Cadillac Series 70 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.
1936-1937
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 wheelbase and 206.25 in overall length
36-75 — 138 in wheelbase and 213.5 in overall length
36-75 Commercial — 156 in wheelbase and 213.5 in overall length
All three models shared the same engine and 3-speed transmission. Minor body style changes were made for 1937.
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)
1938-1941
The 1938 Fleetwood-bodied Series 75 used a 141 in 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, though engine power was up to 150 hp (112 kW).
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 wheelbase.
1946-1949
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 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).
1950-1953
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 wheelbase. 7-passenger seating was again offered via jump seats. Engine output for the 331 was up to 190 hp (142 kW) for 1952.
1954-1956
Wheelbase was up to 149.8 in 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.
1957-1965
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.
|
