Lot 21: Cadillac SERIES 61 CLUB COUPE

The 1948 Cadillac range was to set a styling precedent with the introduction of the tail fin, the inspiration for this having come from the Lockheed P38 Lightening Fighter aeroplane. During the war years, Cadillac's designers had experimented with various ideas for styling of the post-war models which would incorporate the aircraft's features, including the curved windshields, pontoon front fenders and, of course, the tail fins. Around this period, styling cues taken from aircraft were particularly fashionable in the American automobile industry, another example being Studebaker with the dramatic frontal aspect of their 1950 models.The interior of the 1948 Series was also to prove a considerable improvement on earlier models with a large ornate housing for the speedometer, gauges and controls. Power for the new model was provided by the well-proven 346ci V8 unit ensuring quiet, effortless high performance which was one of Cadillac's hallmarks. Without doubt one of the most striking American motor cars of this early post-war period, Cadillac's Club Coup� or Sedanet boasted a sleek fastback design of aesthetically pleasing proportions. The example offered here looks most appealing in its livery of Ivory with brown interior trim. Appearing to be in essentially original condition with the exception of a repaint carried out some years ago, it is understood to be in good mechanical order and very sound throughout. Acquired by the vendor from a deceased estate on the Isle of Wight, the vehicle is reported to have resided in Germany for a number of years having been displayed in a museum. An iconic motor car of high quality, this rare Cadillac is offered with German documentation.