Bertha, 1973-2016 RIP

[Nashville Native]

Yesterday, a building fire claimed my beloved '73 Calais Sedan, named Bertha (after her original owner). I am devastated, as you might imagine.

She was stored with a friend's collection of muscle cars (and his own '71 CdV). I'd only had her out for two car shows and a dinner date so far this year, was planning to get her out a lot more starting later this month.





Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go cry a few buckets.

[mistertudball]

I can certainly understand the pain.  Not two minutes ago I checked a Corvair discussion forum (I have Monza and Eldo convertibles) and the top post was a guy who just lost TWO of his Corvairs in a storage building fire.  Insurance or not, it has to be devastating.  My Eldo is your year, and my wife's grandpa had one just like yours.  I feel for ya.

[Nashville Native]

I can certainly understand the pain.  Not two minutes ago I checked a Corvair discussion forum (I have Monza and Eldo convertibles) and the top post was a guy who just lost TWO of his Corvairs in a storage building fire.  Insurance or not, it has to be devastating.  My Eldo is your year, and my wife's grandpa had one just like yours.  I feel for ya.

Thank you. That might be my buddy and the same fire. He had two late-model Corvairs in that building, along with a dozen other cars. My own Corvair ('63 700 sedan) is in the garage at home.

[Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621]

Damn shame.

[jwjohnson86]

Very sorry for your loss.  Car was in beautiful condition.  RIP for sure.

[Walter Youshock]

Awful.  You have my sympathy.

[Dan LeBlanc]

NOOOOOO! IF I recall correctly, this was an exceptionally well preserved original car to boot

[Nashville Native]

Thanks guys. I was very lucky that my first Cadillac was such a nice one. Just wish I could have enjoyed her longer.

[Jeff Rosansky CLC #28373]

Sorry

[76eldo]

I am very sorry to see this.  I hope you find another car to love in due time.

Brian

[chrisntam]

Wow. That is terrible.  Sorry to hear.  Not replaceable.  Nothing else to say.

[Blade]

I too had the same car as my first Caddy but a Sedan DeVille. What a bummer, especially for something original and in good condition as Bertha was!   

Despite your loss hope your next classic going to be another Caddy. A '73 again perhaps?

[Coupe Deville]

I am so sorry to hear about this. I can not even imagine... There is nothing more to say about this.

As others said, insurance or not, this is an awful loss.

The next time I start up my 1972 Coupe Deville, I'll sound the trumpet horn in her honor. 

[Nashville Native]

Thank you, everyone, for the condolences and support. If interested, here is an article from the local newspaper about the fire.

http://www.tennessean.com/story/news/local/dickson/2016/04/06/multiple-classic-restored-cars-lost-white-bluff-fire/82721654/

[Nashville Native]

I too had the same car as my first Caddy but a Sedan DeVille. What a bummer, especially for something original and in good condition as Bertha was!   

Despite your loss hope your next classic going to be another Caddy. A '73 again perhaps?

Thank you.

Perhaps. My favorites are the '67 CDVs, SDVs, and Calais, '71-'73 CDVs, SDVs, and Calais, and the '68-'70 Eldos. I like many others, but those are my favorites. Once I heal, then find a BETTER place to keep my loves, I'm sure I'll be a proud Cadillac owner again.

[Nashville Native]

I am so sorry to hear about this. I can not even imagine... There is nothing more to say about this.

As others said, insurance or not, this is an awful loss.

The next time I start up my 1972 Coupe Deville, I'll sound the trumpet horn in her honor.

Thank you very much. I'm sure she'll hear your tribute.