1935 Cadillac Fleetwood Town Cabriolet

Matt Harwood · 2014-04-17T01:16:43.000Z

This is an extraordinary car with an equally extraordinary story to tell. Originally owned by cosmetics icon Elizabeth Arden, who gave it to her chauffeur after many years of service, and the current owner purchased it from the chauffeur's son in 2006. It shows just 32,134 original miles and has the most extraordinary all-original interior I've ever seen. It is one of only three V8-powered Town Cabriolets built by Fleetwood and one of only two believed to exist today. Since 2006, it has been repainted in its original colors of Bolivian Brown with black fenders and Ms. Arden's initials are still found on the back doors. Several custom-ordered features specially chosen by Ms. Arden include the louvered hood sides with functioning vents and the removal of all insignias save for the Cadillac emblem on the radiator shell. It was originally fitted with wheel discs, which are included with the car, but the current owner prefers the look of the wire spoke wheels and I'm inclined to agree with him. Much of the chrome was also restored at that time and the padded roof was replaced, ensuring that the car is in spectacular cosmetic condition.The interior is perhaps the car's most notable feature, and it's simply breathtaking. The chauffeur's compartment is finished in black leather that has been replaced at some point--it's simply too nice to be 80 years old, particularly with the removable fabric top overhead. The gauges are beautifully finished and fully functional, and the car is loaded with every possible accessory, including a Philco radio with push-button tuning and Arvin heater. There is a lubrication tag on the driver's door jamb that says next service is due at 24,719 miles or 8-30-45, about 8000 miles ago! The opulent passenger compartment shows Ms. Arden's impeccable tastes and remains entirely original. Tan wool broadcloth covers the door panels, main seat and jump seats, as well as the headliner. The carpet is an unusual white fur which is absolutely original and correct for the car, and protected by later oriental-style carpets. A myriad of compartments for cosmetics, gloves, and other niceties, and both sides get lighted vanity mirrors. All door hardware is a combination of chrome and gold plated hardware, beautifully sculpted, and there's a lot of real walnut trim throughout. A lovely art-deco clock is centered in the divider area, and obviously there's expansive room in back.Power comes from Cadillac's stout 353 cubic inch flathead V8, which is impeccably smooth and quite capable of moving the enormous car without strain. The engine has never been apart and presents in almost entirely original condition save for the usual tune-up and maintenance items. It has been recently and extensively serviced for touring, including a carburetor rebuild, cooling system overhaul, and ignition system, so it's ready to enjoy on tour. There's a lot of hardware crammed under that long hood, but all of it is original specification. It starts easily and runs whisper quiet. A three-speed synchromesh transmission is easy to use and despite the car's size, steering is reasonably light and handling is par for the period. The undercarriage is as nicely preserved as the engine bay, not detailed for show but quite tidy, and it rides on a set of brand new Diamondback 17-inch radials that look right and ride superbly.There's a lot more to this car than I can possibly cover here, and it is one of the most extraordinary cars I've ever represented. With known history from new, celebrity ownership, and impeccable preservation, it's a wonderful opportunity to own an important and significant automobile that is both ready to show and tour. Ever since I was a kid, I thought a town car was just about the most amazing body style ever--open-air motoring for the driver and a closed compartment for the kids. Nice, right? We're asking $89,900 and we're always open to reasonable offers. Thanks for looking!

Apr 17, 2014 (edited)1.1K views

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