Cadillac & LaSalle Club Discussion Forum

Cadillac & LaSalle Club Forums => General Discussion => Topic started by: Fred Zwicker #23106 on April 12, 2009, 06:45:00 PM

Title: How many miles per gallon on your older Cadillac?
Post by: Fred Zwicker #23106 on April 12, 2009, 06:45:00 PM
I have a 1966 Cadillac DeVille Convertible with 30,000 original miles and if I go real easy I get 14 mpg on local rural road driving.  I expect that I could do a little better on the interstate.  If I push it a bit, I seem to average closer to 12 mpg.   I also have a 1939 LaSalle, but have not yet checked mileage, but will do so this summer. 

I showed my 1966 Cadillac to my retired CPA (who is about 80 years old) and he asked me about the mileage and I said around 12 mpg.  He replied, "I would drive that car if it got only 4 miles per gallon!" 

What kind of mileage are others getting?

Fred
Title: Re: How many miles per gallon on your older Cadillac?
Post by: Otto Skorzeny on April 12, 2009, 06:55:18 PM
I always tell people that ask me, "One on the highway, zero in the city."

In actuality, my '56 CDV gets very good mileage. I get 17mpg on the highway with the windows up and 15mpg with the windows down.

In town I get 10 to 12mpg depending on the time of year. Fuel economy is better in the summer months than in the cold months.
Title: Re: How many miles per gallon on your older Cadillac?
Post by: bill henry on April 12, 2009, 07:05:24 PM
my 70 gets 16-17 on the interstate
Title: Re: How many miles per gallon on your older Cadillac?
Post by: 35-709 on April 12, 2009, 09:17:40 PM
Here in sunny So. Florida the AC is usually on.  It has been a while since I sold my '66 with AC but as I remember cruising I-95 at 70 with the AC on usually netted me closer to the 12/13 MPG mark.  With my '71, same conditions, I could squeak out 14 MPG --- add a couple of MPG without the AC.
Title: Re: How many miles per gallon on your older Cadillac?
Post by: jeff1956 on April 13, 2009, 12:01:02 AM
My 56 60S is roughly the same mileage as otto....tho I'm thinking when I was cruising up I55N to Lincoln, Illinois from Springfield, Illinois...I was averaging about 18 mpg.  Not sure as to my city usage because I have never really paid attention to it.  I've never attempted to gauge my tank mileage either...I always fill up @ half tank.  When the gauge was not working I did learn that lesson the hard way...it's embarassing having to go up to someones house and ask to use their phone because your car ran out of gas...then you point to a fine vintage cadillac on the shoulder of the road...LOL

Jeff
Title: Re: How many miles per gallon on your older Cadillac?
Post by: The Tassie Devil(le) on April 13, 2009, 12:40:24 AM
With my '60 CDV I was getting around 17 Mpg, and the '72 Eldo was giving me 15 Mpg whilst cruising USA last year.

I will be able to give some up to date figures after next weekend as I will be taking her away for the weekend and using non Ethanol Fuel.

Plus, the Carby has been rebuilt.

Bruce. >:D
Title: Re: How many miles per gallon on your older Cadillac?
Post by: Davidinhartford on April 13, 2009, 07:23:10 AM
The worst in all of my Cadillacs was my 74 Eldorado.  It averaged about 9 mpg.

But your friend was right.   The joy of driving these old cars cannot be measured in fuel economy.   The mpg and price of gas is just part of the cost of ownership. 

Title: Re: How many miles per gallon on your older Cadillac?
Post by: Dave Leger CLC #19256 on April 13, 2009, 09:21:13 AM
My 47 with a hydramatic gets 12 mpg.

Dave
Title: Re: How many miles per gallon on your older Cadillac?
Post by: Art Woody on April 13, 2009, 09:33:37 AM
I have never checked my m.p.g. around town, but on a 1000 mi. round trip with a group of mixed vintage local club members (all of which were modified or muscle cars) I averaged 13-15 pushing no less than 75 mph or more on the interstate. On the return trip , I solo'd in my bone stock '53 coupe running no faster than 70 mph and got a solid 18 m.p.g. I didn't realize how bad the car needed tuning up until the coil wire corroded and burned causing ignition failure a short while after the trip. I believe now, holding the car around 65 mph on the interstate, I might push 20 m.p.g. I have heard stories of above 20 m.p.g., it would be interesting if we could hear any confirmation on the 331 c.i. or any vintage Cadillac in this catagory. For now I'm not going to claim any better than 18.
Title: Re: How many miles per gallon on your older Cadillac?
Post by: Art Woody on April 13, 2009, 09:41:56 AM
I wanted to add, after reviewing this thread and Tassie's comment regarding non-ethenol fuel, my next fuel mileage experiment with my '53 will include just that. I have already tried that experiment with a 1520 cc touring motorcycle, on several tanks of non-ethanol fuel and gained 2 m.p.g.'s consistantly.
Title: Re: How many miles per gallon on your older Cadillac?
Post by: Walter Youshock on April 13, 2009, 10:08:06 AM
I know this is going to sound unbelievable, but, here goes:  I got about 21.3 on my '57 going through Ohio in 2002 on the way to the Detroit GNs.  This was cruising along at a steady 65-70 with premium gas and a lead substitute.  This was also on bias tires and the Rochester carb.  Also, the weather was perfect, so all I had opened was the vent windows.

We filled up around Youngtown and drove through Ohio, which, compared to PA, is pretty flat.  The car has never accomplished this again.  It's probably around 17-18 highway and 14 in town.  I have a Carter on it now, so maybe that's lowering it, too.

One of my favorite anecdotes was years ago, I was at the gas station.  A guy came over to admire the car, but the woman (NOT a lady) on the opposite pump said:  "What kind of mileage do you get on THAT thing?"  I replied:  "Madam, when you drive a car like this, you really don't give a damn what kind of mileage you get."

Title: Re: How many miles per gallon on your older Cadillac?
Post by: Don Boshara #594 on April 13, 2009, 10:59:20 AM
Downhill in neutral with a strong tail wind I get 12 mpg on my '40 60S.
Title: Re: How many miles per gallon on your older Cadillac?
Post by: Rusty Shepherd CLC 6397 on April 13, 2009, 12:04:46 PM
Quote from: Walter Youshock on April 13, 2009, 10:08:06 AMA guy came over to admire the car, but the woman (NOT a lady) on the opposite pump said:  "What kind of mileage do you get on THAT thing?"  I replied:  "Madam, when you drive a car like this, you really don't give a damn what kind of mileage you get."



That reminded me of the old gas station attendant joke: "Turn off your motor, lady, you're gaining on me".
Title: Re: How many miles per gallon on your older Cadillac?
Post by: TJ Hopland on April 13, 2009, 12:35:17 PM
My 75 eldo hardtop for some reason is in the upper teens most of the time.  My 78 deville always seemed to be around 15 which is about where my 73 is.
Title: Re: How many miles per gallon on your older Cadillac?
Post by: Doug Houston on April 13, 2009, 01:55:21 PM
As with all of the above posts, there is a variety of fuel mileages all over the map.

In the days that the '41 Cadillacs were on the roads, it was well accepted that the manual shift jobs got 16 MPG, and the Hydra-Matics got about 14 MPG. One factor here that wasn't in the information. The standard rear axle ratio was 3.77:1. ( not speakeing of the 67 or 75, lof course). The "economy" axle ratio was 3.36:1, and became the standard axle for Hydra-Matic jobs. That axle was a no-cost option, so some manual shift cars had it from the factory.

In the first year or so, that I had my 41-60S, I drove it quite a bit, and sure enough, it logged 14 MPG. It has a H-M trans.

When the '49 models came oput, it was commonly reported that Cadillac would get up to 21 MPG. Cadillac had set a new standard for fuel economy. Remember that most of them had Hydra-Matic on them.

My first current model Cadillac was a '56 convertible. In town (Detroit), it would get around 18.5 MPG. I kept a mileage log, so it was a real measure. On one trip in 1960, to New Jersey, it got 19.2 MPG, and it had that slush-pump Hydra-Matic!

The pre-41 cars did get poorer MPG for a couple of reasons. First, the compression was lower, and they had a higher (numerical) axle ratio.

Subsequent Cadillacs of mine did get poorer fuel economy. The '61 Cadillac I had was the worst one of the bunch, and lousy MPG was one factor. 

The economy in my '64 was better (I forgot exactly), and the '66 was about the same (had A/C), and my '70 was also  about 16 MPG or so. All were convertibles.

Already said, if you love the car, and there are unfavorable characteristics in it, the cost of operation, is simply the cost of doing business, and don't fret over it. I have a Jeep, which pulls about 16 MPG. I have always known it for those vehicles, but Ilove the thing passioantly.

Anybody ot the guts to log the fuel economy for a V16? I haven't!
Title: Re: How many miles per gallon on your older Cadillac?
Post by: T.L. (Ty) Stinson on April 13, 2009, 03:47:05 PM
Well, they tell me I will get 10 mpg at best on my '37 V12 unless I change the rear.
Ty Stinson
CLC22330
Title: Re: How many miles per gallon on your older Cadillac?
Post by: Otto Skorzeny on April 13, 2009, 04:58:41 PM
The 331,365,390 engine was quite extraordinary for it's day (actually still is). For a 5000 lb car in 1956 to get highway mileage in the mid to high teens was almost unheard of. A typical Ford of the era weighed around 3000 lbs but will only manage to achieve 7 or 8 miles per gallon on the highway if everything is perfect.

Both my Uncle's '54 Ford and my friend's '53 Ford get 7 miles per gallon tops. On the plus side, their city mileage doesn't really change for the worse, though.
Title: Re: How many miles per gallon on your older Cadillac?
Post by: Walter Youshock on April 13, 2009, 07:46:42 PM
Take into account 4-bbl carburetors and 4-speed Hydra-Matics on the Cadillacs.  Even early 1960's Lincolns and Buicks were running 2-bbl carbs.

Cadillac always advertised their higher pound-to-hp ratios and economy--at a time when mileage really wasn't a big deal at all.  They were pretty good performers for the time and still impressive today!

In the long run, what you spent to buy the car, you got back in mileage, dependability, luxury, stature and resale value.  All you really had to have was the ability to make that initial purchase.
Title: Re: How many miles per gallon on your older Cadillac?
Post by: Jim Thompson on April 13, 2009, 10:06:17 PM
Maybe one day I will check mine. As it stands, I usually average around 3 months per tank  ;D
Title: Re: How many miles per gallon on your older Cadillac?
Post by: homeonprunehill on April 13, 2009, 11:07:11 PM
Ihave a '38 La Sal;lle that as a '47  Cadillac engine in it. A tank-full of gasoline dosn't go far. Prior to puutting in the '47
Title: Re: How many miles per gallon on your older Cadillac?
Post by: homeonprunehill on April 13, 2009, 11:13:08 PM
readers, theres something wrong with the posting feature I wasn't ready to post my last post.what
Title: Re: How many miles per gallon on your older Cadillac?
Post by: Brian McKee on April 13, 2009, 11:22:01 PM
I average about 17 miles per gallon in town, 24 miles to the gallon on highway driving with my 1993 Fleetwood Brougham.   I average 19 miles per gallon in town, 26 miles to the gallon on highway with my 1995 Sedan DeVille.

I don't have a Cadillac from the 1970s (which is my favorite era of Cadillacs ever), but if I did and it only got 15 miles per gallon highway, I wouldn't complain.  I would just be glad to have one of those beautiful Cadillacs from the 1970s.
Title: Re: How many miles per gallon on your older Cadillac?
Post by: Glen on April 14, 2009, 02:58:19 AM
I think there are a lot of  us more concerned with smiles per gallon than miles per gallon.   :D
Title: Re: How many miles per gallon on your older Cadillac?
Post by: P W Allen CLC# 20193 on April 14, 2009, 06:15:51 AM
Quote from: Glen on April 14, 2009, 02:58:19 AM
I think there are a lot of  us more concerned with smiles per gallon than miles per gallon.   :D
You got it! Well said!! :D
Title: Re: How many miles per gallon on your older Cadillac?
Post by: baxterculver on April 14, 2009, 01:54:04 PM
Fred,
Don't check your LaSalle's gas mileage.  Love the car for all of it's beauty.  Doug Houston's post gives you all the info you need to know about 39's and early '40's.   I know my '39 60S, once only, averaged 16 on a tour.  Usually, it's between 12 and 14.  The Cadillac weighs less than my 2000 Dodge Dakota, but has the aerodynamics of a large brick. 

But then, I don't drive it that much and it is still better than my newly acquired '65 Buick Riviera--with dual quads and a 425 engine.  On that one, when I step on the throttle the gas guage moves to the left faster than the car can accelerate. 

Another car that won't be driven all that much.
Title: Re: How many miles per gallon on your older Cadillac?
Post by: Walter Youshock on April 14, 2009, 02:16:12 PM
Every time I hear a 500 from the early 70's start up, I swear they say: "FEED ME!  FEED ME!!!"

Absolutely right--ENJOY THEM!!!!  Automobiles like this will NEVER be made again--at least not in this country.  These rolling Time Machines are a part of our Heritage.  I'm thankful that I'm old enough to still remember when some of these were new and that there are clubs like ours that exist for the promotion of nostalgia and a little bit of insanity.
Title: Re: How many miles per gallon on your older Cadillac?
Post by: Richard Sills - CLC #936 on April 14, 2009, 02:32:19 PM
I have been driving Cadillacs on a regular every-day basis since 1973.  I can tell you that Cadillacs have consistently gotten better gas mileage than most other full-size cars of the same era.  In my experience, people who claim Cadilacs are "gas hogs" are usually know-nothings who have have never owned or driven a Cadillac.  They just make an assumption based on the Cadillac's dimensions, and because it is easier for them to target people who drive Cadillacs rather than Plymouth Furys or Pontiac Catalinas.

The cars I have owned with conspicuously worse gas consumption have included a 1963 Ford Galaxie 500-XL with the 390 V-8, and a 1979 Continental Mark V.  Both of those cars never broke double-digits in the gas mileage department, even when cruising on the highway.  (I still enjoyed them, though.)


Title: Re: How many miles per gallon on your older Cadillac?
Post by: Rusty Shepherd CLC 6397 on April 14, 2009, 03:21:53 PM
Quote from: baxterculver on April 14, 2009, 01:54:04 PM
Fred,
Don't check your LaSalle's gas mileage.  Love the car for all of it's beauty.  Doug Houston's post gives you all the info you need to know about 39's and early '40's.   I know my '39 60S, once only, averaged 16 on a tour.  Usually, it's between 12 and 14.

I was browsing through my copy of Roy Schneider's "Cadillacs of the Forties" last night and I came across fuel economy figures for the 41-61's (I assume they are from GM proving ground tests) that confirm your figures and Doug's: At 50 MPH 15.8 MPG with the 3.77 axle and 17.3 with the 3.36; at 70 MPH 11.9 MPG with the 3.77 and 12.7 with the 3.36. Keep in mind that Cadillac touted the improvement in fuel economy of the '41's over the '40's; one of their print ads told of driving a '40 and a '41 between two cities and how the '41 would make it all the way while the '40 would run out of gas so many miles short of the second city.


Title: Re: How many miles per gallon on your older Cadillac?
Post by: David #19063 on April 14, 2009, 04:03:20 PM
My '68 Fleetwood Brougham with a freshly rebuilt 472 with the 3.21 Limited Slip Axle and dual 2" exhaust would get 11.5 - 12 mpg with the cruise set at 74 mph and the AC on.  Around 9-11 mpg in pure city short drive driving.
Title: Re: How many miles per gallon on your older Cadillac?
Post by: Eric S. Maypother #15104 on April 14, 2009, 08:32:22 PM
Quote from: Glen on April 14, 2009, 02:58:19 AM
I think there are a lot of  us more concerned with smiles per gallon than miles per gallon.   :D

I second that, a few Cadillac's ago I had a Smiley Face bumper sticker that said "This cars gets 100 Smiles Per Gallon"

On the 1990 Brougham with a 5.0 I just bought, driving 100 miles highway, 75 miles around town it averaged 14MPG. It burns oil and needs a tune up, the idea of the 5.0 over the 5.7 was suppose to save fuel but I was told the 5.7 FI gets better mileage, I never checked the mileage on my 5.7, the speedometer wasn't accurate. On a 1985 Fleetwood Brougham I had I think I averaged around 16 around town, driving to Florida and back I averaged 21MPG. I think my 1969 Sedan Deville got about 10MPG, my 1966 Sedan seemed a little better.

I'd only start to worry if I got less than 10MPG and gas goes over $5 a gallon.

I've also heard from people that Cadillac's got better mileage than full sized Ford's and Buicks, I know a guy who sold used cars who said people would trade in their Buicks for a Cadillac because the Cadillacs got better mileage.

I use to work in a gas station and people would always have some comment about how much gas I must use, how can I afford it, etc. Then I'd see their repair bills for Toyota's and other small cars, what they saved in gas they paid twice in repairs, not to mention they were paying monthly payments plus higher insurance
Title: Re: How many miles per gallon on your older Cadillac?
Post by: Guidematic on April 15, 2009, 11:42:47 AM

These 70's Cadillacs can get some decent mileage figures if they are properly tuned. My '75 Coupe used to get 23MPG. I was a fanatic for keeping that thing in tune. Now my '70 with the 472 will pull 20MPG on a highway run at about 70-75MPH. Seem fantastic? I'm also a fanatic for tuning that engine. HEI is a huge factor in attaining good fule economy.

Now, I have a couple of 80's Cadillacs. Last weekend on a trip I averaged 21MPG with my '89 Brougham. That was the average for the whole trip which included idling, running into town a couple of times and cruising at 120KPH. The car was fully loaded. 4 passengers and a packed trunk. On a straight highway run it will pull 25MPG.

My 1988 Eldorado with the 4.5 will run 33MPG on a highway run, and averages 29MPG over the same trip that I went on last weekend.

I have found that meticulous tuning on the 472/500 can yeild some very impressive mileage for the type of cars they are.

On 80's cars, they usually respond to timing set as much as 4 degrees ahead of factory settings. They were set retarded for emissions reasons. My Brougham is running 24 degrees as opposed to the 20 recommended. The Eldo is set at 14 as opposed to the 10 as recommended. They are also more responsive, and in the case of the Eldo, it has become somewhat of a screamer. Both still run fine on regular gas.

On the '70 it is set at 10, and the distributor advance is connected to manifold vacuum. The TCS has been removed. I also have installed an HEI distributor.

All mileage figures are quoted in Imperial Gallons. There are 4.55 litres in an Imperial Gallon as opposed to 3.79 in a US gallon.

Mike
Title: Re: How many miles per gallon on your older Cadillac?
Post by: Otto Skorzeny on April 15, 2009, 11:58:59 AM
Quote from: Mike Jones on April 15, 2009, 11:42:47 AM

All mileage figures are quoted in Imperial Gallons. There are 4.55 litres in an Imperial Gallon as opposed to 3.79 in a US gallon.

Mike

So, if I did my math correctly:

My '75 Coupe used to get 23MPG.                                                                                                                  Is really 19.16mpg
Now my '70 with the 472 will pull 20MPG                                                                                                         Is really  16.66mpg
Last weekend on a trip I averaged 21MPG with my '89 Brougham                                                                        Is really 17.49mpg
On a straight highway run it will pull 25MPG.                                                                                                      which is  20.82mpg
My 1988 Eldorado with the 4.5 will run 33MPG on a highway run, and averages 29MPG over the same trip                27.49mpg,  24.16mpg
Title: Re: How many miles per gallon on your older Cadillac?
Post by: Coupe on April 15, 2009, 01:53:02 PM
The only time I checked my '57 was on it's trip home from Devils Lake, ND when I bought it. I thought this thing is getting pretty good mileage and then I ran out of gas just past the Ashby, MN exit. 18 gallons got us 245 miles, 17 air horns and too many smiles to count. I haven't checked it since, why bother,  if I wanted mileage I'd have restored a VW.
Title: Re: How many miles per gallon on your older Cadillac?
Post by: Art Woody on April 15, 2009, 03:29:48 PM
I will drive my '53 and enjoy it thoroughly if it gets 10 mpg or fuel goes to $5, but if it is supposed to get 18+, I'm going to tune on it until it is right. I'm not wealthy in terms of dollars by any means, and even if I was , there's all lot of other things I would rather spend them on than gasoline.
Title: Re: How many miles per gallon on your older Cadillac?
Post by: Guidematic on April 16, 2009, 12:35:39 AM
Quote from: ottoskorzeny on April 15, 2009, 11:58:59 AM
So, if I did my math correctly:

My '75 Coupe used to get 23MPG.                                                                                                                  Is really 19.16mpg
Now my '70 with the 472 will pull 20MPG                                                                                                         Is really  16.66mpg
Last weekend on a trip I averaged 21MPG with my '89 Brougham                                                                        Is really 17.49mpg
On a straight highway run it will pull 25MPG.                                                                                                      which is  20.82mpg
My 1988 Eldorado with the 4.5 will run 33MPG on a highway run, and averages 29MPG over the same trip                27.49mpg,  24.16mpg


Yes, you would be right. I always go to Imperial gallons since that was the measurement we used before the metric fever hit us in the mid 70's.

A gallon is 4.55 litres and a mile is 1.6 kilometres.

And the English scale on the DIC on the Eldo converts to US measurements, so I have to do a quick conversion in my head to get the Imperial measurement. An Imperial gallon is approximately 20% larger than a US gallon.

Mike
Title: Re: How many miles per gallon on your older Cadillac?
Post by: Kevin Bielinski #13320 on April 16, 2009, 08:29:14 PM
My '70 gets about 9mpg in the city and around 15 or so on a good highway run.
Title: Re: How many miles per gallon on your older Cadillac?
Post by: Otto Skorzeny on April 17, 2009, 09:00:27 AM
Quote from: DavidP on April 17, 2009, 07:04:40 AM

I think my 1954 Cadillac 62 is doing quite a bit better than that ... but I've been afraid to check it ... 

I'm just happy to see actual mileage being quoted on this thread ... instead of just wishful thinking that you usually see bragged about  ...  ::)

Don't be afraid to familiarize yourself with this aspect of your '54's performance, David.

I've been aware of the fuel mileage performance of every car I've ever owned since high school. Part of it is idle curiosity but most of it is germane to keeping my vehicles in perfect operating order.

Being aware of a vehicle's fuel consumption can play a key role in keeping them tuned up correctly and heading off trouble. If a vehicle (old or new) starts consuming more fuel than normal, that is a sign that other problems exist or may be on the way. With old cars it could mean that it's time for a basic tune up or that the carburetor needs adjustment or a rebuild. On modern cars it could indicate a more serious problem with various electronic modules and sensors.

Abnormally high fuel consumption can also be a sign of more serious trouble with your car but you get the point; knowing the average mileage is an important tool in keeping a vehicle in good working order.
Title: Re: How many miles per gallon on your older Cadillac?
Post by: Guidematic on April 17, 2009, 11:50:06 AM


That's exactly it. You have to monitor the fuel economy of your car on a regular basis. Most of the time poor economy is the result of a poorly tuned engine. This can be the result of lack of proper maintenance, or poor techniques.

Also, as in the case of cars built in the 70's and 80's before the advanced engine management systems we have today, many were somewhat detuned from their potential in the interest of low emissions. One of the more common approaches was retarded ignition. Others such as cam timing and profile, along with EGR systems stole away the efficiency of the engine. There is not much you can do about camshaft timing and profile unless you replace the cam, but spending some time with the car and working out your own tuning techniques can yield both better performance and fuel economy. Remember, that was how successful racers did it in the old days. Much was astute tuning.

But, outside of tuning and maintenance, other factors can contribute to both poor performance and fuel economy. Engines with excessive wear resulting in lower compression in any or all cylinders, and a worn timing chain could be the bigger factors. These are not so easily fixed, though.

Throughout the 50's, Cadillacs were celebrated for their fuel economy that rivaled or bettered lesser, lighter cars. This carried on pretty much through the 60's and into the 70's. I'm not saying that you will get 6-cylinder economy from a 390 or 429, but there is the potential for decent fuel economy by paying attention to the details.

I have proven that for myself, and the numbers I have posted are not whimsical numbers, but real numbers. In the case of the '75, I worked out the calculations three times before I convinced myself that the number was indeed correct.

Mike
Title: Re: How many miles per gallon on your older Cadillac?
Post by: EdDougher on April 18, 2009, 06:57:01 PM
My '79 CDV with CA emissions gets 13 mpg.  Not bad for a 7 liter engine when you consider that my 7 series BMW gets 15mpg with a 4 liter V-8.
Title: Re: How many miles per gallon on your older Cadillac?
Post by: Chris Conklin on April 20, 2009, 06:41:36 PM
There were a lot of jokes made about this in the last election, but maintaining your tires, along with all other mechanical items, can give you another mile... and keep you safer. There was a recent thread on the forum about tires and I recall somebody saying that the air stems on his car were hidden under the wheel covers and not readily accessible. I shuddered a little bit when I read that one. Anybody out there that has spent a fair amount of time in two wheeled pursuits could attest to what tires can do for you (and to you).
Title: Re: How many miles per gallon on your older Cadillac?
Post by: Guidematic on April 21, 2009, 09:40:19 AM

That's all part of paying attention to the details. Besides the obvious safety benefits.

Also the alignment can degrade mileage. A quick check of your front tires can reveal any potential problems.

Mike
Title: Re: How many miles per gallon on your older Cadillac?
Post by: dadscad on April 22, 2009, 09:26:24 AM
Depending on the operating conditions, idle time, city driving etc., my 63 CDV has given mileage from 11 mpg to 20 mpg. Usually, it runs between 14 & 16 mpg in combined city and highway use.

David
Title: Re: How many miles per gallon on your older Cadillac?
Post by: Wayne Womble 12210 on April 22, 2009, 10:11:15 PM
My `31 Sedan has done as well as 14, but is usually around 12 on a trip.  The `33 Conv. Cp. did only 10 for the 600 + miles to the Savannah GN. That actually surprised me a bit. I thought it would be better, but now I realize that it was August and nearly 100 deg. The brakes were holding a little bit, and the engine was very tired. It had a couple of cylinders that are down on compression. So, I guess it was actually OK. I am sure that figure will go up with the new engine rebuild. 
Title: Re: How many miles per gallon on your older Cadillac?
Post by: Mike Josephic CLC #3877 on April 24, 2009, 11:10:13 PM
I guess I may as well join the party here:

My 1955 Eldorado (duel carbs and all) was getting around 14 mpg on the highway.
However, that's before a complete engine rebuild.  I haven't had it on a long trip
since restoration, but it would likely do better -- sure runs much smoother.

Funny enough, my 1973 Eldorado with the 500 CI engine also gets about
14 mpg on trips (original engine and all) and around 10-12 mpg in the city.

Mike
Title: Re: How many miles per gallon on your older Cadillac?
Post by: Dave Ventresca on April 25, 2009, 02:11:13 AM
My 53 coupe de ville would get close to 20 mpg on the hiway, around 12-14 around town. The 53 Eldo gets a little worse mileage due to the lower rear end and maybe 600 pounds heavier. Dave
Title: Re: How many miles per gallon on your older Cadillac?
Post by: J Kjerrulf on April 25, 2009, 11:05:01 AM
My 57' with dual quads puts from 7 to 21 mpg. Imperial. Have driven some 12 500 miles the last 2 years (winter too) and I have noticed that I get the best mpg around 40 mph. (1.4 litres firm/10km with no A/C running) I think this is more than OK considering age/power to weight ratio/my led foot. In the winter I can reach 17-18 mpg, often sideways..
Title: Re: How many miles per gallon on your older Cadillac?
Post by: Thomas Bredahl on May 11, 2009, 04:05:04 PM
My '49 fastback gets 20 miles to the gallon all day long at 55 mph  ;D
I think it is ok even if gas is $6 a gallon here 
Title: Re: How many miles per gallon on your older Cadillac?
Post by: Steve Matthews on May 11, 2009, 05:44:29 PM
My '41 Sixty Special with stick shift has been getting right at 15 mpg in city driving - haven't taken it on a long enough road trip yet to calculate highway miles.  Mileage did go up slightly after Daytona rebuilt the carburetor...
Title: Re: How many miles per gallon on your older Cadillac?
Post by: TommyO on May 11, 2009, 11:18:03 PM
My '50 Caddy 75 averages between 12 and 15 mpg on the highway.  2 --3mpg less around town.

My fifty seven convertible with the top up,windows closed 16.5 on the highway. 14mpg around town,  with the top down on a nice day, 12--13 on the highway and 14 around town as well!

My 95 Brougham with the LT1 deriative gets a solid 21.5 on the highway.  Unsure of in town mileage as I don't drive it much around town

Each one is unique in its' own way.  Gas mileage included!  Nothing beats a caddy!