Cadillac Series 70
 |
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 1940 Cadillac Series 75 limousine |
|
| Manufacturer | General Motors |
|---|---|
| Production | 1935–1976 1984-1987 |
| Predecessor | Cadillac Series 355 |
| Class | Full-size luxury car |
The Series 70 (models 70 and 75) was one of Cadillac's full-size V8-powered cars produced from the 1930s through the 1980s. It replaced the 1935 355E as the company's mainstream car just as the much less expensive Series 60 was introduced. The Series 67 was similar to the Series 75 but produced on a longer wheelbase (139") for 1941 and 1942 only.
The short wheelbase Series 70 would cease production in 1938, but reappear briefly as the relatively expensive and exclusive Series 70 Eldorado Brougham 4-door hardtop from 1957 to 1958, while the long wheelbase Series 75 would make a final appearance in the 1987 model year.
Contents |
[edit] 1936–1937
 1937 Cadillac Series 70 2-door convertible |
|
| Model years | 1936–1937 |
|---|---|
| Assembly | Detroit, Michigan, USA[1][2] |
| Body style | 2-door coupe[1][2] 2-door convertible[1][2] 4-door sedan[1][2] 4-door convertible[1][2] 4-door town car[1][2] 4-door limousine[1][2] |
| Layout | FR layout[1][2] |
| Platform | Series 70: C-body Series 75: D-body |
| Engine | 346 cu in (5.7 L) Monobloc V8[1][2] |
| Transmission | 3-speed synchromesh manual[1][2] |
| Wheelbase | Series 70: 131.0 in (3,327 mm)[1][2] Series 75: 138.0 in (3,505 mm)[1][2] Commercial:156 in (3,962 mm)[1][2] |
| Length | Series 70: 206.3 in (5,240 mm)[1][2] Series 75: 213.5 in (5,423 mm)[1][2] |
| Width | 74.4 in (1,890 mm) |
| Height | Series 70: 69.5 in (1,765 mm)[1][2] Series 75: 68.8 in (1,748 mm)[1][2] |
| Curb weight | 4,500–5,300 lb (2,000–2,400 kg) |
| Related | Series 70: Cadillac Series 80 Cadillac Series 65 Buick Roadmaster Series 75: Cadillac Series 90 Cadillac Series 85 Buick Limited |
| Designer | Harley Earl |
The 1936 Series 70 and 75 both had vee shaped windshield syles by Fleetwood.[1][2] A narrower radiator shell was supported by the new louver style "Convex vee" grill.[1][2] Headlights were mounted on the radiator shell.[1][2] Parking lights were inside the headlights.[1][2] Front fenders were new with a crease along the center line.[1][2] The cowl vent was changed back to opening forward.[1][2] There were built-in trunks on "touring" styles, town cars and 4-door convertibles.[1][2] Coupes and 2-door convertibles had rumbleseats plus a separate door for the spare tire at the extreme rear of the deck.[1][2] All bodies now utilized the Fisher Turret Top.[1][2]
The Series 70 and 75 were powered by the new 346 cu in (5.7 L) Monobloc V8, This 135 hp (101 kW) engine was both less expensive and more powerful, and the stylish body by Fleetwood should have made the Series 70 and 75 an instant hit. However, the high price ($2,445 and up) limited their appeal in the Great Depression era. Only 5,248 were sold for 1936.[1][2]
In 1937 bodies were the same except for drip moldings running from the bottom of the front pillar up and over the doors and rear quarter window, new fenders and bumpers, headlights rigidly attached (adjusted by moving reflector), wheel discs incorporated a hubcap, and a built-in trunk was incorporated on most bodies.[1][2] A die-cast eggcrate grille was used, but the hood louver treatment differed from that used in Fisher bodied cars.[1][2] Chrome die cast strips were used at the rear of the hood side panels.[1][2] A seven-passenger Fisher-bodied Special touring sedan, without a division window was offered on the 138.0 in (3,505 mm) wheelbase.[1][2] These two body styles had the eggcrate hood louvers typical of all Fisher bodied Cadillacs for 1937.[1][2] The Business car line included eight-passenger versions of these Special sedans plus eight-passenger versions of Fleetwood body styles.[1][2] The eighth passenger was seated with two others on auxiliary seats.[1][2] A commercial chassis on a 156.0 in (3,962 mm) wheelbase was offered.[1][2] Engine changes included a lighter flywheel, a generator relocated in the vee, an oil filter, a new carburetor with full automatic electric choke, an oil bath cleaner, and a relocated distributor.[1][2] A new transmission design featured pin-type synchronizers, shifter rails relocated to the side of the case, a cover on the bottom of the case, and an extension integral with the transmission mainshaft.[1][2] Sales totaled 4,332.[1][2]
[edit] 1938–1940
 1938 Cadillac Series 75 Imperial Touring Limousine |
|
| Model years | 1938–1940 |
|---|---|
| Assembly | Detroit, Michigan, USA[1][2] |
| Body style | 2-door coupe[1][2] 2-door convertible[1][2] 4-door sedan[1][2] 4-door convertible[1][2] 4-door limousine[1][2] |
| Layout | FR[1][2] |
| Platform | D-body |
| Engine | 346 cu in (5.7 L) Monobloc V8[1][2] |
| Transmission | 3-speed synchromesh manual[1][2] 4-speed Hydramatic automatic[1][2] |
| Wheelbase | Series 72: 138 in (3,505 mm)[1][2] Series 75: 141 in (3,581 mm)[1][2] Commercial: 161–165 in (4,089–4,191 mm)[1][2] |
| Length | 1938: 220.6 in (5,603 mm)[1][2] 1939: 225.1 in (5,718 mm)[1][2] 1940: 228.2 in (5,796 mm)[1][2] |
| Width | 77.6 in (1,971 mm) |
| Curb weight | 4,800–5,400 lb (2,200–2,400 kg) |
| Related | Cadillac Series 90 Buick Limited |
For 1938 the Series 70 and Fisher-bodied Series 75 Specials were dropped. The Series 75 used a 141 in (3,600 mm) wheelbase and now only offered bodies by Fleetwood.
In 1938 the Cadillac Series 65 and the Series 75 shared a new front end style featuring a massive vertical cellular grille, three sets of horizontal bars on the hood sides, alligator hood, and headlights on the filler space between the fenders and the hood.[1][2] Optional sidemount covers were hinged to the fenders.[1][2] Quarter windows were of sliding rather than hinged construction.[1][2] The rear of the body had rounder corners and more smoothly blended lines.[1][2] Trunks had more of an appearance of being an integral part of the body.[1][2] Bodies were all steel except for wooden main sills.[1][2] New chassis details included a column gear shift, horns just behind the grille, battery under the right hand side of the hood, transverse muffler just behind the fuel tank, wheels by a different manufacturer, "Synchro-Flex" flywheel, hypoid rear axle and the deletion of the oil filter.[1][2] All Cadillacs shared the same 346 in³ L-head V8, although the 75 generated 140 hp (104 kW) instead of 135 hp (101 kW) like the rest of the line thanks to a higher 6.70:1 compression ratio, necessitating the use of higher octane fuel.[1][2]
For 1939, all Cadillac V8s had new grille styling; similar in appearance but different in detail dimensions on each series.[1][2] The pointed center grille and the functional side grilles were die-cast, with finepitch bars.[1][2] A single die-cast louver was positioned to the rear of each hood side panel.[1][2] Headlights were once again attached to the radiator casing.[1][2] Chassis changes included: tube and fin radiator core; sea shell horns under the hood; 10mm spark plugs.[1][2]
In 1940 the one year only Series 72 was introduced as a less expensive companion to the Series 75.[1][2] 1940 was the final year for the optional sidemounts.[1][2] Sealed beam headlights were standard equipment.[1][2] The engine manifold was set at five degrees to the engine to cancel the rearward tilt of the engine and give balanced distribution.[1][2]
[edit] Series 72
The Series 72 had the same general appearance as the Series 75 but it was three inches shorter and set apart by rectangular taillights set high on the sides of the trunk.[1][2] Recirculating ball steering was tried on Series 72 in 1940, to be adopted on all series in 1941.[1][2] Like the Series 75 it was Fleetwood bodied, but rode on a 138 in (3,500 mm) wheelbase.[1][2]
[edit] 1941–1949
 1941 Cadillac Series 67 limousine |
|
| Model years | 1941–1949 |
|---|---|
| Body style | 4-door sedan 4-door limousine |
| Layout | FR |
| Platform | D-body |
| Engine | 346 in³ Monobloc V8 331 in³ OHV V8 |
| Wheelbase | Series 67: 139 in (3,531 mm) Series 75: 136 in (3,454 mm) Commercial: 163 in (4,140 mm) |
| Length | 227"[3] |
| Related | Buick Limited |
For 1941, the wheelbase was reduced to 136 in (3,454 mm), though engine power was up to 150 hp (112 kW).
The Series 75 returned after the war as Cadillac's largest model. It retained most of its pre-war styling and rode on the long 136 in (3,500 mm) wheelbase. The engine was the same 346 in³ L-head V8 used by other Cadillacs that year. A late model Series 75 is directly referenced, also having the model name Series 75 in 2K Games Mafia II under the game's Cadillac pseudonym, 'Lassiter'.
The new Cadillac OHV V8 was the big news for 1949, with minor trim differences otherwise. This 331 in³ engine produced 160 hp (119 kW).
[edit] Series 67
The Series 67 of 1941-42 was somewhat larger than the 75. It was a Fisher car, but rode on a 139.0 in (3,530 mm) wheelbase.
[edit] 1950–1953
.jpg)
.jpg) 1952 Cadillac Series 75 |
|
| Model years | 1950–1953 |
|---|---|
| Platform | D-body |
| Engine | 331 in³ OHV V8 365 in³ OHV V8 |
| Wheelbase | 146.75 in (3,727 mm) |
An all-new Series 75 was introduced for 1950. This would replace the final pre-war design at Cadillac, with a new 146.75 in (3,727 mm) wheelbase. 7-passenger seating was again offered via jump seats. Engine output for the 331 was up to 190 hp (142 kW) for 1952. It would borrow the bumper bullets (or dagmars) as a styling cue from the 1951 Le Sabre show car.[4]
[edit] 1954–1956
 1956 Cadillac Series 75 |
|
| Model years | 1954–1956 |
|---|---|
| Layout | FR |
| Platform | D-body |
| Engine | 331 in³ OHV V8 365 in³ OHV V8 |
| Wheelbase | 149.8 in (3,805 mm)[5] |
| Length | 237" |
.jpg)
Wheelbase was up to 149.8 in (3,805 mm) for 1954, and engine output jumped to 230 hp (172 kW). It was at 250 hp (186 kW) one year later. An optional dual-four barrel carb setup boasted 270 hp (201 kW).
The engine was stroked to 365 in³ for 285 or 305 hp (213 or 227 kW) in 1956.
[edit] 1957–1958
 1958 Cadillac Series 75 |
|
| Model years | 1957-58 |
|---|---|
| Assembly | Detroit, Michigan, USA |
| Body style | 4-door sedan 4-door limousine |
| Platform | D-body |
| Engine | 365 in³ OHV V8 |
| Transmission | 4-speed Hydra-Matic |
| Wheelbase | 149.8 in (3,805 mm) |
| Width | 79.8 in (2,027 mm) |
| Designer | Harley Earl |
Power was 300 to 325 hp (224 to 242 kW) for 1957. The car was rebodied with more chunky styling. The 75 name had all but disappeared from the big Cadillac, and the engine was an even 325 hp (242 kW) from the 390 in³ engine.
The highly expensive and exclusive 4-door Cadillac Eldorado Brougham hardtop marked the return of the Series 70, but for only two years, as from 1959-60 the Eldorado Brougham was denoted a Series 6900, and it was discontinued thereafter.
[edit] 1959-1960
.jpg) 1960 Cadillac Series 75 |
|
| Model years | 1959-60 |
|---|---|
| Assembly | Detroit, Michigan, USA |
| Body style | 4-door sedan 4-door limousine |
| Platform | D-body |
| Engine | 390 in³ OHV V8 |
| Transmission | 4-speed Hydra-Matic |
| Wheelbase | 149.8 in (3,805 mm) |
| Designer | Bill Mitchell |
The long Fleetwood became the Series 6700, in keeping with Cadillac's new scheme, in 1959.
[edit] 1961-1965
The styling was also toned down. The engine was entirely changed for 1963, though the displacement and output remained the same.
The engine was bumped to 429 in³ for 1964. 340 hp (254 kW) was the result.
The Series 75 changed over to the next generation of GM D-Body in the 1966 model year. This was one year later than the change in C-body.
[edit] 1966–1970
 1970 Cadillac Series 75 |
|
| Model years | 1965–1970 |
|---|---|
| Platform | D-body |
| Engine | 429 in³ OHV V8 472 in³ OHV V8 ('68) |
| Wheelbase | 149.8 in (3,805 mm) 156 in (3,962 mm) (Commercial) |
[edit] 1971–1976
 1973 Cadillac Series 75 |
|
| Model years | 1971–1976 |
|---|---|
| Assembly | Detroit, Michigan, USA |
| Engine | 472 cu in (7.7 L) V8 500 cu in (8.2 L) V8 |
| Transmission | 3-speed TH-400, automatic |
| Wheelbase | 151.5 in (3,848 mm) 157.5 in (4,001 mm) (Commercial) |
| Length | 1971-72: 247.3 in (6,281 mm) 1973: 249.3 in (6,332 mm) 1974–76: 252.2 in (6,406 mm) |
| Width | 79.8 in (2,027 mm) |
| Height | 56.3 in (1,430 mm) |
| Curb weight | 5,500–6,100 lb (2,500–2,800 kg) |
| Designer | Bill Mitchell |
[edit] Cadillac Fleetwood Limousine (1977–1984)
| Model years | 1977–1984 |
|---|---|
| Assembly | Detroit, Michigan, USA |
| Platform | D-body |
| Engine | 425 cu in (7.0 L) L33/L35 V8 368 cu in (6.0 L) L62 V8 |
| Transmission | 3-speed TH-400 automatic 3-speed TH-350C |
| Wheelbase | 144.5 in (3,670 mm) |
| Length | 244.3 in (6,205 mm) |
| Width | 75.2 in (1,910 mm) |
| Height | 56.9 in (1,445 mm) |
| Curb weight | 4,900–5,100 lb (2,200–2,300 kg) |
| Designer | Bill Mitchell |
In 1977 General Motors significantly down-sized their full sized cars. The Cadillac Fleetwood Limousine rode on a 144.5" wheelbase and was powered by a 425 cubic inch (7.0L) V8. This engine was basically a de bored version of the 472/500 (7.9 L/8.2 L) V8 of previous years. Compared with the 1976 Cadillac Fleetwood 75 which it replaced, the Cadillac Fleetwood Limousine had a wheelbase 7.0" shorter and weighed about 900 lb (340 kg) less.
The 425 cu in (7.0 L) engine, a reduced bore 472, was further debored for 1980-1981 to 368 cubic inches or 6.0 liters. For 1981, the 368 was provided with a modulated displacement system designed by Eaton Corporation, controlled by a digital computer, which locked off intake and exhaust valves to two or four of the eight cylinders, thus running effectively as a V6 or V4 under light load conditions where in third gear, and over 35 mph (56 km/h). This engine was called the "V8-6-4", and its electronics and sensors proved troublesome and, except for limousines, this engine was dropped after 1981. The engine's controls and sensors were a stretch for the computer power of the era.
Both the 425 and 368 are small-bore versions of the durable 472 (which was introduced in late 1967 for the '68 model year). The larger 500 had the 472's bore but a longer stroke. This engine family was the last Cadillac cast-iron engine, and the last 'big-block'.
[edit] 1985–1987
| Model years | 1985–1987 |
|---|---|
| Assembly | Detroit, Michigan, USA |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Platform | C-body |
| Engine | 4.1 L HT-4100 V8 |
| Transmission | 4-speed TH-440-T4 automatic 4-speed 4T60 |
| Wheelbase | 134.4 in (3,414 mm) |
| Length | 218.6 in (5,552 mm) |
| Width | 71.7 in (1,821 mm) |
| Height | 55.0 in (1,397 mm) |
| Curb weight | 3,700–4,000 lb (1,700–1,800 kg) |
| Designer | Irv Rybicki |
A new front wheel drive C-body platform was introduced in 1985. The Series 75 briefly made its return on this platform, stretched by 23.6" to a wheelbase of 134.4". The aluminum 4.1 L HT-4100 V8 was used to power the last generation of Series 75.
[edit] References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at au av aw ax ay az ba bb bc bd be bf bg bh bi bj bk bl bm bn bo bp bq br bs bt bu bv Kimes, Beverly (1996). standard catalog of American Cars 1805-1942. Krause publications. ISBN 0-87341-428-4.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at au av aw ax ay az ba bb bc bd be bf bg bh bi bj bk bl bm bn bo bp bq br bs bt bu bv Gunnell, John (2005). Standard Catalog of Cadillac 1903-2005. Krause publications. ISBN 0-873491-289-7.
- ^ Flory, Jr., J. "Kelly" (2008). American Cars, 1946-1959 Every Model Every Year. McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers. ISBN 978-0-7864-3229-5.
- ^ Flory, J. "Kelly", Jr. American Cars 1946-1959 (Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Coy, 2008), p.1021.
- ^ "Directory Index: Cadillac/1955_Cadillac/1955_Cadillac_Brochure". Oldcarbrochures.com. http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Cadillac/1955_Cadillac/1955_Cadillac_Brochure/1955%20Cadillac-07.html. Retrieved 2011-12-30.
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| Type | 1930s | 1940s | 1950s | 1960s | 1970s | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | |
| Mid-size | WWII | Seville | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Entry-level | 60 | 61 | 61/63 | 61 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 65 | 62 | Series 62 | 6200 | Calais | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Full-size | Coupe de Ville/De Ville | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 353 | 355 | 70 | 60S | Series 60S | Fleetwood Brougham | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Limousine | 353 | 355 | 67/72/75 | Series 75 | 6700 | Series 75 | FL Limo | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Halo | V-12 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| V-16 | Eldorado Brougham | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Personal Luxury | Eldorado | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
