Lack of 1948 Fleetwoods?

[Richardonly]

Hello,

It seems that the 1948 Cadillac Fleetwood 60S, that I own one of, is somewhat difficult to get information on.  As most of you know it was the last year of the flathead, the 1st year of the tailfin, and the only year this dashboard was used.
Is it an unpopular car to own, was there too many to be of much value or were they a troublesome vehicle that have faded away?
It is constantly considered to be like a 49, but there are so many diffences that a lot of technical information does not apply.

I feel that a car that is scarce (Is It?) is good and bad.  It should be unique, of more value, depending on condition, or diffucult to get information or parts for.

Not having yet received the member listing, but going by what another member looked up, there are only 12 Fleetwoods, of this year, registered with the club.

What is YOUR opinion on a 1948 Fleetwood?  Thank you, Richard

[Roy Schroeder]

Isnt this the year they changed over from the old body style to the newer body style?
 Maybe that is why there are so few.

[quadfins]

I like them, and would gladly adopt one if I had the room in the garage.

Jim

[Richardonly]

Yes Roy.  This was the changeover year for the body.  The limo was the old style, but the 60s 61 and 62 used the new eggcrate style grill, added tailfins and truly was the year of a major body change.

Jim,  Should my 48 ever become ophaned, someone shall give you a call 

Thanks Richard

[C.R. Patton II]

Hello

The 1948 Cadillac Fleetwood Sixty Special 6069X cost $3820, 4370 lbs.,133 inch wheelbase with 6,561 produced.

Hydro-lectric power window windows and a power operated front seat as standard equipment. The vehicle was signified by the louvers on the upper rear roof. The distinctive rudder type styling came from the twin-boom Lockheed P-38 Lighting. These tailfins can be traced back to Harley Earl. Production started in February, 1948 but did not go on sale in dealer showrooms until the following month. Value depends on market and vehicle conditon 5k to 60k.

[Jeff Maltby 4194]

With only 52,706 1948 models produced, their rare in any series today, much less the 60 Special, being a premium priced model .

[quadfins]

Jim,  Should my 48 ever become ophaned, someone shall give you a call 
Thanks Richard

Richard, I can assure you that, if someone gives me a call, I will make room in the garage!

There is one in a junqueyarde near me, and I have spent many hours standing in it's presence, imagining what a regal figure it made in it's day.

Jim

[David Smith]

Well,  only 6561 were made, so that is fairly low production.     

I don't know how many Cadillac dealers were around in 1948, but I'd say it was safe to assume each dealer only sold a few.    The scrap rate back then was higher than today.     A new Fleetwood buyer would have traded it in a few years.   By 58 they were pretty dated looking as compared to what the new cars looked like.     I would think a large number were just driven until they broke down and went to a scrap yard or just parked.       I'm sure there are more than 12 left.    They pop up on Ebay from time to time.   

With 48 being the first year of the tailfin you would think there would have been more made, let alone more saved.      They are very attractive cars in my opinion.

[Richardonly]

Hi,

Thank you all for your kind responces and information  I also try to respond or help when I can in the forum.

Thanks again, Richard

[Richardonly]

David,

I'm sure you are correct in saying that there are more than 12 1948 Cadillacs in the CLC.  The person that looked it up, a caddy parts supplier only looked for Fleetwoods.  I believe that there was the same amount for convertibles.

I wonder how you find out how many 1948s are still on the road today?  Ahha!  Another post in the forum!  I tried different wasys of Googling this question, but with no success.

Thanks David,

Richard

[Bill Hedge CLC 14424]

Richard:

There are 125 members who own a 48 Cadillac as shown by the listings in the 2011 CLC International Membership Directory.

Bill Hedge

[k8096]

Here's one that sold at an estate auction near Akron, Ohio a year ago.  Totally original, needing everything.  I believe it went for $1500.   







J Gehring

[Whit Otis, 1188]

The 60 Special was unique - it had its own 133" wheel base compared to the standard offerings which only had the 126" wheel base.  The car was nearly as long as the big series 75 as it was 226" long, bumper to bumper, whereas the standard offerings were about a foot shorter.  Considerable custom work was done starting with the larger more formal "C" pillar and stretched rear fenders and trunk lid.  Exterior trim was also unique as mentioned above and interiors were truly distinctive compared to the lesser cars.  I have a '48 60S and love its elegant appearance.  As far as being troublesome, I doubt it.... this car had the tried and true flathead with many years of reliable performance, plus the hydramatic which had plenty of updates since introduction in '41.  It's a great looking car and by the way, there is plenty of information available.  There are always original '48 shop manuals on ebay for between $20 and $30, plus you really should buy the authenticity manual which is another source of great info.

Whit Otis

[Richardonly]

Whit,

Thank you for the information and nice to hear that you own one also.  I have purchased a 1948 reproduction repair manual but would like to purchase an authenticity manual.  Since I am not familiar with the latter, I "assume' that it tells and shows how the vehicle originaly was, when new.  Where does one purchase this and am I correct in what it is?
Having owned mine for only 3 months and new to the hobby, there is much I probably do not know about my 48.  But I am learning quick.  The car is 98% original (reupholtered front seat which matches rear and a new carpet, plus a few modern hose clamps.)

Thank you, Richard

[Bill Hedge CLC 14424]

Richard:

You can find the place to purchase the Authenticity Manuals by going to the "Home Page".  Click on the heading located on the left side entitled:   "Technical Resources".  On the new page that will appear, click on the subject heading entitled: "Authenticity Manuals"  The next page will contain a list and explanation of all manuals currently available.  Below is a direct link to this page.

https://www.cadillaclasalleclub.org/technical-resources/authenticity-manuals


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Once you have determined which manual you wish to purchase follow the instructions contained at the bottom of the page.  These instructions are as set out below:

Manuals are currently under development for many other Cadillacs and LaSalles, as well.
 
You can order online. Just click "Store" on the left menu.
 
An order form is available for your convenience.
 
To order by mail, make your check payable to Cadillac & LaSalle Club, Inc. and mail to:
 
CLC Authenticity Manual
 c/o William C. Anderson, P. E.
 2198 Johns Hopkins Rd.
 Gambrills, MD 21054-1614
 
To order by credit card, telephone your order to the CLC Office at (614) 478-4622. You may also FAX your credit card order to the CLC Office at (614) 472-3222.
 
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If you have any questions about the Authenticity Manuals or you are a CLC member and are interested in helping to authenticate a particular year or years, please contact the Project Chairman, William C. "Bill" Anderson, P.E.

Bill Hedge, CLC #14424
Message Board Administrator
Cadillac & La Salle Club

[Richardonly]

Hello to Bill Hedge,

Thank you for the information on how to purchase the authenticity manual.  I DID order one the other day and wait for it's arrival.

Hopefully it is something I shall enjoy reading as well as all the information it contains.

Richard

[Richardonly]

I finally received my edition with the member listings, to find out that there are 14 Fleetwoods listed with the CLC for this year.
Thank you CLC.
Richard

[Richardonly]

Hello again,

Just realized that the 1948 Cadillac Fleetwood 60S's, of which I was told that there were only 12 in last years directory, jumped to 14 with the addition of mine and a "new" friend in Australia who also bought one last year and joined the CLC.

He (John S.) has been of great help along with the other members of the CLC.

Thank you one and all, Richard

[Tim Pawl CLC#4383]

The Cadillac & Lasalle Club Museum & Research Center (CLCMRC)  also has a 1948 Fleetwood Sixty Special in its collection, and on display at the Cadillac Gallery at the Gilmore Car Museum at Hickory Corners, Michigan. It is not currently not listed in the club directory. The CLCMRC will work with the CLC on getting all of its cars listed in the directory for such reference purposes.    Tim Pawl CLC#4383  Curator, CLCMRC