LOT 254 •
Ex-Greer Garson 1939 Cadillac Series Seventy-Five Touring Sedan Coachwork by Fleetwood
Estimate: US$45,000 - US$60,000
Lot 254•
Ex-Greer Garson, 1939 Cadillac Series Seventy-Five Touring Sedan
The Greenwich Concours d'Elegance, Collectors' Motorcars and Automobilia|7 June 2009, 12:00 EDT|Connecticut, Greenwich
Ex-Greer Garson
1939 Cadillac Series Seventy-Five Touring Sedan
Coachwork by Fleetwood
1939 Cadillac Series Seventy-Five Touring Sedan
Coachwork by Fleetwood
London-born Greer Garson (1904-1996) was playing theatrical roles when MGM head Louis B. Mayer discovered her while visiting in England. Her first Hollywood appearance was in the 1939 MGM production, "Goodbye Mr. Chips." Garson radiated star power from her first moment on the screen and MGM soon provided her transportation worthy of her new status: a specially appointed, black 1939 Cadillac Series 75 7-Passenger Sedan—the very car offered here.
Delivered to MGM in April 1939, the big 141-inch wheelbase Cadillac was one of 412 Model 7523 Fleetwood Touring Sedans built that year. This 7-passenger style was equipped with jump seats, but did not have a limousine division window. Greer Garson's favorite color was red, so her Cadillac's rear compartment was specially trimmed in red silk, with red leather up front.
Cadillac experts will note the non-standard circular sidemount moldings and chrome accents crowning the grilles. Vintage press photos of Greer Garson with the car confirm these custom details were installed early on. The Trippe driving lights now gracing the front of the car were recently added.
Inside, the original red silk rear compartment selected by Greer Garson remains intact. The red leather front cushions, door panels, carpets and assist straps have been expertly redone. The steering wheel has been recast and the factory radio upgraded to provide FM/AM reception—the original vacuum antenna has also been fully reconditioned.
During 2001-2003, driveline and chassis components were given extraordinary attention. The “matching numbers” Cadillac V8 engine was completely rebuilt, along with a long list of its operating components. The manual transmission, brake system and shock absorbers were also gone through. Much of the chrome trim has been replated and the running boards were also restored. Bills accompanying the car document restoration expenditures of approx. $50,000 between 2001 and 2008.
The Cadillac has been featured in several club magazines, was depicted on a major Concours poster, and counts national AACA and CLC awards among its numerous show wins. It also appeared in the 2006 Robert De Niro film, “The Good Shepherd,” starring Matt Damon, Angelina Jolie and Alec Baldwin.
Although a car of exceptional size, the reliable and relatively easy to handle 1939 Cadillac Seventy Five is even today prized as an excellent car for touring. This engaging example, with its well-documented Academy Award-winning actress provenance and one-off special touches, is an authentic star car in more ways than one.
Delivered to MGM in April 1939, the big 141-inch wheelbase Cadillac was one of 412 Model 7523 Fleetwood Touring Sedans built that year. This 7-passenger style was equipped with jump seats, but did not have a limousine division window. Greer Garson's favorite color was red, so her Cadillac's rear compartment was specially trimmed in red silk, with red leather up front.
Cadillac experts will note the non-standard circular sidemount moldings and chrome accents crowning the grilles. Vintage press photos of Greer Garson with the car confirm these custom details were installed early on. The Trippe driving lights now gracing the front of the car were recently added.
Inside, the original red silk rear compartment selected by Greer Garson remains intact. The red leather front cushions, door panels, carpets and assist straps have been expertly redone. The steering wheel has been recast and the factory radio upgraded to provide FM/AM reception—the original vacuum antenna has also been fully reconditioned.
During 2001-2003, driveline and chassis components were given extraordinary attention. The “matching numbers” Cadillac V8 engine was completely rebuilt, along with a long list of its operating components. The manual transmission, brake system and shock absorbers were also gone through. Much of the chrome trim has been replated and the running boards were also restored. Bills accompanying the car document restoration expenditures of approx. $50,000 between 2001 and 2008.
The Cadillac has been featured in several club magazines, was depicted on a major Concours poster, and counts national AACA and CLC awards among its numerous show wins. It also appeared in the 2006 Robert De Niro film, “The Good Shepherd,” starring Matt Damon, Angelina Jolie and Alec Baldwin.
Although a car of exceptional size, the reliable and relatively easy to handle 1939 Cadillac Seventy Five is even today prized as an excellent car for touring. This engaging example, with its well-documented Academy Award-winning actress provenance and one-off special touches, is an authentic star car in more ways than one.
Saleroom notices
Please note the VIN number is 3291717
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| • | Exempt from tax |
| Zero rated for tax, no tax will be added to the Hammer Price or the Buyer's Premium. |