November 18.
  • The 1956 Hydra-Matic transmission incorporated changes that increased its size and smoothed out shifting qualities.
  • It was developed by GM at a cost of $35 million.
  • The 1956 line set records in sales and production moving Cadillac from 10th to 9th position in the American sales race.
  • On Aug. 5, 1956 the division announced the purchase of the former Hudson Motor Car plant on Detroit's east end.