Milestone Car Society

[Richardonly]

Hello All,

Anyone familiar with the "Milestone Car Society" of which I believe the 1948-1949 Fleetwood 60S qualifies for membership?

Richard

[Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621]

The only reference I've heard made to the MCS came from Illustrated Cadillac Buyer's Guide by Richard M Langworth who as it turns out was the Society's first president. Other than that I've heard very little mention of the organization in collector car circles generally.

According to the book, the 1949 Fleetwood is recognized for Milestone Status but the 1948 model is not. That may have changed since. In any case, I wouldn't place too much stock in the "distinction" one way or the other. 

[Richardonly]

Eric,

Thank you for the info.  From the information I have read, the 1948 is now a "milestone" car.  But what good is it, if there isn't an active membership?

It seems as if their site isn't even attended to any longer.

Thanks again for your response.

Richard

[Barry M Wheeler #2189]

As I recall, back when this organization first got started, it was because of the ever going conflict about what is and isn't a "Classic" car. CCCA would not recognize (until later) post-war cars, and people were getting interested in them, and voila', here comes the Milestone Car Society.

Now that there are countless clubs for postwar cars, the need for this particular organization more or less vanished.

(Corrections to my memory are encouraged.)

[Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621]

Sounds about right. From what I have been told, the CCCA is on the borderline of becoming extinct. Interestingly Mr Langworth alludes to the AACA a number of times in his Cadillac Buyer's Guide in addition to the Milestone Car Society.

Anyone who's ever read the Cadillac Buyers Guide, more than a bit of contempt the author has for certain Cadillac models is evident "reading between the lines".

[Mike Simmons 938]

Just google Milestone Car Society of CA- apparently the last remnant of the original National club that started in 1972. The CA club is quite active, but centers around Oxnard in southern CA.  History, events, meetings etc- and anything automotive seems to be welcome- even 48 Caddys, street rods, antiques etc.

Enjoy.
Mike Simmons 938

[OK]

Eric writes: "From what I have been told, the CCCA is on the borderline of becoming extinct."

I don't think that's the case, at least based on my experience.  My understanding is that the membership numbers are relatively stable, and the club is pretty active with tours and shows.  (They have great club magazines, too.) There is a lot of concern about the future of the club: When every car you recognize was made over 65 years ago, you have to worry about where your future members are coming from.  They recently expanded their set of recognized cars to try to alleviate some of that.  There is also a concern that the proliferation of concours is trumping some club activities.  A good number of the member cars are show cars, and they may want to show them at bigger shows than just CCCA events if such shows are available.  But it's not on the borderline of becoming extinct.

[k8096]

Yes, the CCCA is far from extinct.   The Annual Meeting in Troy, MI this past January was focused on V 16 powered cars & there were about 15 V 16 Cadillacs present from all over the country.  It's too bad the Cadillac LaSalle Club can't generate enthusiasm among the owners of these type of cars to bring them to the Grand National shows anymore.   I remember a whole row of V 16s at the Grand National at Greenfield Village in the mid 1980's when I was a kid.     

[Richardonly]

If memory serves me correctly, the original CLC only allowed cars up to 1958.

[k8096]

The club was founded in about 1958 and originally was for cars up to 1942, then it expanded later.  Remember, in 1958 a 1940's Cadillac was just an out of style, low priced used car.   Not much different from today where the club allows cars up to 10 years old on the show field.   

[Barry M Wheeler #2189]

The CLC first recognized Cadillacs (and LaSalles) up to 1942. We changed that at a Board Meeting at Fairlane Manor that because we ran overtime, (way before Lars Kneller ran Board Meetings) adjourned to a large tree outside the entrance and over the heartfelt objections of Doug Houston, recognized all Cadillacs. I forget the date.

[Tito Sobrinho]

I would love to have a Classic Cadillac from the 30s' , but they are out of my league. Instead, I have the book " The Classic Era"  by the late Beverly R. Kimes.

For my antique 1949, I belong to the AACA  and CLC. I used to be with the Milstone Car Society, but somehow the original Society  became extint.