Last updated on July 13, 2024
Today’s car is a 1937 Cadillac Fleetwood Sport Coupe with Rumble Seat (Series 70) owned by Jon and Scott Schoenfeld. I photographed this car at the Peninsula Cars n Coffee in Peninsula Shopping Center, at 550 Deep Valley Drive in Rolling Hills Estates, CA. The car is finished in black with a tan Bedford cloth interior and walnut trim. It is powered by a 135 hp 346 cu in, Mono-Block Flat Head V8 engine, with a Stromberg Downdraft 2-barrel carburetor with an electric choke, mated to the last year of the floor shift manual 3 speed transmission with 3.77 rear axle. This engine was produced 1936 – 1948 and was used to power tanks, armored cars and amphibious military vehicles during WWII. Slowing this beauty down are hydraulic drum brakes in all 4-corners. The advanced front suspension featured independent “knee-action” front suspension and shock absorbers. The rear suspension were semi-elliptical leaf springs.
The Series 70 were built from 1936 – 1937. While just coming out of the great depression the total number of 1936 Cadillacs built was 12,913 and 14,164 units built in 1937 which was low for its price range and luxury status. The MSRP was $2509.00. This car had been equipped with every option the factory offered in 1937 including Dual Side Mounts ($15 ea.), Deluxe Radio ($80), Heater ($60), Wide White Wall Tires ($6 ea.), Trip Light, Bench Seat, etc.. would raise the price to nearly $3000.00. This was nearly double the cost of the lowest priced 60 Series Cadillac offered in 1937. The published top speed of 80-85 MPH . This was the last year of the composite body, wood frame and steel body with the coach work shared between Fleetwood and Fisher body.
This 30 year old restoration can use a refresh but, still carries its own. What a great car to take to Cadillac and GM car shows, Cars and Coffee events or just a cruising around town in style. Thank you for riding along. Frank
