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2009/03/09 56 Coupe deVil
03/09/2009
In 1956, Caddys were kings of the road.
In 1956, Caddys were kings of the road.
If a certain conservative radio talk show host were around in 1956, he’d probably be driving a big, bright red Cadillac Coupe de Ville just like the one shown here.
Well, maybe not. He is far too conservative I suppose. But lots of successful, high rolling, cigar-smoking gentlemen of the day did favor Cadillac’s popular and glitzy coupe-- a ‘personal luxury car’ before personal luxury cars were recognized. The luxurious, two-door Cadillac was not a good choice for taking your friends to the symphony or the country club, however.
Just imagine the ladies struggling to climb in the back seat with those long, flowing evening gowns. No, this was the sort of big car that was… well, personal. This was the kind of car that Gus Reid of Reid Brothers Express, would have driven. And YES, Gus smoked a big, fat cigar. Gus, owner of a local ‘cartage’ company, was fond of Caddy coupes for sure, and I think he actually DID have one like this. I was only ten years old in fifty-six, however, and the first Caddy I personally remember Gus driving was his 1960 Coupe de Ville.
Of course I didn’t address him as “Gus” back then because my father would have whipped the tar out of me. He was “Mr. Reid” to me and I couldn’t wait to go out to the pump island when Gus steered his big land yacht Caddy into the lot at Han-De Super Service, my father’s Mobilgas service station on the corner of Delmar and Hanley Roads in University City, Missouri. I was always ready and eager to wait on Mr. Reid, not only because I knew I could count on a nice fat tip (as I remember it was usually a shiny new quarter), but because I just loved his big Cadillacs. To me, as to many folks, they were the ultimate sign of success. The biggest problem I had was working around the pair of giant Unity spotlights that Gus always had installed as soon as he took delivery on his new Cadillac from Forest Cadillac in Clayton, Missouri. Cleaning the windshield (and it had to be spotless) was a stretch… literally!
The 1956 Cadillac was perhaps the epitome of the often-heard expression, “They sure don’t make ‘em like they used to”. That’s right, they sure don’t... and as I always say, “That’s a GOOD thing”! Yes, back in its day, the Coupe de Ville was a statement of success and a fine example of Cadillac style. But by today’s standards, it wouldn’t stand a chance against the competition.
Consider single digit gas mileage. But who cared back in 1956 when gas was going for twenty-five cents per gallon? Oil changes were recommended at every thousand miles and a complete tune up, including plugs, points, condenser, etc. was generally done every ten thousand miles. Safety? About the biggest news in 1956 was the introduction of a ‘padded dash’ on many models, but it was usually an extra cost option. Not on the Cadillac Coupe de Ville, however. It was a standard feature. Seat belts, sans shoulder belts, were beginning to see favor as a safety feature, but in 1956, most were after market accessory items sold and installed by dealers or your local service station.
One plus this car had was a solid, comfortable ride. With all that weight (4,445 pounds), soft suspension and bulbous tires at each corner, it was nigh impossible to notice a seam in the pavement as the Coupe de Ville went lumbering down the boulevard.
The mass of the Caddy was motivated by a 365 cubic inch V-8 engine which produced 285 horsepower. The Eldorado version of this rugged engine was available at extra cost on all Cadillac models. This version produced 305 horsepower, primarily the result of an extra Carter four barrel carburetor.
A quick look through the latest edition of Auto Trader’s Classic Cars & Parts magazine (the candy catalog for big boys) turned up one example that needed complete restoration, listed at just $4,900.00. The car reportedly ‘runs and drives’, a description that leaves much to question. Throw on a show quality paint job, at five grand on the low end, ten on the high, a complete interior restoration (figure another ten g’s), and lest we forget the re-chroming which could easily run another ten grand on a model like this... and for about forty thousand dollars, you’ll be ready for the next cruise night at Chuck-A-Burger.
Just imagine the ladies struggling to climb in the back seat with those long, flowing evening gowns. No, this was the sort of big car that was… well, personal. This was the kind of car that Gus Reid of Reid Brothers Express, would have driven. And YES, Gus smoked a big, fat cigar. Gus, owner of a local ‘cartage’ company, was fond of Caddy coupes for sure, and I think he actually DID have one like this. I was only ten years old in fifty-six, however, and the first Caddy I personally remember Gus driving was his 1960 Coupe de Ville.
Of course I didn’t address him as “Gus” back then because my father would have whipped the tar out of me. He was “Mr. Reid” to me and I couldn’t wait to go out to the pump island when Gus steered his big land yacht Caddy into the lot at Han-De Super Service, my father’s Mobilgas service station on the corner of Delmar and Hanley Roads in University City, Missouri. I was always ready and eager to wait on Mr. Reid, not only because I knew I could count on a nice fat tip (as I remember it was usually a shiny new quarter), but because I just loved his big Cadillacs. To me, as to many folks, they were the ultimate sign of success. The biggest problem I had was working around the pair of giant Unity spotlights that Gus always had installed as soon as he took delivery on his new Cadillac from Forest Cadillac in Clayton, Missouri. Cleaning the windshield (and it had to be spotless) was a stretch… literally!
The 1956 Cadillac was perhaps the epitome of the often-heard expression, “They sure don’t make ‘em like they used to”. That’s right, they sure don’t... and as I always say, “That’s a GOOD thing”! Yes, back in its day, the Coupe de Ville was a statement of success and a fine example of Cadillac style. But by today’s standards, it wouldn’t stand a chance against the competition.
Consider single digit gas mileage. But who cared back in 1956 when gas was going for twenty-five cents per gallon? Oil changes were recommended at every thousand miles and a complete tune up, including plugs, points, condenser, etc. was generally done every ten thousand miles. Safety? About the biggest news in 1956 was the introduction of a ‘padded dash’ on many models, but it was usually an extra cost option. Not on the Cadillac Coupe de Ville, however. It was a standard feature. Seat belts, sans shoulder belts, were beginning to see favor as a safety feature, but in 1956, most were after market accessory items sold and installed by dealers or your local service station.
One plus this car had was a solid, comfortable ride. With all that weight (4,445 pounds), soft suspension and bulbous tires at each corner, it was nigh impossible to notice a seam in the pavement as the Coupe de Ville went lumbering down the boulevard.
The mass of the Caddy was motivated by a 365 cubic inch V-8 engine which produced 285 horsepower. The Eldorado version of this rugged engine was available at extra cost on all Cadillac models. This version produced 305 horsepower, primarily the result of an extra Carter four barrel carburetor.
A quick look through the latest edition of Auto Trader’s Classic Cars & Parts magazine (the candy catalog for big boys) turned up one example that needed complete restoration, listed at just $4,900.00. The car reportedly ‘runs and drives’, a description that leaves much to question. Throw on a show quality paint job, at five grand on the low end, ten on the high, a complete interior restoration (figure another ten g’s), and lest we forget the re-chroming which could easily run another ten grand on a model like this... and for about forty thousand dollars, you’ll be ready for the next cruise night at Chuck-A-Burger.
Trivia Questions
1. What does the Cadillac automobile have in common with a popular screwdriver?
2. Reaching the number one spot on the Billboard Top 50 charts on June 16, 1956, this song was one of the Fin Man’s favorites. The lyrics included the words, “was a restless wind”. What was the name of this song, and who was the female singer who took it to the top of the chart on June 16th? Clue: The song was most recently recorded by Anne Murray in 1993 album called Croonin', a compilation of ‘cover’ renditions of 1950s pop songs.
3. Born January 31, 1956, John Joseph Lydon, better known as ‘Johnny Rotten’, was lead singer for what British punk rock band that is often credited for introduction of the ‘punk’ genera, creating the first ‘generation gap’ within rock ‘n’ roll?
4. Born February 24, 1956, this former CBS newscaster was co-anchor with Harry Smith. What is her name?
5. This once popular game show featured a panel of celebrities trying to identify, through a series of questions, which of three contestants was the actual person who held the unusual occupation stated at the beginning of the round. Two of the contestants were imposters who lied to the questions in order to fool the celebs into thinking THEY were the real person. What was the name of this show, first hosted by Bud Collyer, which debuted on December 18, 1956?
6. And, while we’re on the subject of television, Elvis Presley made his first television appearance on January 28, 1956, performing ‘Shake, Rattle and Roll’; ‘Flip, Flop and Fly’ and ‘I Got a Woman’. What was the name of the show?
A. The Ed Sullivan Show
B. The Tonight Show
C. Stage Show
D. The Milton Berle Show?
7. On June 14, 1956, the president of the United States authorized a phrase to be added to the Pledge of Allegiance. Who was that president and what words were added?
8. Cadillac, along with one other GM make, introduced the Hydra-Matic transmission on their 1940 models. What was the other make who shared the Hydra-Matic with Cadillac?
BONUS: What was Dwight Eisenhower’s middle name?
Trivia Answers
1. What does the Cadillac automobile have in common with a popular screwdriver?
Henry Phillips, inventor of the screws and tool that bear his name, convinced leaders of General Motors to use his invention on the 1936 model Cadillacs. The system, which Phillips invented with automated drivers in mind, became universally accepted by the auto industry by 1940.
2. Reaching the number one spot on the Billboard Top 50 charts on June 16, 1956, this song was one of the Fin Man’s favorites. The lyrics included the words, “was a restless wind”. What was the name of this song, and who was the female singer who took it to the top of the chart on June 16th? Clue: The song was most recently recorded by Anne Murray in 1993 album called Croonin', a compilation of ‘cover’ renditions of 1950s pop songs.
“The Wayward Wind” was performed by Gogi Grant.
3. Born January 31, 1956, John Joseph Lydon, better known as ‘Johnny Rotten’, was lead singer for what British punk rock band that is often credited for introduction of the ‘punk’ genera, creating the first ‘generation gap’ within rock ‘n’ roll?
‘Rotten’ he may be (his professional career has been marked by many ‘incidents’ at hotels, etc.) but Johnny was lead singer for the Sex Pistols.
4. Born February 24, 1956, this former CBS newscaster was co-anchor with Harry Smith. What is her name?
Paula Zahn
5. This once popular game show featured a panel of celebrities trying to identify, through a series of questions, which of three contestants was the actual person who held the unusual occupation stated at the beginning of the round. Two of the contestants were imposters who lied to the questions in order to fool the celebs into thinking THEY were the real person. What was the name of this show, first hosted by Bud Collyer, which debuted on December 18, 1956?
‘To Tell the Truth’
6. And, while we’re on the subject of television, Elvis Presley made his first television appearance on January 28, 1956, performing ‘Shake, Rattle and Roll’; ‘Flip, Flop and Fly’ and ‘I Got a Woman’. What was the name of the show?
A. The Ed Sullivan Show
B. The Tonight Show
C. Stage Show
D. The Milton Berle Show?
7. On June 14, 1956, the president of the United States authorized a phrase to be added to the Pledge of Allegiance. Who was that president and what words were added?
President Dwight D. Eisenhower authorized addition of the phrase ‘under God’ to the Pledge of Allegiance.
8. Cadillac, along with one other GM make, introduced the Hydra-Matic transmission on their 1940 models. What was the other make who shared the Hydra-Matic with Cadillac?
Cadillacs and Oldsmobiles of 1940 were fitted with Hydra-Matic transmissions.
1. What does the Cadillac automobile have in common with a popular screwdriver?
2. Reaching the number one spot on the Billboard Top 50 charts on June 16, 1956, this song was one of the Fin Man’s favorites. The lyrics included the words, “was a restless wind”. What was the name of this song, and who was the female singer who took it to the top of the chart on June 16th? Clue: The song was most recently recorded by Anne Murray in 1993 album called Croonin', a compilation of ‘cover’ renditions of 1950s pop songs.
3. Born January 31, 1956, John Joseph Lydon, better known as ‘Johnny Rotten’, was lead singer for what British punk rock band that is often credited for introduction of the ‘punk’ genera, creating the first ‘generation gap’ within rock ‘n’ roll?
4. Born February 24, 1956, this former CBS newscaster was co-anchor with Harry Smith. What is her name?
5. This once popular game show featured a panel of celebrities trying to identify, through a series of questions, which of three contestants was the actual person who held the unusual occupation stated at the beginning of the round. Two of the contestants were imposters who lied to the questions in order to fool the celebs into thinking THEY were the real person. What was the name of this show, first hosted by Bud Collyer, which debuted on December 18, 1956?
6. And, while we’re on the subject of television, Elvis Presley made his first television appearance on January 28, 1956, performing ‘Shake, Rattle and Roll’; ‘Flip, Flop and Fly’ and ‘I Got a Woman’. What was the name of the show?
A. The Ed Sullivan Show
B. The Tonight Show
C. Stage Show
D. The Milton Berle Show?
7. On June 14, 1956, the president of the United States authorized a phrase to be added to the Pledge of Allegiance. Who was that president and what words were added?
8. Cadillac, along with one other GM make, introduced the Hydra-Matic transmission on their 1940 models. What was the other make who shared the Hydra-Matic with Cadillac?
BONUS: What was Dwight Eisenhower’s middle name?
Trivia Answers
1. What does the Cadillac automobile have in common with a popular screwdriver?
Henry Phillips, inventor of the screws and tool that bear his name, convinced leaders of General Motors to use his invention on the 1936 model Cadillacs. The system, which Phillips invented with automated drivers in mind, became universally accepted by the auto industry by 1940.
2. Reaching the number one spot on the Billboard Top 50 charts on June 16, 1956, this song was one of the Fin Man’s favorites. The lyrics included the words, “was a restless wind”. What was the name of this song, and who was the female singer who took it to the top of the chart on June 16th? Clue: The song was most recently recorded by Anne Murray in 1993 album called Croonin', a compilation of ‘cover’ renditions of 1950s pop songs.
“The Wayward Wind” was performed by Gogi Grant.
3. Born January 31, 1956, John Joseph Lydon, better known as ‘Johnny Rotten’, was lead singer for what British punk rock band that is often credited for introduction of the ‘punk’ genera, creating the first ‘generation gap’ within rock ‘n’ roll?
‘Rotten’ he may be (his professional career has been marked by many ‘incidents’ at hotels, etc.) but Johnny was lead singer for the Sex Pistols.
4. Born February 24, 1956, this former CBS newscaster was co-anchor with Harry Smith. What is her name?
Paula Zahn
5. This once popular game show featured a panel of celebrities trying to identify, through a series of questions, which of three contestants was the actual person who held the unusual occupation stated at the beginning of the round. Two of the contestants were imposters who lied to the questions in order to fool the celebs into thinking THEY were the real person. What was the name of this show, first hosted by Bud Collyer, which debuted on December 18, 1956?
‘To Tell the Truth’
6. And, while we’re on the subject of television, Elvis Presley made his first television appearance on January 28, 1956, performing ‘Shake, Rattle and Roll’; ‘Flip, Flop and Fly’ and ‘I Got a Woman’. What was the name of the show?
A. The Ed Sullivan Show
B. The Tonight Show
C. Stage Show
D. The Milton Berle Show?
7. On June 14, 1956, the president of the United States authorized a phrase to be added to the Pledge of Allegiance. Who was that president and what words were added?
President Dwight D. Eisenhower authorized addition of the phrase ‘under God’ to the Pledge of Allegiance.
8. Cadillac, along with one other GM make, introduced the Hydra-Matic transmission on their 1940 models. What was the other make who shared the Hydra-Matic with Cadillac?
Cadillacs and Oldsmobiles of 1940 were fitted with Hydra-Matic transmissions.
Bonus Trivia:
What was Dwight Eisenhower’s middle name?
The 34th president of the United States was Dwight David Eisenhower.
Illustrations courtesy of The Old Car Manual Project:
Content copyright . Bruce Kunz. All rights reserved.
