Cadillac & LaSalle Club Discussion Forum

Cadillac & LaSalle Club Forums => General Discussion => Topic started by: bongo7777 on March 22, 2013, 09:16:11 PM

Title: 1953 Cadillac Derham Imperial Limousine Info request
Post by: bongo7777 on March 22, 2013, 09:16:11 PM
My son and myself recently purchased a 53 Cadillac Derham Limousine and imported it here in Melbourne, Australia.  It has 32K miles and in very nice condition (one repaint a number of years ago)
Does anyone know how many 53 Limousines Derham modified?  It is hard to find much at all about the Derham Company.
Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Graham.
Title: Re: 1953 Cadillac Derham Imperial Limousine Info request
Post by: okccadman on March 23, 2013, 10:50:13 AM
Beautiful 53!  All Derham archives were donated to the AACA Museum.  i wa sable to obtain copies of some photos of 1956 and 1958 Cadillacs when researching my 56 Derham but was told no production or sales records are available.
Title: Re: 1953 Cadillac Derham Imperial Limousine Info request
Post by: Louis Smith on March 23, 2013, 11:36:01 AM
An impressive looking vehicle indeed.


http://www.coachbuilt.com/bui/d/derham/derham.htm
Title: Re: 1953 Cadillac Derham Imperial Limousine Info request
Post by: bongo7777 on March 26, 2013, 10:41:54 PM
Thanks for your help.
I did contact Dale wells at CCCA Museum a couple of months ago and he explained that most of the files were lost when the company closed it's doors. They were left in a warehouse to deteriorate, what a shame.
I just thought someone may have some knowledge of Derham and their vehicles in the 50's they could share.  I don't even know how many 53 Limousines were modified by Derham in 53.
I have found a couple of magazine articles that are interesting. Dream Cars 1953 has some info on Derham and also Motor Trend, June 53 has an article, but thats about it.
Title: Re: 1953 Cadillac Derham Imperial Limousine Info request
Post by: bongo7777 on March 26, 2013, 11:09:45 PM
Just reading the 1953 Dream Cars magazine and it seems John D Rockefeller, Jr. Owned a black with white top 52 Limousine. I wonder where that is now??
Title: Re: 1953 Cadillac Derham Imperial Limousine Info request
Post by: Bill Caddyshack on May 17, 2014, 08:00:22 AM
I think this is a 1958 Derham. No badges. One repaint, I think. Comments?
Title: Re: 1953 Cadillac Derham Imperial Limousine Info request
Post by: bongo7777 on May 17, 2014, 10:22:00 PM
It is without doubt a coach built/modified vehicle but, I am not sure it was done by Derham.  The rear window is not the shape that Derham used, they were more of an oval shape.
You may be able to track down where the car was sent when delivered new.  GM Archives may be able to tell you.
Whatever it is, it is rare!
Graham.
Melbourne, Australia.
Title: Re: 1953 Cadillac Derham Imperial Limousine Info request
Post by: Bill Caddyshack on May 18, 2014, 04:59:46 AM
Quote from: bongo7777 on May 17, 2014, 10:22:00 PM
It is without doubt a coach built/modified vehicle but, I am not sure it was done by Derham.  The rear window is not the shape that Derham used, they were more of an oval shape.
You may be able to track down where the car was sent when delivered new.  GM Archives may be able to tell you.
Whatever it is, it is rare!
Graham.
Melbourne, Australia.

Thanks, Graham, am asking for the build sheet. Do you have any links to Derham information?

All I know about this car is that it has been sitting for 10 plus years. I am going to be cleaning the fuel system today. It runs, but just barely, brakes are spongy and MC seems to be leaking, but no other leaks.

The top seems relatively new, but can't feel any rust bumps under it. Chrome is new or replated. Radio works! Interior is perfect, right patterns, but wrong material. No rust I can see.