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2008 Member's Picture Gallery
January 2008: Leigh J W Spivey
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My car is a 1954 Cadillac Eldorado and I have had it for 40 years. It was sold new by Lendrum and Hartman in London to
one Denis Ziam De Ferranti - who I believe was head of Ferranti Electronics now I believe part of British Aerospace
specializing in radar etc. After then passing through a couple of London dealers it arrived in the north of England,
having been bought by a farmer / horse dealer in a village near where I live in 1959. Apparently he only went out of
the village in it to the livestock market once a week. He would carry bales of straw in it and take some of the village
children to the local fish and chip shop often with a baby lamb on the back seat for them to feed. I am told he never
taxed it and it ran without an exhaust for years. The first time I saw it it was covered in chicken muck and mud but
he still ran it regularly. After weeks of haggling my father bought it for about $400 plus a clapped out Austin Sheerline
limousine in May 1967. When we eventually got it clean it was still in very good condition but the original black paint
was badly scratched. Seeing as my father always wanted a white Cadillac convertible it was re-sprayed in Old English
White - just a quick re-spray - not a bare metal everything off job -the trims were just masked up.
As for the rest of the car, in the interior only the front seat squabs and cushions have been replaced with the correct
embossing of the leather courtesy of Jenkins, When we were importing the leather kit someone from our Customs Office
rang up and asked if the cows were dead. My wife replied `I hope so they are dyed red `. It still has the original
Orlon hood and carpets although the hood does need re-stitching around the edges as some of the
stitches have rotted
I have recently had a new rear window. It is the only Eldorado I have seen that has still got the original Dinoc
finish on the dashboard and door cappings although there is some rust now showing underneath. I believe replacement
'transfers' are now available - perhaps someone can let me know who it is as I lost the telephone number I took out
of Hemmings but have never seen it since. Mechanically it still runs all its original components
although I think the brake servo is off a 70`s English Hillman .
The only chrome work that has been done are two new rear
bumper ends and one of the front trims on the wing (fender) at the front was replaced - cast in brass, as at the
time we didn't know were to get one from. Two of the wire wheels are reasonably new but the others are original
re-chromed ones.
Over the years it has won many trophies but those days are now rare. I am a big believer in originality unless it really needs doing. Unlike me who is going downhill fast the Caddy is maturing well with age and I still get a buzz just walking in the garage and looking at it -even after 40 years. I know some owners who have had their car longer than that but very few can have had the fun and enjoyment out of them as I have had out of mine over the years. I never tired of talking about talking about it and will probably never sell it at
least while we are still able to drive it and work on it.
To read Leigh's complete write-up, click here
February 2008: Jimmy Dorsey
1963 Cadillac 6 Window Sedan Model 62
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This car was originally delivered in Los Angles California. The grandson of the original owner inherited the car and brought it to Atlanta in 1976.
I purchased the car in 1980 for $700. I have it insured for $5,000. This is the only car that I have purchased that has appreciated. When I received the car the odometer read 49,000 miles.
It could have been 149,000 miles because there were only 5 wheels on the odometer in that era. The car now has 17,000 or 117.000 miles I removed the engine from the car and ordered all of the parts.
NAPA installed all of the parts for $100. I reinstalled the engine. The parts that have been rebuilt or replaced are transmission, two-piece drive shaft, most of the front end, foam in seats and carpet.
All other upholstery is original. The upholstery is nylon so has lasted. The more costly Cadillacs had cloth seats that did not fare as well. The car was painted after I did the preparation for $300, five years ago.
The engine develops 325 HP @ 4800 RPM. The accessories are Power Steering., Power Brakes, Power windows and antenna, automatic brake release, town and country horn J (not original), AM – FM radio (not original)
with rear speaker, air conditioned (last year for manual controls), hydramatic 4 forward speeds (last year). I am told that the 4 speeds are more economical than the later 3 speeds. I am certain Cadillac was
not concerned about economy at that time. The engine gets 13 MPG city and 17 MPG country.
March 2008: Forrest Ward
1956 Cadillac Coupe de Ville
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I have always driven old cars as my daily drivers. In fact I have never owned a "new" car (any built after 1972) and likely never will.
In summer 2001, I was in the market for a "new" old car. I had been driving my 1972 Monte Carlo for 6 or 7 years but didn't have the time to do what was necessary to make it presentable.
I also had 2 or 3 other vehicles that needed restoring but was in the middle of a home renovation project and realized that I would never get any of them finished. I decided to get rid
of all of them and use the money to buy one nice, presentable auto that I could use as my main form of transportation.
I was looking for a muscle car. I had already owned a '66 Mustang and a '68
Camaro. While I searched for my muscle car, I kept passing this 1956 Cadillac Coupe de Villesitting on a
residential street about 1 mile from my house in downtown Atlanta.
I thought it looked like a really nice car in reasonably good shape but since it was sitting out on the street and rarely moved, I figured it must have some major problems. When the
owner finally posted a "For Sale" sign on it I figured I'd stop in and take a look.
The car was complete and had never been molested. The original engine ran very smoothly and the interior was in decent shape. The exterior looked exactly as it does today.
I decided
right then that the long sought after muscle car was out and that this would be my new car.
The car was really just in need of some TLC.
I fixed the electric windows, wipers, seat, etc. The brakes were shot as was the exhaust system. I rebuilt both to original specs. I then
decided to have the suspension and steering linkage completely rebuilt as well.
A friend of mine dubbed it "The Bismarck" because it was as big as the battleship. It was also the same color as one.
I take the Bismarck on trips of over 1000 miles every year. It is the most comfortable and easy to drive car I have ever owned. It can cruise at 80mph all day long on the highway and
still get a decent 18mpg. I am currently planning a 3-4 month cross country trip in this car while towing a vintage Airstream trailer.
Every time I get behind the wheel, I feel a great sense of joy and satisfaction. This feeling has never worn off since I've owned it. I can also say that this car has made me a better
and safer driver.
I don't feel obligated to burn rubber at stop lights as I did in my previous cars. I also don't make any sudden lane changes, jack rabbit starts or sudden stops. It's altogether a
much more relaxed experience (for my passengers as well).
The engine is a 365ci V8 with a 4bbl carb rated at 285hp. This engine is based on the 331ci overhead cam, high compression engine introduced in 1949, considered to be the first "modern" V8.
It works through an extremely smooth and fast 4 speed Hydromatic transmission.
The exterior is Camelot Grey (metallic) and Alpine White. The interior is Sonic Blue.
April 2008: Danny Ryder
1970 Cadillac Funeral Limo
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This 1970 Cadillac started life at the Almon Funeral Home in Carrollton, Ga.
The Almon Funeral Home traded it in for new one and the Chapman Funeral Home
in Jasper, Ga. got it in 1976. I started working at Chapman's in June of 1979
and drove this car almost daily for Convalescent Ambulance work until we quit
that in 1992.
We didn't use the car much after that and I started trying to
buy it from the funeral home around 1995. Owner wouldn't sell though. But
in January 2001, the funeral home sold out to new guy who I didn't go to work
for but I still tried to buy the car. I called him every few months from 2001
until August 2005. That’s when I called and offered him a 1993 caddy six door
funeral limo in trade. Within one hour I was driving home with “Old Blue”
(as we called her in the old days). I mainly wanted the car because I put
most of the miles on her (136,000) and she had carried most of my family to
their final resting place, including my father in 2000.
The car has only
had the usual maintenance, one new windshield in mid 1980s, and one paint
job around 1995 when acid rain messed up original paint. The car has always
been kept inside except for short time when the last owner left her out when
he decided he didn't want her anymore. The interior is still very good and
front and rear heat and air work as they should with R-12 system still in place.
Last summer I called Almon Funeral home to see if anyone still worked there that
remembered the car and if they would like to see it. They had several who knew
the car although the original owner of funeral home had passed on a few years ago.
I took the car down and they went wild over it looking as it was back then.
They took at least 100 pictures standing by it. They told me they worked
commercial aircraft crash in Dallas, Ga. in mid 1970s with this car which was
interesting to know. I have used this car for several funerals when the family
wanted an older car like grandpa or grandma would be able to relate to.
May 2008: Jay Friedman
1949 Cadillac Series 61 2-door Club Coupe
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My 1949 Cadillac Series 61 2-door Club Coupe, Model 6107, “The Green Queen”, was
sold new by Rickenbaugh Motors, Denver CO. Kept by the original owner until 1974,
when it was sold to a woman in Laramie WY. She sold it to a collector in the Chicago
area in 1976 from whom I bought it in 1984.
Originally equipped with Hydra-matic, I converted it to a Synchromesh (manual)
transmission that year, rebuilt the motor in1985, had it repainted dark green in
1986 and had it re-upholstered in 1987. I drive it regularly, including extended
trips to more than 10 CLC Grand Nationals and Driving Tours. The car is totally
stock (except for a modern radio) with its original 331 cu. in., 160 HP, OHV V8.
She runs beautifully, easily cruises at interstate speeds and has never been on a
trailer. In 1988 the Queen appeared in the film “Driving Miss Daisy” as the car
of Miss Daisy’s son, Boolie, played by Dan Akroyd.
June 2008: Gary Shaw
1956 SDV Cadillac "Daisy"
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We joined the CLC and the Peach State chapter two years ago and have yet to participate in any of the functions. This is my second Cadillac.
The first had been used on the construction site and was in very sad shape. When Jackson (our adopted son) came to us, I felt we needed a way
to build memories as a family and raise our child around wholesome activities and good people. With that in mind I ask my wife if I could
purchase another Cadillac. This one came to me by the way of Brandon Motors and was originally purchased by a Herbert A. Longworth from
New Rochelle NY. I bought from Cadillac on Broadway at 57th, NYC for $4115.15.
I’ve finally been able to have the engine rebuilt at Flashback Motorworks and now I feel she will take us everywhere we wish to go.
We are looking so forward to making those memories come true.
July 2008:
Sandy Partridge
1976 Cadillac Coupe DeVille "Monicabio" (Click on the image to see the full-size view, then use your Browser's 'BACK' button to return here.
After selling my 1976 Eldorado convertible in August 2005, I started looking for another Cadillac in March 2007. I looked on several internet sites at many different cars
(including a 1975 Sedan de Ville in Mandarin Orange with the matching vinyl top, orange carpets and dash, and the orange plaid interior) in various parts of the country.
I was truly impressed by CLC club members in other states willing to go check out a car for me; I hope I can return the favor some day.
After looking all over the country it seemed, I found this car listed on craigslist in Acworth, only twenty minutes from my house. I went and looked at the car, drove it,
and bought it. He had babied the car; never washed it with a hose but used a bucket and a towel, and drove it less than 900 miles the year before I bought it. He wanted
to sell it to someone that would appreciate it and take care of it, not “pimp it out and ruin it.” I assured him I would take care of his baby. I am the third owner and
it had 72,072 miles when I purchased it in May 2007.
It is a 1976 Coupe de Ville d’Elegance in Crystal Blue Firemist with the blue fabric interior. Some of the options are cruise control, 8-track radio, and power passenger
recliner. Since purchasing the car the only major work I have had to do was have the drive shaft rebuilt and replace the rear bumper fillers.
August 2008: Frank and Martina Butler
1964 Eldorado Biarritz
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Our love for Cadillac’s started when Frank went to play golf and came home with the news that he could pick up (gratis) a 1974
Eldo coupe – stored and not driven for 18 years. That was ten years ago. Despite many happy hours we soon knew we wanted
a convertible but were not sure which model would suit both of us.
When we went to Savannah for the 2007 Grand National, we were able to look at many stunning models we both fell head-over-heels
in love with a navy blue ’64 Eldo. We again were reminded of how much we liked the car when a ’64 Eldo showed up on the cover
of the February 2008 edition of “The Self Starter”. This issue started the ball rolling when Martina emailed our Vice President
and local collector, Lewis Schwartz, and told him that she was really in love with the ’64. Lewis knew a collector in California
who had one for sale. Things moved quickly after we received the emailed photos. We purchased the car sight unseen! On February 24
the car arrived in the driveway and was in remarkable condition. We know little about the car, other than it sat for years
unobtrusively ensconced in the middle of a very large collection.
We had barely owned the car and had put her in fabulous driving condition when a movie company interested in leasing the car
contacted us. They picked the car up in an enclosed trailer, spent hours getting it to look just right, and subsequently used
it for the filming of the baptism scene for the Tyler Perry film, “The Family That Preys”, with Kathy Bates. The release of the
movie is to be September 12, 2008 with Lionsgate as the studio. We are not sure if the clip will wind up on the cutting room
floor or will indeed be used, but we were certainly compensated handsomely. Compensated or not, she is a star in our eyes!
September 2008: Leigh J. W. Spivey
1927 Austin 7
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I have sent you a photo of our other baby. This is a 1927 Austin 7, which has also been in the family about 40 years.
I was busy stripping the engine down last weekend as it had a bad water leak and started rattling when it got
overheated. Hopefully I caught it just in time before it caused any permanent damage. I know you have a lot
of specialist suppliers in the States who are good but the guy I get my parts from for the Austin posted them
out and I received them in less than 24 hours - normal postal delivery. Not bad for a 60 year old car. He is
a real old timer - he calls me Lad - and I’m 62 - and his premises are grown up with Ivy- inside as well as
outside. There are old Austin packing cases that have never been opened. It is like going back into a time
warp, but he knows his Austin Sevens. When I quoted him my engine number he said it wasn’t the original 1927
but a 1935 probably built first or second week in December -straight of top his head.
My car is bit of a mismatch anyway as it has 4 speed not three speed gearbox, hydraulic brakes - -not cable,
sports carb with a 4 branch manifold etc, plus larger wheels are the same size as the van. The chassis plate
is missing so I think it even could have been made up from different cars. During the war we had to make do
and mend as they say. It still looks the part though although a purist would shudder if he saw it. Not like
the Caddy, they are as different as chalk and cheese.
Maybe one of our fellow CLC members can help me with the location of a part. I am in need of a screw top for
the brake fluid reservoir for my 1954 Eldorado, the one that is on the driver’s side bulkhead under the bonnet.
I checked the fluid before going out a couple of years ago and remembered I had left it on top of the air
cleaner when it rattled and fell off on the motorway about 20 miles later. I have tried to get one over here
with no luck and I haven’t seen a supplier that lists it either. I guess the Caddy engine still run smooth
taking all that time to fall off. If anyone has an old one off a scrapper or if GM used the same reservoir
on other models or know where I can get one I would be grateful. I need just the top but if I have to get
the reservoir as well that’s ok.
October 2008: Art Gardner
1949 Cadillac Club Coupe
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Here is "The Cadster" -- a 1949 Cadillac Club Coupe (sometimes called a fastback or a
Sedanet).
First year of revolutionary overhead valve V-8 (an industry first, now the standard design of most
V-8's, including the ubiquitous Chevy 350). Second year of the fins (Caddy introduced the first tail
fins on the 1948 cars, patterned after the tail fins on a P-38 Lightning).
I bought the car 2 years ago from a guy in Philly who owned it 12 years, started a resto (took it all
apart), never finished. (I guess we have all heard that story before). So I bought it as a complete
BASKET CASE -- an empty shell and dozens of boxes! It needed motor overhaul, trans, suspension, brakes,
wiring, interior, chrome, glass, etc -- everything except paint!
The picture below shows what it
looked like when I got it. Been working day and night on the old car and am
almost done.
I have switched it to 12V, added air conditioning, fuel injection, dual circuit master cylinder, power
steering, electric wipers, etc., all while keeping the original, numbers-matching engine and trans.
The pictures of the engine bay show my fuel injection set-up hiding under the stock-looking air cleaner
and sitting on the stock intake manifold. The A/C compressor is completely hidden down low and you won't
see any A/C hoses going through my firewall. The generator is really an alternator disguised in a
generator's shell. Voltage regulator is all show, no go (I have run the wires over to it, but not
through it, since the alternator is internally regulated). The net effect is that the engine bay
looks very stock, but isn't. Only a motorhead, Caddy-crazy, car guy would care about these little
details (but, I guess that's me). One detail that is fairly visible is the modern front seats with
integral 3-point seat belts. Since I am using this car for daily transportation, I had to have safe
seat belts (lap belts in the front are nearly useless)....
Jay Friedman has been coming over to my home garage to help out with the car and has been a BIG help
in getting this car going.
November 2008: Emerson Duke
1993 Cadillac Sixty Special
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This was the last year (so far) for the use of the designation of luxury in
a smaller package, as in 1938. Then, Billy Mitchell persuaded Harley Earl
to let him have relatively free rein on a new design on the lowest priced
60-series chassis by Cadillac. The result was just stunning – no running
boards or side mounts, a lower profile with all front-hinged doors and a
prominent trunk. The wonderful art deco grille has become a classic
representation of the era. It quickly became the design to beat, and helped
Cadillac vault past Packard and Lincoln in the luxury class. By 1941, the
Sixty Special had become a true special, and was the most expensive
Cadillac 5-passenger (6 if you are all somewhat more thin than we are
today...!) closed sedan at $2195 plus options and delivery.
Later it was also known affectionately as the “Fleetwood” and sometimes
this was incorporated into the designation. When serious downsizing began
in the late 1980s, Cadillac again turned to the “Fleetwood”
nomenclature to designate its premium smaller car. At this time they were
also making the Fleetwood Brougham, a term continued from the 1970's and
referring to a larger rear-drive car. The luxury front wheel drive car was
termed the “Fleetwood.” It was a step above the normal DeVilles. In the
late 1980s and 1990, there was a 2-door version of the Fleetwood.
In 1993 Cadillac redesigned the rear drive Fleetwood Brougham, and decided
not to continue “Fleetwood” for the front drive car. So, they reverted
to the revered name of Sixty Special to grace their premium front wheel
drive car. It continued the trusty 4.9 liter (300 cu. in. for those old
fashioned as me) V8, a true 250,000 mile engine if maintained properly. EPA
rates the gas mileage as 16 city and 26 Highway, for a combined 19 mpg. The
new ratings are about 10 % lower, but I seem to be able to get the original
figures. Heavy air conditioning use does cut the highway mileage to about
24.5 or so. The best mileage seems to be about 50-55 mph. The trip to the
Grand National
in Cherry Hill will tell more.
My car was purchased new in Salisbury NC, and had moved to Lake Keowee here
in Northern SC. I was told that that owner had to go to a nursing home and
the car sat idle for some time until it was sold. It had only 68,000 miles,
and looked in good shape, except for the black wall tires – Ugh on a dark
grey-green Cadillac! I had to do a few detail repairs (I found the
“Nursing Home Nick”), but since I got a 25% price reduction on the
purchase (high gas prices are good for some situations!) I had “wiggle
room.” A new A/C compressor taught me some lessons – all now come with
the 134A oil, so that's what went in the new system. I elected to repair
the right front fender – a plastic affair – with some glue, a paint
stick, some 1500-grit sandpaper and Meguiars' “Final Cut” magic liquid.
The color could never be matched, so I have a good “12-footer.” There
were relatively few other dings.
The fun features are the individual lighted mirrors for each of 4
passengers (they put a light bar across the roof in the rear seating area)
and it of course has all the electronic gauges and the great Bose-Delco
radio. CD capability had not arrived in 1993. Another benefit of an older
car is the great break on car taxes. At 15 years of age in a car, the
assessed value in SC goes to $500. Insurance was pleasantly cheap too.
It is sure going to be great going to Philly in Air Conditioned Cadillac
Comfort!
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December 2008: Doug Ivester
1932 Cadillac 370 B Deluxe Sport Phaeton - V 12, Body # 7 by Fisher.
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1932 Cadillac 370 B Deluxe Sport Phaeton - V 12, Body # 7 by Fisher.
The car carries a Senior Badge and is featured on page 189 of Cadillac – Standard of the World, The Complete History ( 5th
Edition) by Maurice D Hendry.
The car was a National First Prize winner of the AACC in 1966. I have owned the car since 1993.
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