1939 Cadillac Fleetwood Sedan - Black with Silver Panels - 89,714 Miles - 346ci V8, Manual, 8-Seater - Unrestored Original Survivor

Price Guide: $85,000 - $120,000

One of the most significant pre-war American luxury cars available in Australia today, completely original and presenting with 86 years of authentic character.



Description

In 1939, Cadillac held the title "Standard of the World" without serious challenge. The Fleetwood body, hand-crafted in Detroit and fitted to Cadillac's most prestigious chassis, represented the absolute pinnacle of American engineering and coachbuilding. An eight-passenger Fleetwood sedan was the choice of governors, executives, and heads of state. Genuine unrestored survivors of this stature are extraordinarily rare, particularly outside the United States. This example, at 89,714 miles and retaining its original specification throughout, is exactly that.



Photos across 30 images confirm the car's unrestored status with complete consistency. The two-tone black and silver exterior is imposing from every angle, with the iconic vertical waterfall chrome grille, sweeping pontoon front fenders, running boards, and elongated formal roofline all present and correct. The black upper body carries good gloss with strong reflections, while the silver lower panels show age-appropriate oxidation and patina on closer inspection, consistent with decades of original paint. Chrome front and rear bumpers, headlight bezels, and all brightwork retain their period character. Whitewall tyres with chrome hubcaps are fitted and suit the car correctly. The rear carries the original "A.B.L.E. Classic Wedding Cars" bumper badge, confirming the vehicle's distinguished provenance as a former formal wedding car. Inside, the rear passenger compartment is the highlight of this car. Tufted tan broadcloth upholstery, original chrome grab handles, fold-down jump seats, walnut cappings, floor heating vents, and the original passenger-to-driver communication microphone (a rare factory feature) are all present and well-preserved. The timber trim has been professionally repolished, vendor advises by a Rolls-Royce restoration specialist. The formal division with sliding glass window separating the chauffeur and passenger compartments is intact and operational. The front driver's seat leather is cracked and worn from age, as disclosed. The original Harrison radiator (dated to 1939 production on its tag), the 346ci flathead V8, and the original wiring layout are all present in the engine bay, with expected unrestored patina throughout. A modern JVC head unit has been fitted to the dash, and the trunk houses two aftermarket amplifiers, noting the car's life as a working wedding vehicle. The original burl walnut dashboard and Cadillac instrument binnacle with horizontal sweep speedometer are intact. The original ignition system has been updated with a Bosch coil and electronic module for reliability, as would be expected on a regularly used vehicle.



Pre-war Cadillac Fleetwood eight-passenger sedans in running, original condition have achieved $30,000 to $60,000 AUD at Australian auction in recent years, with documented examples in strong original condition reaching further. The combination of unrestored status, formal Fleetwood coachwork, complete original interior, and genuine provenance as a working wedding car makes this a rare and significant acquisition for the serious pre-war collector.



Features

* Original 346 cubic inch flathead V8 engine

* Manual transmission, rear-wheel drive

* Four-door Fleetwood formal sedan, eight-seat configuration

* Left-hand drive

* Completely unrestored, original specification throughout

* Two-tone black and silver exterior with whitewall tyres and chrome hubcaps

* Original tan rear passenger broadcloth upholstery, remarkably well-preserved

* Formal chauffeur division with sliding glass window

* Fold-down jump seats, both sides, with chrome hardware

* Original passenger-to-driver communication microphone (factory feature)

* Timber trim professionally repolished (vendor advises by a Rolls-Royce specialist)

* Replacement carpets fitted throughout

* Original burl walnut dashboard and period instrumentation

* Modern radio fitted (JVC single-DIN head unit)

* Former formal wedding car with documented provenance

* Original Harrison radiator (confirmed by dated factory tag)



Condition Notes

* Driver's front seat leather is cracked and worn from age, consistent with 86 years of use

* Silver lower body panels show age-appropriate oxidation and paint patina

* Dashboard walnut veneer shows crazing and minor delamination at edges, typical of unrestored 86-year-old timber dash

* Engine bay wiring shows evidence of previous repair work and updates to ignition system (Bosch coil and electronic module fitted for reliability)

* Trunk liner is deteriorated and will require replacement



Specifications

Year: 1939

Make: Cadillac

Model: Fleetwood

Body: Four-door formal sedan, 8-seat

Engine: 346 cubic inch flathead V8

Transmission: Manual

Drive: Rear-wheel drive

Odometer: 89,714 miles

Colour: Black with Silver panels

Seats: 8

Steering: Left-hand drive

Location: Villawood, NSW

Engine Number: 3291530

Chassis Number: 3291530

If you have any questions relating to this vehicle, or if you would like to arrange a physical or virtual inspection, please contact Gavin directly on 0455 500 400

(Key #46CC)

Lloyds stock #580247+1

#CCALL
#CCUSA

Location of item: 60 Marple Avenue, Villawood, NSW, Australia

As Standard Auction Practice all Vehicles are Sold Unregistered



As with all vehicles sold in the Classic Car Division, they have been well looked after by their previous owners. This is an Auction Sale. This asset is sold under standard auction conditions, as is, where is. High volumes of incoming product prevent our team from being able to inspect all items individually. All photos, descriptions, odometer readings, hour readings, engine specifications and any condition reports should be used as a guide only and have been compiled after speaking with the owners. To find out more about this lot or to book a live video inspection please contact the Auctioneer Contact which can be found on the Auction Details page. There is no statutory warranty & no cooling off period.

Transport quotes are provided in the bidding centre for delivery to your door or to your nearest depot. Alternatively, you can arrange your own transport, or we can assist with obtaining a quotation for transport to your door prior to bidding. Email [email protected] with your name and lot/stock number and our transport team will be in contact.

Lloyds Auctions advise to use these quotes as a guide only, prices will be variable dependent upon several factors including your location, car value, open or enclosed transport, vehicles sizes and are excluding GST.