SERIES SIXTY SPECIAL FLEETWOOD |
Model Number | Body Style | Doors | Model | Seating | Factory Price | Shipping Weight | Production Total |
57-60 | 6039 | 4-door | Hardtop Sedan | 6 | 5539 | 4755 | 24,000 |
SERIES SIXTY SPECIAL FLEETWOOD ENGINE |
SERIES 75 FLEETWOOD |
Model Number | Body Style | Doors | Model | Seating | Factory Price | Shipping Weight | Production Total |
57-75 | 7523X | 4-door | Sedan | 9 | 7348 | 5340 | 1,010 |
57-75 | 7533X | 4-door | Imperial Sedan | 9 | 7586 | 5390 | 890 |
57-86 | 8680S | - | Commercial chassis | - | - | - | 2,169 |
SERIES 75 FLEETWOOD ENGINE |
CHASSIS |
Feature | Series 60 Fleetwood | Series 75 Fleetwood |
Wheelbase | 133" | 149.7" |
Overall Length | 224.4" | 236.2" |
Front Tread | 61" | |
Rear Tread | 61" | |
Tires | 8.00 x 15 blackwall | 8.20 x 15 six-ply blackwall |
Exhaust | Standard dual exhausts |
CONVENIENCE ACCESSORIES |
HISTORICAL |
Cadillac'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.
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 distinguishable 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. Conceived 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 Number | Body Style | Doors | Model | Seating | Factory Price | Shipping Weight | Production Total |
SERIES 62 ELDORADO SPECIALS | |||||||
57-62 | 6237SDX | 2 door | Coupe Seville Hardtop | 6 | 7286 | 4810 | 2,100 |
57-62 | 6267SX | 2 door | Biarritz Convertible | 6 | 7286 | 4930 | 1,800 |
57-62 | 6239SX | 4-door | Sedan Seville | 6 | - | - | 4 |
SERIES 70 ELDORADO BROUGHAM | |||||||
57-70 | 7059X | 4-door | Hardtop Sedan | 6 | 13,074 | 5315 | 400 |
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
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 |
Feature | Series 62 Eldorado | Series 70 Eldorado |
Type | V-8, Overhead valves | |
Block | Cast iron block | |
Displacement | 365 cubic inches | |
Bore and stroke | 4.00 x 3.625 inches | |
Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
Brake horsepower | 300 @ 4800 rpm | 325 @ 4800 rpm |
Main bearings | Five | |
Valve lifters | Hydraulic | |
Carburetor | Rochester four barrel Model 7015701 | Two (2) Carter four barrel (Front) Model 25a4S; (Rear) Model 2583S |
CHASSIS |
Feature | Series 62 Eldorado | Series 70 Eldorado |
Wheelbase | 129.5" | 126" |
Overall Length | 222.1" | 216.3" |
Front Tread | 61" | |
Rear Tread | 61" | |
Tires | 8.20 x 15 whitewall | 8.40 x 15 high-speed type whitewall |
Exhaust | Standard dual exhausts |
POWERTRAIN OPTIONS |
CONVENIENCE ACCESSORIES |
HISTORICAL |
The 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.
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.
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.
SERIES 62 |
For 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
I. D. NUMBERS |
Model Number | Body Style | Doors | Model | Seating | Factory Price | Shipping Weight | Production Total |
57-62 | 6239(X) | 4-door | Hardtop Sedan | 6 | 4713 | 4595 | 32,342 |
57-62 | 6239(X) | 4-door | Export Sedan | 6 | 4713 | 4595 | 384 |
57-62 | 6239DX | 4-door | DeVille Hardtop | 6 | 5188 | 4655 | 23,808 |
57-62 | 6237(X) | 2-door | Hardtop Coupe | 6 | 4609 | 4565 | 25,120 |
57-62 | 6237DX | 2-door | Coupe DeVille | 6 | 5048 | 4620 | 23,813 |
57-62 | 6267X | - | Convertible Coupe | 6 | 5225 | 4730 | 9,000 |
57-62 | 62 | - | Chassis only | - | - | - | 1 |
SERIES 62 ENGINE |
CHASSIS |
Feature | Series 62 Sedans | Series 62 Coupes & Convertibles |
Wheelbase | 129.5" | |
Overall Length | 215.9" | 220.9" |
Front Tread | 61" | |
Rear Tread | 61" | |
Tires | 8.00 x 15 blackwall | |
Exhaust | Standard dual exhausts |
CONVENIENCE ACCESSORIES |
HISTORICAL |
SERIES SIXTY SPECIAL FLEETWOOD |
Model Number | Body Style | Doors | Model | Seating | Factory Price | Shipping Weight | Production Total |
55-62 | 6019X | 4-door | Sedan | 6 | 6019 | 4992 | 17,000 |
SERIES SIXTY SPECIAL FLEETWOOD ENGINE |
Feature | Standard Engine | Optional Engine |
Type | V-8: Overhead valves | |
Block | Cast iron block | |
Displacement | 365 cubic inches | |
Bore and stroke | 4.00 x 3.63 inches | |
Compression ratio | 9.75:1 | |
Horsepower rating | 285 @ 4600 rpm | 305 @ 4700 rpm |
Main bearings | Five | |
Valve lifters | Hydraulic | |
Carburetor | Carter WCFB four-barrel, Model 2370S | Two (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 Number | Body Style | Doors | Model | Seating | Factory Price | Shipping Weight | Production Total |
55-75 | 7523X | 4-door | Sedan | 7 | 6558 | 5050 | 1095 |
55-75 | 7533X | - | Imperial Sedan | 8 | 6773 | 5130 | 955 |
55-86 | 8680S | - | Commercial chassis | - | - | 2,025 |
SERIES 75 FLEETWOOD ENGINES |
Feature | Standard Engine | Optional Engine |
Type | V-8: Overhead valves | |
Block | Cast iron block | |
Displacement | 365 cubic inches | |
Bore and stroke | 4.00 x 3.63 inches | |
Compression ratio | 9.75:1 | |
Horsepower rating | 285 @ 4600 rpm | 305 @ 4700 rpm |
Main bearings | Five | |
Valve lifters | Hydraulic | |
Carburetor | Carter WCFB four-barrel, Model 2370S | Two (2) Carter WCFB four-barrel, Model 2371S |
CHASSIS |
Feature | Series 60 Fleetwood | Series 75 Fleetwood |
Wheelbase | 133" | 149.75" |
Overall Length | 225.9" | 235.7 |
Front Tread | 60" | 60" |
Rear Tread | 63.1" | 63.1" |
Tires | 8.00 x 15 | 8.20 x 15 Black wall |
Exhaust | Dual exhaust |
CONVENIENCE OPTIONS |
HISTORICAL |
The 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.
The 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.
CHASSIS |
Feature | Series 62 Eldorado |
Wheelbase | 129" |
Overall Length | 222.2" |
Front Tread | 60" |
Rear Tread | 63.1" |
Tires | 8.20 x 15 whitewall |
Exhaust | Dual exhaust |
CONVENIENCE OPTIONS |
HISTORICAL |
The 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.
SERIES 62 |
Although 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.
I. D. NUMBERS |
Model Number | Body Style | Doors | Model | Seating | Factory Price | Shipping Weight | Production Total |
55-62 | 6219(X) | 4-door | Sedan | 6 | 4241 | 4430 | 26,222 |
55-62 | 6219(X) | - | Export Sedan | 6 | 4241 | 4430 | 444 |
55-62 | 6239DX | - | Sedan DeVille | 6 | 4698 | 4550 | 41,732 |
55-62 | 6237(X) | 2-door | Hardtop Coupe | 6 | 4146 | 4420 | 26,649 |
55-62 | 6237DX | - | Coupe DeVille | 6 | 4569 | 4445 | 25,086 |
55-62 | 6267X | - | Convertible Coupe | 6 | 4711 | 4645 | 8300 |
55-62 | 62 | - | Chassis only | - | - | - | 19 |
ELDORADO (SUB SERIES) | |||||||
55-62 | 6237DX | - | Coupe Seville | 6 | 6501 | 4665 | 3900 |
55-62 | 6267SX | - | Convertible Biarritz | 6 | 6501 | 4880 | 2150 |
SERIES 62 ENGINE |
Feature | Standard Engine | Optional Engine |
Type | V-8: Overhead valves | |
Block | Cast iron block | |
Displacement | 365 cubic inches | |
Bore and stroke | 4.00 x 3.63 inches | |
Compression ratio | 9.75:1 | |
Horsepower rating | 285 @ 4600 rpm | 305 @ 4700 rpm |
Main bearings | Five | |
Valve lifters | Hydraulic | |
Carburetor | Carter WCFB four-barrel, Model 2370S | Two (2) Carter WCFB four-barrel, Model 2371S |
CHASSIS |
Feature | Series 62 Sedan | Other Series 62 |
Wheelbase | 129" | 129" |
Overall Length | 214.9" | 221.9 |
Front Tread | 60" | 60" |
Rear Tread | 63.1" | 63.1" |
Tires | 8.00 x 15 | 8.00 x 15 |
Exhaust | Dual exhaust |
CONVENIENCE OPTIONS |
HISTORICAL |