By 1948 Cadillac had firmly established itself as one of the industry’s most prestigious marques, earning its trademark as “the Standard of the World.” With post-war designs just around the corner, 1948 models proved to be the last Cadillacs to embrace the pre-war period’s design language, making them the last examples considered by the Classic Car Club of America to be Full Classics.

This elegant seven-passenger limousine claims rarity and remarkable originality, offering an outstanding example of Cadillac’s celebrated long-wheelbase Fleetwood. According to a Cadillac production record, this limousine was optioned with a Hydra-Matic transmission, radio, heater, and fog lights, and was finished in black paint, as authentically presented today.

In mid-March 1948, the limousine was shipped to Don Lee Cadillac in San Francisco, one of the city’s early automobile-row dealerships, which is today recognized on the national register of historically important places. The Cadillac went on to enjoy preservative care in the hands of just two owners through to late 2009, at which point it was sold to the current owner, a collector based in Florida. The limousine then displayed just 77,000 miles, having benefitted from an engine rebuild at 66,000 miles.

For the last ten years, the Fleetwood has enjoyed fastidious attention while largely remaining in storage within the consignor’s quality collection. The remarkable car continues to display incredible originality, retaining the original factory paint, interior upholstery and carpeting, and the courtesy window that divides the front and rear compartments.

Though 1,262 examples of the Fleetwood 75 were manufactured in 1948, just 446 cars were built with body style 7533, of which only a small percentage were finished as limousines. Offering great originality and the distinction of executive transport, this exceptional Cadillac is ideal for display at regional events and concours d’elegance.