Cadillac Series 70

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Cadillac Series 70
1940 Series 75 limousine
Manufacturer General Motors
Production 1936–1976
Predecessor Cadillac Series 355
Successor Cadillac Fleetwood
Class Large luxury car

The Series 70 (models 70 and 75) was Cadillac's full-size V8-powered car from the 1930s through 1950s. It replaced the 1935 355-D as the company's mainstream car just as the much less-expensive Series 60 was introduced. The Series 80 (models 80 and 85) were the same as the Series 70 but used Cadillac's V12 engine rather than the new V8.

The short wheelbase Series 70 was replaced by the Series 62 in 1941, while the long wheelbase Series 75 became part of the Fleetwood line.

Contents

[edit] 1936-1937

Generation I
Series 70/75/80/85
1937 Cadillac Series 70 convertible coupe
Production 1936–1937
Engine(s) 346 in³ Monobloc V8
368 in³ Series 80 V12
Wheelbase 131 in (70)
138 in (75)
156 in (Commercial)

Like the smaller car, the Series 70 was powered by the new Monobloc V8, though the bigger cars got the larger 346 in³ (5.7 L) engine. This 135 hp (101 kW) engine was both less expensive and more powerful, and the stylish body by Fleetwood should have made the Series 70 an instant hit. However, the high price ($2,500 and up) limited its appeal in the depression era. 5,248 were sold for 1936.

The Series 70 was available in three basic models:

  • 36-70 — 131 in (3327 mm) wheelbase and 206.25 in (5239 mm) overall length
  • 36-75 — 138 in (3505 mm) wheelbase and 213.5 in (5423 mm) overall length
  • 36-75 Commercial — 156 in (3962 mm) wheelbase and 213.5 in (5423 mm) overall length

All three models shared the same engine and 3-speed transmission. Minor body style changes were made for 1937.

[edit] Series 80

The Series 80 (models 80 and 85) was simply a model 70 or 75 with Cadillac's 368 in³ V12 engine. It was produced for 1936 and 1937 only. Output was 150 hp (112 kW).

Cadillac Series 75 Imperial Touring Limousine 1938
Cadillac Series 75 Imperial Touring Limousine 1938
Cadillac Series 75 Convertible Sedan 1939
Cadillac Series 75 Convertible Sedan 1939
Cadillac Series 75 Convertible Sedan 1940
Cadillac Series 75 Convertible Sedan 1940

[edit] 1938-1941

Generation II
Series 72/75
Production 1938–1941
Engine(s) 346 in³ Monobloc V8
Wheelbase 138 in (3505 mm) (72)
141 in (3581 mm) (75)
136 in (3454 mm) ('41 75)

The 1938 Fleetwood-bodied Series 75 used a 141 in (3,600 mm) wheelbase. It was available as a sedan, "Imperial", or "Formal Sedan". All Cadillacs shared the same 346 in³ L-head V8 that year, though the 75 generated 140 hp (104 kW) instead of 135 hp (101 kW) like the rest of the line.

For 1941, the wheelbase was reduced to 136 in (3454 mm), though engine power was up to 150 hp (112 kW).

[edit] Series 72

The Series 72 of 1940 was somewhat smaller than the 75. It was also a Fleetwood car, but rode on a 138 in (3,500 mm) wheelbase.

[edit] 1946-1949

Generation III
Production 1946–1949
Engine(s) 346 in³ Monobloc V8
346 in³ OHV V8
Wheelbase 136 in (3454 mm)

The Series 75 returned after the war as Cadillac's largest model. It retained most of its pre-war styling and rode on the long 136 in (3,500 mm) wheelbase. The engine was the same 346 in³ L-head V8 used by other Cadillacs that year.

The new Cadillac OHV V8 was the big news for 1949, with minor trim differences otherwise. This 331 in³ engine produced 160 hp (119 kW).

[edit] 1950-1953

Generation IV
Production 1950–1953
Engine(s) 346 in³ OHV V8
365 in³ OHV V8
Wheelbase 146.75 in (3727 mm)

An all-new Series 75 was introduced for 1950. This would replace the final pre-war design at Cadillac, with a new 146.75 in (3,727 mm) wheelbase. 7-passenger seating was again offered via jump seats. Engine output for the 331 was up to 190 hp (142 kW) for 1952.


[edit] 1954-1956

Generation V
Production 1954–1956
Engine(s) 346 in³ OHV V8
365 in³ OHV V8
Wheelbase 149.8 in (3805 mm)

Wheelbase was up to 149.8 in (3805 mm) for 1954, and engine output jumped to 230 hp (172 kW). It was at 250 hp (186 kW) one year later. An optional dual-four barrel carb setup boasted 270 hp (201 kW).

The engine was stroked to 365 in³ for 285 or 305 hp (213 or 227 kW) in 1956.

[edit] 1957-1965

Generation VI
Series 75/6700
Production 1957–1965
Engine(s) 390 in³ OHV V8
429 in³ OHV V8
Wheelbase 149.8 in (3805 mm)

Power was 300 to 325 hp (224 to 242 kW) for 1957. The car was rebodied with more chunky styling. The 75 name had all but disappeared from the big Cadillac, and the engine was an even 325 hp (242 kW) from the 390 in³ engine.

The long Fleetwood became the Series 6700, in keeping with Cadillac's new scheme, in 1960. The styling was also toned down. The engine was entirely changed for 1963, though the displacement and output remained the same.

The engine was bumped to 429 in³ for 1964. 340 hp (254 kW) was the result.

1987 would be the final year Cadillac would offer the model.

Generation VII
Fleetwood Seventy-Five
1968 Cadillac Fleetwood Seventy-Five limousine
Production 1966–1970
Engine(s) 429 in³ OHV V8
472 in³ OHV V8 ('68)
Wheelbase 149.8 in (3805 mm)
156 in (3962 mm) (Commercial)
Generation VIII
Fleetwood Seventy-Five
Production 1971–1976
Engine(s) 472 in³ OHV V8
500 in³ OHV V8 ('75)
Wheelbase 151.5 in (3848 mm)
157.5 in (4001 mm) (Commercial)
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