Cadillac Fleetwood Seventy-Five Limousine, 1959
Cadillac Fleetwood 75 Series
Cadillac Fleetwood 75 Series•
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Chassis No.: 59S111082
Estimate: US$40,000 - US$60,000 USD
- 390ci OHV V-8 Engine
- Single 4-Barrel Carburetor
- 345bhp at 4,800rpm
- 4-Speed Hydramatic Automatic Transmission
- Independent Front Suspension and Live Rear Axle
- 4-Wheel Power-Assisted Drum Brakes
- The official car of five Governors of Alabama
- In the care of the current owners for over half a century
- THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
One of 690 limousines produced, the air-conditioned Fleetwood Seventy-Five offered here was purchased new by the State of Alabama for the use of the state's Governor, receiving Alabama registration plate '1.' It was used by no fewer than five Governors, beginning with "Big Jim" Folsom and continuing through the administrations of John Patterson; George Wallace; Lurleen Wallace, wife of her predecessor; and finally Albert Brewer, who succeeded Mrs. Wallace following her passing in 1968.
In the early days of his term, Governor Brewer deemed the Cadillac outmoded, and it was retired and scheduled for sale at public auction. Soon after it was announced that the limousine would be sold, Gerald Wallace, brother of George, called to say that the family had strong sentimental ties to the car, given that both Governors Wallace had ridden in it, and that George Wallace would be very appreciative if the state would simply give him the Cadillac.
As the sale was already announced, this was not possible, but State of Alabama finance director Bob Ingram and his assistant Tom Brassell pooled their own private funds to buy the car at the auction for $2,200 and present it to Governor Wallace. When Mr. Ingram called to present the Cadillac to its former passenger, Governor Wallace "snorted that he had no interest in the car whatsoever.
When I told him what Gerald had told me, he said he had no idea where his brother got such an idea." Accordingly, soon after receiving the gift that he apparently never really wanted, Governor Wallace bestowed the former "Cadillac No. 1" on the father of the current owner, a longtime Alabama collector of vintage automobiles since the earliest days of the hobby. It has remained in the family collection now for over fifty years.
Today the Cadillac remains in completely original condition, including its factory paint, showing minor cracking around the joints, and even the wool broadcloth upholstery of the rear compartment, which has survived the years in remarkable condition aside from numerous tobacco stains – legacies of passengers who enjoyed their cigars. It is accompanied by a copy of its build record, depicting its original options and delivery location, as well as a newspaper column written by Bob Ingram, discussing its history.
An imposing eyewitness to an important time in American history, this 1959 Cadillac limousine has survived to now tell its stories in a new home – only the third it has had since new.
