I still remember my parents’ 1959 Georgian Blue Series Sixty-two convertible even though I was only 2 1/2 years old when my dad bought it new. My parents were both Austrian, and my dad took the car to Austria with us on vacation on the S.S. United States in May of 1959. My dad often remarked that the car caused quite a sensation on the streets of Vienna, where an international film festival was being held at the time. According to dad, he was several times mistaken for a Hollywood producer because of that car. Perhaps because it is the first car that I can vividly remember, I still have an affinity for Cadillacs today. Great video, Adam. Thank you!
I lived in Brussels and these cars attracted a lot of attention. It was quite a sight to see one of these drive on European roads. They also appeared fairly frequently on the French Riviera. These were owned by a wealthy clientele that traveled to these glamorous places. In France big American cars were referred to as "les belles americaines".
In Europe??? Those mountain roads must have been real scary for the guy coming the other way who must have though it was a spaceship, David and Goliath, no room for a car that size, poor auto transmission and drum brakes must have been red hot, your old boy must have had his hands full..
@@marcumexe We traveled through the Alps in a !972 Chrysler New Yorker and it somehow always worked out. My dad used that car for years in cities and on country roads and it was not usually a problem. I have great memories of that Chrysler .It was definitely an experience!
My childhood shrine growing up in the 1980s. My Grandfather's 1959 Sedan de Ville four window flat top was my first visit every visit. I would sit in the car, pretend to drive it, and play with the power windows (didn't need the keys for them) I particularly liked how the back windows went down on that model, ran the battery dead one day doing that (he was not happy). Saddest day of my childhood when they sold it (I was 14 when it happened in 1990) I loved that car! I've got a picture I used in 4th grade for a report on classic cars that I did, standing next to those fins, which were taller than me!
Such wild and outrageous fins, promising a future of space age travel and unlimited possibilities. I love the '59 Cadillac for all its excess. While the '60 was more tasteful, the '59 is the ultimate iconic representation of late 1950's Americana. A time we will never see again.
Absolutely fantastic video with a wealth of history and info. These cars were awesome. I can just imagine the feeling of arriving home and just prior to closing the garage door turning back towards the car and feeling the sense of awe one must've felt owning one of these incredible works of art
Boy, I’m glad you’re back! Thanks for the glimpse of the first proposal for the ‘59 Cadillac, I always find that particularly interesting. I did not know oil filters were a relatively new feature.
My dad had a 1960 Caddy very much like the one at 8:45. The discussion of the design, 1959 through 1960 was very interesting- thanks for that. Great job as always.
Hey, I’m assuming you might have been familiar with Humber? I owned a 1956 Humber for a spell, back in the early 1990’s.. I’m blanking on the model name at the moment. It was a hardtop & employed some very luxurious features & design cues throughout its build quality. I vividly recall having been repeatedly impressed with it, each time I dug into it, repairing or cleaning various whatnots, bringing it back to life then.. I also owned then, two Renault Dauphine’s, I believe one was a ‘58 and the other was a ‘59. One of those had push buttons on left of column gear selections on dash, with still having stick shift.. its clutch was called a Furlic Clutch; electromagnetic in function, having a sort of stepped contact rheostat linked to its itty-bitty carburetor & speedometer cable passed thru a mechanical module.. at the correct car speed & rpm range, the operator could then “float shift” to next gear, as the electromagnet would be energized. The other one, just a manual trans w/conventional clutch. Also had @ then, one of them crazy Citroen’s with hydraulic suspension, of late ‘60’s I think. A ‘62 Saab, a mid 60’s Peugeot. A ‘68 MG, a ‘71 VW Super Beetle AND, a 1959 Chevy Nomad! Here, in the U.S. of A., back in the late ‘80’s into the early ‘90’s, one could EASILY acquire older vehicles, especially oddball foreign cars, for LESS then $200.00… every one of the above mentioned cars, I obtained either free or, less then $200; they all needed restoration, except that ‘59 Chevy Nomad, which had sat for over ten years, before I had it, for whatever reason I never knew then.. it just required an EXTENSIVE cleaning. I really regret all these years later, having sold off all of those vehicles.. I had simply ran out of space &, opted to sell those off, in favor of other crazy vehicles I acquired later.. “Life”, being as it is, dictated the mass reduction of so much of my pryer ambitions/goals & now, aside from innocuous 22 year old Asian brand daily drivers; an ‘02 Honda Accord & and ‘02 Mitsubishi Eclipse, I own a 2000 Ford F-250 Lariat 4x4 Powerstroke Super Duty &, TWO 1955 Buick Super 56R Rivera 2Dr HT Coupes; one’s a parts donor car, both have Factor A/C option… S L O W L Y trying to restore one of them.
I love this incredible video, Adam, these vintage classic Cadillacs are insanely stunning, and truly Informative, now that I can afford them, these are on my bucket list. I totally enjoyed this video.
I've always found it odd that many of Harley Earl's early designs like the original LaSalle and especially the 1938 Cadillac Sixty Special and Buick Y-Job show car were such clean and compact designs, considering the heavy, chrome-laden parade floats that he favored by the end of his career. I always enjoy your informative and entertaining videos, and I share your taste in cars. In a scene full of the usual muscle cars, it's cool when I see someone who values the classic American luxury cars as more than engine donors and demo derby fodder.
My first Cadillac was a 1959 Coupe deVille. It was starlite silver with a dover white top and black and white cloth and leather interior. That was in 1966 and it was a great car. However, I think the 1960 is a much cleaner and refined design. Back in the day I remember a hampton blue 1960 Fleetwood 60S that a gentlemen owned that I would occasionally see at the local Cadillac dealership when I took my car in for service. I really loved the look of that model.
I've always been a fan of the 1959 Eldorado's exterior design and fins. The convertibles are true boulevard cruisers that have a hot rod look. Elvis Presley and Dick Van Dyke are 2 legends I can definitely picture in one of these Caddies.
I took my driver's license test in my parents 59 Cadillac. loved that car. we also had a 60 Buick electra. great styling. but my personal preference is Pontiacs.
I've loved `59 Cadillacs for as long as I can remember. I almost bought one in 1983 (a flat top), but my parents wouldn't let me buy it (even though I was almost 20 at the time), because their mechanic didn't like some of the issues it had. It had rot behind the wheels, one side of the duel exhaust was flex pipe, and he said it had a bent control arm. Anyway, I also love the `59 full size Buicks, Oldsmobiles, Pontiacs and Chevys.
Adam, It sounds like the GM people 5:14 were saying, "Just look what Plymouth's up to now," more than a decade before Chrysler thought to use that phrase as their marketing jingle. 😉
There was one Cadillac in 1959 that didn't have the radical fins with the double bullet tailights....the ultra rare Pininfarinan built Eldorado Brougham which had been redesigned from the original 1957-58 model. The Brougham had lower fins similar to the 1960 models, so just like the Chrysler tag line, if you bought a Brougham, "Suddendly it's 1960".
I remember these well. I was a preteen and my father parked his '56 Dodge (early Forward Look) on the street behind a neighbor's '59 Sedan de Ville. As a child, I felt it looked so much like a rocket that I feared it would incinerate our beautiful 3-tone (red/white/black) Dodge!
Several years back. I was on a mission to own one of these- 50's vintage. Didnt have to be a convertible. I set out to a few local car shows with what I thought was an over the top budget. I wanted a driver, not a show car, but didnt want junk with missing pieces. After the car shows I attended a few auctions and always left with my head down and tail between my legs. Maybe they have come down- maybe even increased. But the ones I thought were doable were all bouncing off of 6 figures and I just couldnt rationalize it. Anyway. Love these cars and thanks gor reading my defeated story. 😊😊😊
Cadillac, Cadillac Long and dark, shiny and black Open up your engines, let 'em roar Tearing up the highway like a big old dinosaur Eldorado fins, whitewalls, and skirts Rides just like a little bit of heaven here on earth Well buddy, when I die, throw my body in the back And drive me to the junkyard in my Cadillac
Back around '71, I had a '63 convertible (Navy/ White) with the Autronic Eye. It always amused me that when you approached a yellow caution light at night, the lights would adjust the beam in sync with the flashing light.
The vintage Cadillacs were the best part of the film "Tin Men". While I adore the '59 Cadillac, especially that gorgeous rear end, IMO 1958 was a banner year for GM styling. I like all that chrome (ie 1958 Corvette)! Learning where the Electra 225 got its name was the best part of this video. I had no idea. THANK YOU for this video!!
My dad was a teenager in 59 and I remember him telling me about the problem with 59 Cadillacs is all the motorheads would steal the tail lights and tried to screw glue or fasten them to their jalopies!
Great profile as always Adam. You referenced the oil filter as being on the top of the engine however that cylindrical item opposite of the aftermarket A/C compressor is actually the power steering fluid reservoir mounted atop the pump. Oil filter on the 390 Cad is a cartridge type mounted under the engine. I reference all this based on the similarities to my ‘57 Olds Super 88 that I’ve owned for 25 years. Keep up the excellent content as I await your videos the most!
I was 11 years old when the 1959 Cadillac came out. When school was finished we moved to the beach for the summer. The first thing I did after arriving was to walk along the road to my best friend's house. Just before getting to his house, I came across a new red Cadillac convertible parked in front of a neighbor's house. I was blown away. Then that fall. back home from the beach, a black 1959 Cadillac limousine pulled up in front of our house. It turned out to be Ambassador Harriman's car. The Ambassador's chauffer had rented a room in a house my grandmother owned during World War II and decided to visit us when Ambassador Harriman had a meeting nearby. Later that fall we visited the chauffer and his family on the Harriman estate. In 1960 I had a repeat of my experience at the beach in 1959. Now the owner of the red 1959 Cadillac convertible had bought his wife a pink 1960 Sedan Deville. I thought the 1960 design was cleaner and more elegant. But probably my favorite was my sister-in-law's 1969 Coupe DeVille in black with a red interior.
Thanks for another great video, Adam. I may have missed it, but both the ‘57 and ‘58 Eldorado convertible and Eldorado Seville had entirely unique rear styling compared to standard Cadillacs including the smaller inset fins centered on those bulbous fenders you mention, but also bumpers, trunk lid,, license plate inset, taillights and backup lights. Along with the virtually custom made 57-‘58 Eldorado Broughm, I would say, GM uncharacteristically nearly broke the bank on the extra cost of these very low volume luxury models. Happy they did!
One of my favorite Cads of all time! They are a sight to see in person. It’s a cross between the 58 and 59 Cadillac Fleetwoods being my ultimate all time dream Caddy. I have to say though, that when I also think of a 50’s Cadillac, the 54-56’s come to mind. Those massive front dagmar bumpers are iconic. They are very brutish and heavy looking which I love. Easier to get in and out of since they are pretty tall cars vs the low to the ground 59’s. BTW Adam, the X-frame Cadillac’s from 57-64 were actually heavier than the new perimeter frame that came out in 1965 with the redesign of their cars. Cadillac wanted to lighten up the cars a bit and the they saved about 200lbs in weight alone by going with the perimeter frame which was more flexible, less rigid than the extremely heavy X-frame. Of course for safety reasons like you mentioned as well.
I was a senior in high school in 1988, a friend of mine had a girlfriend in the next town that I went along to visit one time, and she took us for a drive in her dads red 59 Caddilac Biarritz convertible. She wanted to play a game called " Mailbox baseball ", where she would cruise close to the edge of the road while we swung baseball bats at her neighbors mailboxes. Thinking back, she was a real stereotype. Daddies little princess. I watched the whole video to be rewarded by the mention of my fathers car growing up, a 1970 Buick 225 Electra with the 455. I remember washing that Buick, took awhile!
Have seen these beautiful Eldorados in "Persian Sand" color, which I believe is the most popular color back then. They're stunning!! Would have loved to be at the assembly plant as these were rolling off the line!!
I think that’s the first time I heard the insane 59 fin explained. Why am I not surprised Bill Mitchell had a hand in this car LOL. That must have been larger than life at GM design during its best years. I have to agree with you overall on the 58 and 59 Cadillac.
@@tysonslee4508 this is how they used to do AC in the 50s and early 60s, before factory air, which was a brilliant invention. They were ugly and intrusive, but they cooled the car fairly well.
Not often I catch new videos 30 ish minutes after release lol. This era of cars, there were so many absolutely beautiful machines. I have lusted after a 1959 Cadillac since I was a kid.
Back in the late sixtties, my dad bought a 1960 Cadillac Fleetwood. It was a beautiful car, although it was very age dated by the styling. I inherited the car just prior to his passing. I had a front bumper for it that must have weighed all of 150 lbs! I imagine that the rear bumper didn't weigh much less. Im sure the rest of the car had heavier steel throughout as well. With the weight of those cars, it probably took all of the 325 or 350 horsepower to adequately move them around, and have a little extra muscle to flex now and then. I imagine that the'59s were even heavier. Anyway, I really appreciate this little documentary on the 1959 Cadillac. It's a reminder of what was. Hopefully, someday, car manufacturers will build adonis work - of - art automobiles again rather than the garbage that's being peddled at us presently.
The name for the self dimming lights gadget on these cadillacs an Autronic Eye and was first introduced a decade earlier as an option on the 1949 cadillacs and Oldsmobiles!!!
@@derekgaliee4351 Own a newer BMW X5. Yes, the grille is distinctive but the general shape of cars and much of the interior, etc is almost interchangeable.
Unequivocally, the most startling, extravagant, eye-catching design of all the cars of 1959, and God knows there were, many, but none compared to the legendary design of the Cadillac. My other favorites were the Buick and Pontiac. Unbelievably some of the sleekest and most attractive designs. My preference was always the Pontiac Bonneville, a more toned down version of GM'S design that year, and "Motor Trend's" Car Of The Year !
It is at this point I have a cofession to make. I have what might be described as a Camaro "fetish", or more mildly translated...an "attraction". I have owned (only) 4 Camaros in my life...in 1975, a "68" RS, in1976, a "70" RS🥰, in 1981, a "79" Z28, and finally in 1999 at the age of 40 years old a "99" SS convertible. What I feel is possibly the finest F body ever to grace this earth, ( of which I had one) is here at 6:02! (not a "70") The 1970 "RS" Camaro. Such a beauty!😍 The IP, (as basic as it is) for the time is just perfect. Chevy kept it for 9 model years, 1970-1978! I know this episode is focused on the 59 Cadillac, and I kind of hi-jacked that theme but, it's the Nineteen and Seventy Camaro, the RED one, at 6:02 this Camaro is actually, a seventy one, two or three, not a "70". Thank you.
@@DanEBoyd You are correct. However it is the RS package that makes these cars visually, sexy and beautiful. SS is also (in this case the 396) a necessary option for the handling and engine performance end of the Camaro.👊🏼
The magic eye ( automatic headlight dimmer) was greatly improved for 1960 thru the use of transistors making it considerably thinner and less intrusive on the dashboard . 1959 was the last year for the steering wheel horn ring. 1960 the horn controls were integrated in the two wheel spokes and the wheel itself was made smaller in diameter giving the dash board a more refined look. 1960 revised the step down hand brake from the 1959 which had an awkward release on the side of the step down parking brake petal. The 1960 introduced the automatic hand brake release . You stepped down on the petal to engage the hand brake with the gear shift in either Neutral or Park and to disengage it all you had to do put the gear shift lever in either the drive or reverse position snd the hand brake automatically popped up. This function allowed the driver to use the hand brake petal as an additional brake since the petal would not lock down if the car was in gear a great idea. The overall 1960 was by far a more refined and advanced car over the 59
@@steve20118 The author indicates the 1958 GM cars were somewhat bloated and heavy. Just try to go out an buy a '58 Limited, Eldorado, Bonneville, or "98!"
Excellent video chronicling GM's scramble after being caught 'flat-footed' by Chrysler Corp's visionary 1957 line. Minus the fins, the level hood/fenderlines, minimal chrome, and slim roofs of the '57 Mopar offerings were essentially the silhouette of the '60's It also bears mentioning that the Cadillac's one-year only rocket-themed taillights were clearly inspired by the '57 Imperial - borrowing both the tapered nacelles moulded into the inner and outer surfaces of their tailfin, as well as the 'flame-shaped' lenses that trailed them. As with the fins, Cadillac used TWO lenses per fin (so as not to be outdone by Imperial). Thank you Adam, for reminding us of the derivative origins of this well-known design!
Thamk you Adam. There is a video on You Tube with Chuck Jordan telingl the story of 1959 GM. Chrusler had GM for a minute there. Thank you for sharing the story and information. GM cars would share many parts for decades to come. Car design used to be an art. The style was appreciated as well as substance. The style is not there in 2024 as it has become more mechanical and technical.
It's incredible, and the last Cadillac for my Italian taste is the 1975 Cadillac Seville derived from 1973 LaScala prototype, and this things is not normal
Mr. B. Here ! 🍩☕️👀😎👍. As a kid late 50’s & early 60’s ; you sir are miss one important thing , my dad and many dads had hats . In 1958 you still wear a hat, by 1959 was the end lower roof means no hats of the time . 1959 & 1960 were the being of changes in the automobile industries ! Miss some of that vehicles had style & personality. 🍩☕️👀😎👍
Way in the way back, when I was 18 years old, I walked by a used car dealership one weekend day and saw a '59 Cadillac on the lot. It was in primer grey and was definitely NOT a convertible. I thought it looked cool, so I took a closer look at it and realized it was unlocked. It was the weekend and no one was around, so I went ahead and got into the car. The interior was kinda trashed, but I still thought it was a cool looking car. Imagine my surprise when I saw the keys were in the ignition. Imagine my greater surprise when I tried it, and the car started up! The Devil himself was on my shoulder yappin' in overdrive trying to get me to steal that '59 Caddy. I sat there for a few minutes, revving the engine a few times, arguing with myself and the Devil about stealing that Caddy. I finally shut it off, got out, and went on my way on foot. That's the one and only time I've ever seen or been in a '59 Caddy, and I'm glad I didn't steal it because this good memory I have of that car would not be a good one. BTW, that '57 Chrysler is one of the butt ugliest cars I've ever been unable to unsee, and I don't care who agrees or disagrees with me.
The monagram model kit for the 59 caddy was given a 3 difficulty due to the amount of parts I remember I built 2 way back then, got one for Christmas from someone who didn't know I had it already
I do appreciate the style now, in retrospect. But when I was growing up in the 60s, these cars were laughing stocks even among Cadillac fans. They looked outlandish compared to the clean elegant styles of the '65 thru '68s and '69 and '70s . I recall people selling '59s for as little as $100 then!
That's true.. I was born in 1957 and grew up with all those cars everywhere.. By the late 1960s, the 1959 Cadillac was seen in poor taste.. a "trailor park" kind of car.. And while they could be found for as little as $100, those tended to be in very poor condition. One in top condition could bring $1000
I'd say the top of the line in 59 Caddy was the hand-built Eldorado Brougham, made in Italy by Pininfarina. The 59 Eldo Brougham actually previewed the 60 fin designs.
I almost drove one of these about 20 years ago. We were on holiday in Vegas and there was a company that rented classic cars and one of them was a Biarritz! So I didn't drive it because they called me the day before and told me that the last renter had crashed it and it wasn't driveable! They tried to talk me into renting something else (I forget what) but I told them that I wanted a refund and after to and fro they gave me one. Turns out maybe it wasn't so bad after all since believe or not, the day I was supposed to hire the car, it RAINED! Yes in Las Vegas! Not much fun driving a convertible in the rain!!
If only an engineer had thought about incorporating an air dryer, that would have solved the air ride issues. Also, were there cornering lamps mounted in the bumper along with turn signals? I enjoy your videos. They're well researched and thought out. Great job. 👍
If you even remotely consider yourself a "car guy" [or girl] , one of these is in your bucket list. It certainly has been in mine but as I'm reaching my senior years it's looking like that will never happen. They were expensive back then and today with the price of classic cars going skyward these gems are basically unobtanium. Watching this episode got me to thinking about just how influential Virgil Exner was in changing the car industry. Cadillac might lay claim to the very first tailfins [although what is on the '49s look almost vestigial in comparison] but Exner took them to a whole other level. What an interesting character, he went from bringing us the first true fin cars to bringing us some of the ugliest cars before his sacking at Chrysler. Speaking of these late '59 and early 60's GM cars, I would love to see you put together a montage of the GM Flying Wing Flat Top models. The bubbletop cars of that era get all the love [and deservedly so] but I was always keen on the flat top designs, still am. My goal before I kick my own bucket is to own one, any one.
Two very different musicians Harley and Virgil - one operatic and the other dulcet. The beauty is that both found freedom and creative latitude at the USA Philharmonic. Why did we lose that mojo, friends...
The designers of the 1959 Cadillacs would be very pleased to see how often their cars are being used in advertising, on pillows, table mats, TShirt, scale models, etc.. - 65 years later !! What do the 59 Cadillacs and the Egytian Pyramids have in common ? One quick glance and most people in this world can name the country they are from.
Amazing how dangerous the rear styling would have been to any bike riders who followed too closely to this Cadillac. The fins and tail lights could be lethal in a rear end crash. Back then, little thought was given to safety of pedestrians, or those riding bicycles. .
20 years ago, I took a buddy to downtown Oakland for medical purposes (he was special needs), I circled the block multiple times looking for a parking spot. One way streets, left turn after left turn in circles. Every time I came by the intended building needing a close spot (he was on crutches) I’d hope a spot on the street would open up. Finally, there was an empty spot right at the front door. By the time I swung around the block to pull in and get it, a bright purple 59’ Cadillac was already occupying the area, perfectly parallel parked and driver nowhere to be found. It was an absolute mind boggler
The Chrysler line was put in the GM styling studio to study. The GM engineers and stylists figured out that the Chrysler products shared cowling structure from the Plymouth to the Chrysler.. Virgil Exner had one stylist make sue that nobody deviated from that curve. That was why you got the Desoto Firesweep for very little cost. That was where GM was able to cut costs and bring out the cars in fall of 1958.
My grandparents were modest people. My father's father worked in a shoe factory and then owned of all things a liquor store with his brother in law in Binghamton, New York. My dad told me that "grampy" always bought cars new, and he always took the smallest cheapest engine he could get. But then one day me and him actually met his best friend growing up and he and my dad talked about blowing out the mufflers on Grampy's '58 Oldsmobile.... My dad used to drink a lot, especially in college, but he never got a DUI. But I remember when my dad bought his "Bimini Beige" 1977 Coupe de Ville d'Elegance and showed it to his mom and dad and the looks on their faces! They were literally horrified! I was horrified to be seen by the other kids in Grosse Ile when we lived there, and later in Temperance~ I'm happy to drive my Porsche Cayman S today, I worked hard to own it. But while it is Guards red and very visible, I have dark tinted windows so people do not see me. I like Porsche cars due to their shape, not because of their ridiculous price. Great video!
You mentioned the V's in the tailights of the 59's. They only came in the Fleetwoods and Eldorado's which did not have any V's on the trunk decks. The example shown here must have had them added because it also had the V;s on the deck lid, probably a 62 or DeVille.
True. Good catch. The "V" or Chevron has been an interesting styling detail of Cadillac...probably the longest used styling quirk I can think of for the brand. Originally it was used in the V8 logo all the way back in 1928 and then the V12 and V16 logos in 1930. By 1941 you saw it incorporated in the Cadillac logo for the first time, replacing the winged emblem. By the late 1950s you saw it on decklids and other places. In 1961, the Fleetwood Sixty Special would begin using it as an exterior styling detail, having multiple ones on the rear fender near the tailfins. In 1962 the Fleetwood models would get a logo change with a wreath surround the crest instead of the "V" framing it but the "V" would be used as part of the logo for Devilles up to 1984. Even today the Chevron is still found in modern Cadillacs, mostly as an interior design element. Check the seats of current Cadillacs and you will find them and often hiding in plain sight in other places. I pointed this out to my friend who owns my Cadillac dealership and even though he'd been around Cadillacs all his adult life, he'd never noticed that detail.
They were different people back then. Imagine having the confidence, optimism, and swagger to buy that car new. Today everyone wants a gray SUV that looks like all other gray SUV's on the road. Completely invisible. You can't be invisible in that ride.
The '59 Eldorado convertible is pure art. Absolutely gorgeous!!
So you also like Picasso?
I still remember my parents’ 1959 Georgian Blue Series Sixty-two convertible even though I was only 2 1/2 years old when my dad bought it new. My parents were both Austrian, and my dad took the car to Austria with us on vacation on the S.S. United States in May of 1959. My dad often remarked that the car caused quite a sensation on the streets of Vienna, where an international film festival was being held at the time. According to dad, he was several times mistaken for a Hollywood producer because of that car. Perhaps because it is the first car that I can vividly remember, I still have an affinity for Cadillacs today. Great video, Adam. Thank you!
I lived in Brussels and these cars attracted a lot of attention. It was quite a sight to see one of these drive on European roads. They also appeared fairly frequently on the French Riviera. These were owned by a wealthy clientele that traveled to these glamorous places. In France big American cars were referred to as "les belles americaines".
Great story!
wonderful story!!
In Europe??? Those mountain roads must have been real scary for the guy coming the other way who must have though it was a spaceship, David and Goliath, no room for a car that size, poor auto transmission and drum brakes must have been red hot, your old boy must have had his hands full..
@@marcumexe We traveled through the Alps in a !972 Chrysler New Yorker and it somehow always worked out. My dad used that car for years in cities and on country roads and it was not usually a problem. I have great memories of that Chrysler .It was definitely an experience!
The 59 Cadillac was the pinnacle of the fin era cars. I enjoy seeing these cars today, at shows and cruise nights. Keep up the great work.
Those were interesting, but I prefer the 1961 designs. I thought they were more futuristic looking. At least by 1961 standards.
Low and wide, that's the Cadillac ride. There's a reason why they looked heavy. They were supposed to be. That was a gorgeous car.
I have a friend who has a 59 Cadillac hard top.
It was at my place for a while. Watching this video was a great reminder.
Truly one of the most beautiful vehicles ever built.
My childhood shrine growing up in the 1980s. My Grandfather's 1959 Sedan de Ville four window flat top was my first visit every visit. I would sit in the car, pretend to drive it, and play with the power windows (didn't need the keys for them) I particularly liked how the back windows went down on that model, ran the battery dead one day doing that (he was not happy). Saddest day of my childhood when they sold it (I was 14 when it happened in 1990) I loved that car! I've got a picture I used in 4th grade for a report on classic cars that I did, standing next to those fins, which were taller than me!
Such wild and outrageous fins, promising a future of space age travel and unlimited possibilities. I love the '59 Cadillac for all its excess. While the '60 was more tasteful, the '59 is the ultimate iconic representation of late 1950's Americana. A time we will never see again.
Absolutely fantastic video with a wealth of history and info. These cars were awesome. I can just imagine the feeling of arriving home and just prior to closing the garage door turning back towards the car and feeling the sense of awe one must've felt owning one of these incredible works of art
Boy, I’m glad you’re back! Thanks for the glimpse of the first proposal for the ‘59 Cadillac, I always find that particularly interesting. I did not know oil filters were a relatively new feature.
My dad had a 1960 Caddy very much like the one at 8:45. The discussion of the design, 1959 through 1960 was very interesting- thanks for that. Great job as always.
I had this car for my wedding.Regards from Poland.
This car is timeless.
masterpiece if ostentatious...
As a Briton who never knew these cars as a child, I find this channel fascinating and articulate. Thanks!
Hey, I’m assuming you might have been familiar with Humber? I owned a 1956 Humber for a spell, back in the early 1990’s.. I’m blanking on the model name at the moment. It was a hardtop & employed some very luxurious features & design cues throughout its build quality. I vividly recall having been repeatedly impressed with it, each time I dug into it, repairing or cleaning various whatnots, bringing it back to life then..
I also owned then, two Renault Dauphine’s, I believe one was a ‘58 and the other was a ‘59.
One of those had push buttons on left of column gear selections on dash, with still having stick shift.. its clutch was called a Furlic Clutch; electromagnetic in function, having a sort of stepped contact rheostat linked to its itty-bitty carburetor & speedometer cable passed thru a mechanical module.. at the correct car speed & rpm range, the operator could then “float shift” to next gear, as the electromagnet would be energized.
The other one, just a manual trans w/conventional clutch.
Also had @ then, one of them crazy Citroen’s with hydraulic suspension, of late ‘60’s I think. A ‘62 Saab, a mid 60’s Peugeot. A ‘68 MG, a ‘71 VW Super Beetle AND, a 1959 Chevy Nomad! Here, in the U.S. of A., back in the late ‘80’s into the early ‘90’s, one could EASILY acquire older vehicles, especially oddball foreign cars, for LESS then $200.00… every one of the above mentioned cars, I obtained either free or, less then $200; they all needed restoration, except that ‘59 Chevy Nomad, which had sat for over ten years, before I had it, for whatever reason I never knew then.. it just required an EXTENSIVE cleaning.
I really regret all these years later, having sold off all of those vehicles..
I had simply ran out of space &, opted to sell those off, in favor of other crazy vehicles I acquired later..
“Life”, being as it is, dictated the mass reduction of so much of my pryer ambitions/goals & now, aside from innocuous 22 year old Asian brand daily drivers; an ‘02 Honda Accord & and ‘02 Mitsubishi Eclipse, I own a 2000 Ford F-250 Lariat 4x4 Powerstroke Super Duty &, TWO 1955 Buick Super 56R Rivera 2Dr HT Coupes; one’s a parts donor car, both have Factor A/C option… S L O W L Y trying to restore one of them.
@@seanbatiz6620 The only model names I know of are Snipe and Super Snipe. Not sure if they go back to the mid 50s, tho.
For me the '59 Cadillac is state of absolute perfection! Especially chromed up Eldorado Biarritz/Seville models❤.
Say what you will but I don't think anyone can deny, these cars defined late 1950s American car design.
By copying Chrysler
@@EyesWideOpen61Now, now, now… Cadillac was the tail fin originator in 1949! 😉
@@Primus54 That’s true, but it’s widely known what inspired GM’s crash restyling of all 59s, and it was Exner’s 57 Mopars
@@EyesWideOpen61 No disagreement. But it only took GM a couple more years to recapture the crown of most marketable American designs.
@@Primus54 Jordan 🤷♂️
I love this incredible video, Adam, these vintage classic Cadillacs are insanely stunning, and truly Informative, now that I can afford them, these are on my bucket list. I totally enjoyed this video.
My grandfather had a Seville. It was gold and it overwhelmed this 9 year old boy.
I've always found it odd that many of Harley Earl's early designs like the original LaSalle and especially the 1938 Cadillac Sixty Special and Buick Y-Job show car were such clean and compact designs, considering the heavy, chrome-laden parade floats that he favored by the end of his career.
I always enjoy your informative and entertaining videos, and I share your taste in cars. In a scene full of the usual muscle cars, it's cool when I see someone who values the classic American luxury cars as more than engine donors and demo derby fodder.
Just imagine for one second, seeing a 1959 Cadillac, a 1959 Imperial, and a 1959 Lincoln all together waiting at a stop light back in 1960! WOW 🤩
My first Cadillac was a 1959 Coupe deVille. It was starlite silver with a dover white top and black and white cloth and leather interior. That was in 1966 and it was a great car. However, I think the 1960 is a much cleaner and refined design. Back in the day I remember a hampton blue 1960 Fleetwood 60S that a gentlemen owned that I would occasionally see at the local Cadillac dealership when I took my car in for service. I really loved the look of that model.
Agree completely. I have 60 coupe deville more refined than 59 to me
My mom drove a 59 convertible. White with red leather interior with power everything!
A beautiful and iconic car. Great job Adam. Hope your 454 Caprice is running great!
I've always been a fan of the 1959 Eldorado's exterior design and fins. The convertibles are true boulevard cruisers that have a hot rod look. Elvis Presley and Dick Van Dyke are 2 legends I can definitely picture in one of these Caddies.
I took my driver's license test in my parents 59 Cadillac. loved that car. we also had a 60 Buick electra. great styling. but my personal preference is Pontiacs.
Best car channel ever. Thank-you.
I've loved `59 Cadillacs for as long as I can remember. I almost bought one in 1983 (a flat top), but my parents wouldn't let me buy it (even though I was almost 20 at the time), because their mechanic didn't like some of the issues it had. It had rot behind the wheels, one side of the duel exhaust was flex pipe, and he said it had a bent control arm.
Anyway, I also love the `59 full size Buicks, Oldsmobiles, Pontiacs and Chevys.
Adam, It sounds like the GM people 5:14 were saying, "Just look what Plymouth's up to now," more than a decade before Chrysler thought to use that phrase as their marketing jingle. 😉
Those tail fins were so tall that Cadillac missed an opportunity to build them with rudders to assist in steering at highway speed. 😉🤣
Adam, always enjoy the peak behind the curtain with regards of the back stories!
Thank you!
There was one Cadillac in 1959 that didn't have the radical fins with the double bullet tailights....the ultra rare Pininfarinan built Eldorado Brougham which had been redesigned from the original 1957-58 model. The Brougham had lower fins similar to the 1960 models, so just like the Chrysler tag line, if you bought a Brougham, "Suddendly it's 1960".
Yes and that's the most elegant one.
I hope he does a video on those, it's a very interesting story
Agree! The Pininfarina Eldorado Brougham is so cool!
59 Cadillacs were some of my favorite designs growing up, and that was in Europe!
A very informative episode, Adam. And I loved seeing the FrigiKing aftermarket AC unit, which looked to be in working order. Sweet!
I remember these well. I was a preteen and my father parked his '56 Dodge (early Forward Look) on the street behind a neighbor's '59 Sedan de Ville. As a child, I felt it looked so much like a rocket that I feared it would incinerate our beautiful 3-tone (red/white/black) Dodge!
Several years back. I was on a mission to own one of these- 50's vintage. Didnt have to be a convertible. I set out to a few local car shows with what I thought was an over the top budget. I wanted a driver, not a show car, but didnt want junk with missing pieces. After the car shows I attended a few auctions and always left with my head down and tail between my legs. Maybe they have come down- maybe even increased. But the ones I thought were doable were all bouncing off of 6 figures and I just couldnt rationalize it. Anyway. Love these cars and thanks gor reading my defeated story. 😊😊😊
Cadillac, Cadillac
Long and dark, shiny and black
Open up your engines, let 'em roar
Tearing up the highway like a big old dinosaur
Eldorado fins, whitewalls, and skirts
Rides just like a little bit of heaven here on earth
Well buddy, when I die, throw my body in the back
And drive me to the junkyard in my Cadillac
I always wondered what the assembly line guys thought while they were screwing it together. Probably something along the lines of "we must be nuts!"
That's my favorite car of all time!😊😊
Those are some prodigious visors.
Back around '71, I had a '63 convertible (Navy/ White) with the Autronic Eye.
It always amused me that when you approached a yellow caution light at night, the lights would adjust the beam in sync with the flashing light.
The vintage Cadillacs were the best part of the film "Tin Men". While I adore the '59 Cadillac, especially that gorgeous rear end, IMO 1958 was a banner year for GM styling. I like all that chrome (ie 1958 Corvette)! Learning where the Electra 225 got its name was the best part of this video. I had no idea. THANK YOU for this video!!
The most beautiful car ever made!
My dad was a teenager in 59 and I remember him telling me about the problem with 59 Cadillacs is all the motorheads would steal the tail lights and tried to screw glue or fasten them to their jalopies!
Great profile as always Adam. You referenced the oil filter as being on the top of the engine however that cylindrical item opposite of the aftermarket A/C compressor is actually the power steering fluid reservoir mounted atop the pump. Oil filter on the 390 Cad is a cartridge type mounted under the engine. I reference all this based on the similarities to my ‘57 Olds Super 88 that I’ve owned for 25 years. Keep up the excellent content as I await your videos the most!
My first car was a 57 New Yorker 4 door, 392 Hemi. The fins were EPIC!!
I was 11 years old when the 1959 Cadillac came out. When school was finished we moved to the beach for the summer. The first thing I did after arriving was to walk along the road to my best friend's house. Just before getting to his house, I came across a new red Cadillac convertible parked in front of a neighbor's house. I was blown away. Then that fall. back home from the beach, a black 1959 Cadillac limousine pulled up in front of our house. It turned out to be Ambassador Harriman's car. The Ambassador's chauffer had rented a room in a house my grandmother owned during World War II and decided to visit us when Ambassador Harriman had a meeting nearby. Later that fall we visited the chauffer and his family on the Harriman estate. In 1960 I had a repeat of my experience at the beach in 1959. Now the owner of the red 1959 Cadillac convertible had bought his wife a pink 1960 Sedan Deville. I thought the 1960 design was cleaner and more elegant. But probably my favorite was my sister-in-law's 1969 Coupe DeVille in black with a red interior.
We had a series 62 59. Base model. $4500 new. My Dad was a welder, BTW.
Thanks for another great video, Adam. I may have missed it, but both the ‘57 and ‘58 Eldorado convertible and Eldorado Seville had entirely unique rear styling compared to standard Cadillacs including the smaller inset fins centered on those bulbous fenders you mention, but also bumpers, trunk lid,, license plate inset, taillights and backup lights. Along with the virtually custom made 57-‘58 Eldorado Broughm, I would say, GM uncharacteristically nearly broke the bank on the extra cost of these very low volume luxury models. Happy they did!
One of my favorite Cads of all time! They are a sight to see in person. It’s a cross between the 58 and 59 Cadillac Fleetwoods being my ultimate all time dream Caddy. I have to say though, that when I also think of a 50’s Cadillac, the 54-56’s come to mind. Those massive front dagmar bumpers are iconic. They are very brutish and heavy looking which I love. Easier to get in and out of since they are pretty tall cars vs the low to the ground 59’s.
BTW Adam, the X-frame Cadillac’s from 57-64 were actually heavier than the new perimeter frame that came out in 1965 with the redesign of their cars. Cadillac wanted to lighten up the cars a bit and the they saved about 200lbs in weight alone by going with the perimeter frame which was more flexible, less rigid than the extremely heavy X-frame. Of course for safety reasons like you mentioned as well.
I was a senior in high school in 1988, a friend of mine had a girlfriend in the next town that I went along to visit one time, and she took us for a drive in her dads red 59 Caddilac Biarritz convertible. She wanted to play a game called " Mailbox baseball ", where she would cruise close to the edge of the road while we swung baseball bats at her neighbors mailboxes. Thinking back, she was a real stereotype. Daddies little princess. I watched the whole video to be rewarded by the mention of my fathers car growing up, a 1970 Buick 225 Electra with the 455. I remember washing that Buick, took awhile!
Kids are even vastly more destructive these days...
Have seen these beautiful Eldorados in "Persian Sand" color, which I believe is the most popular color back then. They're stunning!! Would have loved to be at the assembly plant as these were rolling off the line!!
I think that’s the first time I heard the insane 59 fin explained. Why am I not surprised Bill Mitchell had a hand in this car LOL. That must have been larger than life at GM design during its best years. I have to agree with you overall on the 58 and 59 Cadillac.
Thank you for posting another great video! 😊
Cool to learn of an aftermarket air conditioner. I had no Idea.
@@tysonslee4508 this is how they used to do AC in the 50s and early 60s, before factory air, which was a brilliant invention. They were ugly and intrusive, but they cooled the car fairly well.
The bucket seats were an option, the bench seat was the standard.
Not often I catch new videos 30 ish minutes after release lol. This era of cars, there were so many absolutely beautiful machines. I have lusted after a 1959 Cadillac since I was a kid.
Back in the late sixtties, my dad bought a 1960 Cadillac Fleetwood. It was a beautiful car, although it was very age dated by the styling. I inherited the car just prior to his passing. I had a front bumper for it that must have weighed all of 150 lbs! I imagine that the rear bumper didn't weigh much less. Im sure the rest of the car had heavier steel throughout as well. With the weight of those cars, it probably took all of the 325 or 350 horsepower to adequately move them around, and have a little extra muscle to flex now and then. I imagine that the'59s were even heavier.
Anyway, I really appreciate this little documentary on the 1959 Cadillac. It's a reminder of what was. Hopefully, someday, car manufacturers will build adonis work - of - art automobiles again rather than the garbage that's being peddled at us presently.
Automatic dimming lights in 59, I didn’t know this technology was available this early, well I guess Cadillac really was the standard of the world.
The name for the self dimming lights gadget on these cadillacs an Autronic Eye and was first introduced a decade earlier as an option on the 1949 cadillacs and Oldsmobiles!!!
Miss the excess of the era. Today you cannot tell a BMW from a KIA at a distance.
Yes you can BMW Beaver Look. Iam in The Automotive industry 37 years this year.
@@derekgaliee4351 Own a newer BMW X5. Yes, the grille is distinctive but the general shape of cars and much of the interior, etc is almost interchangeable.
@@robbkiker6861 I worked for BMW about 19 years they are either good or pain in the ass Bi weekly or monthly
I remember Rin Tohsaka once driving a 1959 Cadillac similiar to the one in the thumbnail! That car is just massive and beautiful.
Unequivocally, the most startling, extravagant, eye-catching design of all the cars of 1959, and God knows there were, many, but none compared to the legendary design of the Cadillac. My other favorites were the Buick and Pontiac. Unbelievably some of the sleekest and most attractive designs. My preference was always the Pontiac Bonneville, a more toned down version of GM'S design that year, and "Motor Trend's" Car Of The Year !
It is at this point I have a cofession to make. I have what might be described as a Camaro "fetish", or more mildly translated...an "attraction".
I have owned (only) 4 Camaros in my life...in 1975, a "68" RS, in1976, a "70" RS🥰, in 1981, a "79" Z28, and finally in 1999 at the age of 40
years old a "99" SS convertible. What I feel is possibly the finest F body ever to grace this earth, ( of which I had one) is here at 6:02! (not a "70")
The 1970 "RS" Camaro. Such a beauty!😍 The IP, (as basic as it is) for the time is just perfect. Chevy kept it for 9 model years, 1970-1978!
I know this episode is focused on the 59 Cadillac, and I kind of hi-jacked that theme but, it's the Nineteen and Seventy Camaro, the RED one,
at 6:02 this Camaro is actually, a seventy one, two or three, not a "70". Thank you.
It is also an SS/RS. Those are about my favorite second-gen Camaro wheels.
@@DanEBoyd You are correct. However it is the RS package that makes these cars visually, sexy and beautiful. SS is also
(in this case the 396) a necessary option for the handling and engine performance end of the Camaro.👊🏼
The magic eye ( automatic headlight dimmer) was greatly improved for 1960 thru the use of transistors making it considerably thinner and less intrusive on the dashboard . 1959 was the last year for the steering wheel horn ring. 1960 the horn controls were integrated in the two wheel spokes and the wheel itself was made smaller in diameter giving the dash board a more refined look. 1960 revised the step down hand brake from the 1959 which had an awkward release on the side of the step down parking brake petal. The 1960 introduced the automatic hand brake release . You stepped down on the petal to engage the hand brake with the gear shift in either Neutral or Park and to disengage it all you had to do put the gear shift lever in either the drive or reverse position snd the hand brake automatically popped up. This function allowed the driver to use the hand brake petal as an additional brake since the petal would not lock down if the car was in gear a great idea. The overall 1960 was by far a more refined and advanced car over the 59
The 1958 Buicks and Oldsmobiles were, and the ones left still are, fabulous!
58 Buick convertible is fantastic AND better looking than 58 Cadillac
@@steve20118 The author indicates the 1958 GM cars were somewhat bloated and heavy. Just try to go out an buy a '58 Limited, Eldorado, Bonneville, or "98!"
6:16 6:19
Excellent video chronicling GM's scramble after being caught 'flat-footed' by Chrysler Corp's visionary 1957 line. Minus the fins, the level hood/fenderlines, minimal chrome, and slim roofs of the '57 Mopar offerings were essentially the silhouette of the '60's
It also bears mentioning that the Cadillac's one-year only rocket-themed taillights were clearly inspired by the '57 Imperial - borrowing both the tapered nacelles moulded into the inner and outer surfaces of their tailfin, as well as the 'flame-shaped' lenses that trailed them. As with the fins, Cadillac used TWO lenses per fin (so as not to be outdone by Imperial). Thank you Adam, for reminding us of the derivative origins of this well-known design!
It's fascinating that such an iconic car was designed in a panic as a response to something else.
Good old best looking Car beautiful
As much as I love the 1959 models, if I had my way, I would own a convertible model of each of the GM brands. And I'm a Ford guy.
Thamk you Adam. There is a video on You Tube with Chuck Jordan telingl the story of 1959 GM. Chrusler had GM for a minute there. Thank you for sharing the story and information. GM cars would share many parts for decades to come. Car design used to be an art. The style was appreciated as well as substance. The style is not there in 2024 as it has become more mechanical and technical.
oh Yeah, Adam, the 1958's,,,,, Cadillacs, Buicks, Oldsmobile's,,,,,,,,all of that "GAUDY" Chrome,,,,,,,,,,,,Loved it!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I love these cars.
Beautiful car. I personally prefer the fleetwoods with the chrome spear that sweeps back around to make the side air intake.
Fascinating
It's incredible, and the last Cadillac for my Italian taste is the 1975 Cadillac Seville derived from 1973 LaScala prototype, and this things is not normal
Mr. B. Here ! 🍩☕️👀😎👍. As a kid late 50’s & early 60’s ; you sir are miss one important thing , my dad and many dads had hats . In 1958 you still wear a hat, by 1959 was the end lower roof means no hats of the time . 1959 & 1960 were the being of changes in the automobile industries ! Miss some of that vehicles had style & personality. 🍩☕️👀😎👍
Way in the way back, when I was 18 years old, I walked by a used car dealership one weekend day and saw a '59 Cadillac on the lot. It was in primer grey and was definitely NOT a convertible. I thought it looked cool, so I took a closer look at it and realized it was unlocked. It was the weekend and no one was around, so I went ahead and got into the car. The interior was kinda trashed, but I still thought it was a cool looking car. Imagine my surprise when I saw the keys were in the ignition. Imagine my greater surprise when I tried it, and the car started up! The Devil himself was on my shoulder yappin' in overdrive trying to get me to steal that '59 Caddy. I sat there for a few minutes, revving the engine a few times, arguing with myself and the Devil about stealing that Caddy. I finally shut it off, got out, and went on my way on foot. That's the one and only time I've ever seen or been in a '59 Caddy, and I'm glad I didn't steal it because this good memory I have of that car would not be a good one. BTW, that '57 Chrysler is one of the butt ugliest cars I've ever been unable to unsee, and I don't care who agrees or disagrees with me.
The monagram model kit for the 59 caddy was given a 3 difficulty due to the amount of parts I remember I built 2 way back then, got one for Christmas from someone who didn't know I had it already
57-58 Plymouths were my favorite 50s era cars even before I saw Christine.
Top ten car design of all-time. 59s and 60s are Cadillac and automotive grail.
I do appreciate the style now, in retrospect. But when I was growing up in the 60s, these cars were laughing stocks even among Cadillac fans. They looked outlandish compared to the clean elegant styles of the '65 thru '68s and '69 and '70s . I recall people selling '59s for as little as $100 then!
Downright embarrassing to be seen in
@@jamesrecknor6752that 390 w 4spd. Hydamatic could move smoke tires
That's true.. I was born in 1957 and grew up with all those cars everywhere.. By the late 1960s, the 1959 Cadillac was seen in poor taste.. a "trailor park" kind of car.. And while they could be found for as little as $100, those tended to be in very poor condition. One in top condition could bring $1000
It's absolutely fascinating how taste changes, isn't it? And also how it moves in circles.
I'd say the top of the line in 59 Caddy was the hand-built Eldorado Brougham, made in Italy by Pininfarina. The 59 Eldo Brougham actually previewed the 60 fin designs.
This is my favourite Cadillac.
BTW Biarritz is a seaside city in France (south west near the border with Spain).
More striking than beautiful. Never been a fan of 1959-1960 Cadillacs. 1962 is my fav.
Nice video as always. I prefer the 58 GM's over the Chrysler line up. When you really look at the Mopars, they look patched together.
I almost drove one of these about 20 years ago. We were on holiday in Vegas and there was a company that rented classic cars and one of them was a Biarritz! So I didn't drive it because they called me the day before and told me that the last renter had crashed it and it wasn't driveable! They tried to talk me into renting something else (I forget what) but I told them that I wanted a refund and after to and fro they gave me one. Turns out maybe it wasn't so bad after all since believe or not, the day I was supposed to hire the car, it RAINED! Yes in Las Vegas! Not much fun driving a convertible in the rain!!
Watching your videos, I realize how similar all GM cars in 1958 were. I have always liked them, but I see the point if your comments.
If only an engineer had thought about incorporating an air dryer, that would have solved the air ride issues. Also, were there cornering lamps mounted in the bumper along with turn signals? I enjoy your videos. They're well researched and thought out. Great job. 👍
My great aunt had a 59, 65 & 72 Sedan de Villes
I'd like to see something on the 1960 Cadillacs. They're not to everybody's taste - not flamboyant enough after the 1959 excess.
🖖🙏
If you even remotely consider yourself a "car guy" [or girl] , one of these is in your bucket list. It certainly has been in mine but as I'm reaching my senior years it's looking like that will never happen. They were expensive back then and today with the price of classic cars going skyward these gems are basically unobtanium. Watching this episode got me to thinking about just how influential Virgil Exner was in changing the car industry. Cadillac might lay claim to the very first tailfins [although what is on the '49s look almost vestigial in comparison] but Exner took them to a whole other level. What an interesting character, he went from bringing us the first true fin cars to bringing us some of the ugliest cars before his sacking at Chrysler. Speaking of these late '59 and early 60's GM cars, I would love to see you put together a montage of the GM Flying Wing Flat Top models. The bubbletop cars of that era get all the love [and deservedly so] but I was always keen on the flat top designs, still am. My goal before I kick my own bucket is to own one, any one.
Two very different musicians Harley and Virgil - one operatic and the other dulcet. The beauty is that both found freedom and creative latitude at the USA Philharmonic.
Why did we lose that mojo, friends...
@@TheGrimStoic Because Elwood stepped up to the podium.
@@loumontcalm3500 True, Polara - but Virgil was guilty of Starlight, too, so...
That’s a fantastic description of two very influential designers!
@@alantrimble2881 Composers of metal harmonies - visionaries
Don't know ,but i wish it would return
Just WOW!
The designers of the 1959 Cadillacs would be very pleased to see how often their cars are being used in advertising, on pillows, table mats, TShirt, scale models, etc.. - 65 years later !!
What do the 59 Cadillacs and the Egytian Pyramids have in common ? One quick glance and most people in this world can name the country they are from.
Amazing how dangerous the rear styling would have been to any bike riders who followed too closely to this Cadillac. The fins and tail lights could be lethal in a rear end crash. Back then, little thought was given to safety of pedestrians, or those riding bicycles. .
Ralph Nader made the same point in Unsafe At Any Speed.
20 years ago, I took a buddy to downtown Oakland for medical purposes (he was special needs), I circled the block multiple times looking for a parking spot. One way streets, left turn after left turn in circles. Every time I came by the intended building needing a close spot (he was on crutches) I’d hope a spot on the street would open up. Finally, there was an empty spot right at the front door. By the time I swung around the block to pull in and get it, a bright purple 59’ Cadillac was already occupying the area, perfectly parallel parked and driver nowhere to be found. It was an absolute mind boggler
The Chrysler line was put in the GM styling studio to study. The GM engineers and stylists figured out that the Chrysler products shared cowling structure from the Plymouth to the Chrysler.. Virgil Exner had one stylist make sue that nobody deviated from that curve. That was why you got the Desoto Firesweep for very little cost. That was where GM was able to cut costs and bring out the cars in fall of 1958.
My grandparents were modest people. My father's father worked in a shoe factory and then owned of all things a liquor store with his brother in law in Binghamton, New York. My dad told me that "grampy" always bought cars new, and he always took the smallest cheapest engine he could get. But then one day me and him actually met his best friend growing up and he and my dad talked about blowing out the mufflers on Grampy's '58 Oldsmobile....
My dad used to drink a lot, especially in college, but he never got a DUI.
But I remember when my dad bought his "Bimini Beige" 1977 Coupe de Ville d'Elegance and showed it to his mom and dad and the looks on their faces! They were literally horrified!
I was horrified to be seen by the other kids in Grosse Ile when we lived there, and later in Temperance~
I'm happy to drive my Porsche Cayman S today, I worked hard to own it. But while it is Guards red and very visible, I have dark tinted windows so people do not see me. I like Porsche cars due to their shape, not because of their ridiculous price.
Great video!
Like you, I also always thought the front end of the '59's looked a little too heavy compared to the rest of the car.
It looks rather as if influenced by the finally-rejected Buick bumpers of the same period.
Like a beached whale
You mentioned the V's in the tailights of the 59's. They only came in the Fleetwoods and Eldorado's which did not have any V's on the trunk decks. The example shown here must have had them added because it also had the V;s on the deck lid, probably a 62 or DeVille.
True. Good catch. The "V" or Chevron has been an interesting styling detail of Cadillac...probably the longest used styling quirk I can think of for the brand. Originally it was used in the V8 logo all the way back in 1928 and then the V12 and V16 logos in 1930. By 1941 you saw it incorporated in the Cadillac logo for the first time, replacing the winged emblem. By the late 1950s you saw it on decklids and other places. In 1961, the Fleetwood Sixty Special would begin using it as an exterior styling detail, having multiple ones on the rear fender near the tailfins. In 1962 the Fleetwood models would get a logo change with a wreath surround the crest instead of the "V" framing it but the "V" would be used as part of the logo for Devilles up to 1984. Even today the Chevron is still found in modern Cadillacs, mostly as an interior design element. Check the seats of current Cadillacs and you will find them and often hiding in plain sight in other places. I pointed this out to my friend who owns my Cadillac dealership and even though he'd been around Cadillacs all his adult life, he'd never noticed that detail.
@@Sevenfeet0some are not car people, even if its their job
They were different people back then. Imagine having the confidence, optimism, and swagger to buy that car new. Today everyone wants a gray SUV that looks like all other gray SUV's on the road. Completely invisible. You can't be invisible in that ride.