* * * Note that this was the first vehicle in a row of historic Cadillacs with the oldest photographed first. * * *
* * * This will be a special journey in automotive history. * * *

1905 Cadillac Model F Touring

The Model F was the primary new Cadillac model of 1905. It had a sharper hood and radiator, prompting the update of the Model B (which became the Model C) and even spawning an aftermarket of updates to existing Model A and Model B cars. Models E and F shared the same chassis, although the latter was lengthened by two inches.

The Model F was available as either a 4-seater 2-door touring car with a side entrance to the fixed tonneau, or a 2-seat delivery vehicle. Both were priced at $950 in 1905.

1931 Cadillac Fleetwood Convertible

Many consider 1931 to be the pinnacle of the "Classic Era" for Cadillac. As a convertible coupe with a rumble seat, this Fleetwood-bodied car is one of the most desired among collectors. With the introduction of its new V-12, Cadillac became the only car company to offer V-8, V-12, and V-16 models. Cadillac offered 134-, 140-, and 143-inch wheelbases, bodies by Fisher and Fleetwood, three different engine configurations, and the more moderately priced LaSalle as part of its lineup. It arguably began a trend that eventually led to Cadillac's domination of the luxury car field over rival Packard.

While the flagship V-12 and V-16 gathered all the fanfare, the V-8 powered models like this convertible coupe sold in steady numbers, helping Cadillac's bottom line during difficult economic times. Cadillac produced a total of 10,717 V-8 models in 1931. All Series 355 Cadillacs rode a new 134-inch wheelbase, six inches shorter than 1930 models giving the cars a sporty appearance.

1948 Cadillac Series 62
2-Door Fastback

For the 1948 model year, General Motors designers Harley Earl and Frank Hershey struck gold with their new Cadillac line. Fresh, beautiful styling combined with a well-built chassis and robust, though dated L-head V-8 engine. What set the car apart was a subtle design cue that led to one of the most iconic, heavily copied trends in motoring history — the tailfin (see next photo). The inspiration for the small kicked-up fin at the end of each rear fender came from Lockheed's P-38 Lightning, America's finest heavy fighter plane during World War II.

The Series 62 had the broadest range of bodies, including a convertible coupe, four-door sedan, pillarless Coupe De Ville, and the gorgeous fastback two-door coupe, also known as the Sedanette Series 62 production totaled 34,213 vehicles for the 1948 model year, accounting for 68% of Cadillac's volume. Just 4,764 of the fastbacks were produced, and they stand among the most sought-after and collectible of all post-war Cadillacs.

1949 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible Coupe

Originally designed to complement the entry-level Series 61, the Cadillac Series 62 was produced by Cadillac from 1940 through 1964. This car is part of the third generation of the model produced between 1948 and 1953. The Series 62 was also marketed as the Sixty-Two and the Series Sixty-Two.

The Series 62 was used to introduce the Cadillac Coupe de Ville and the Cadillac Eldorado, which started as special appearance packages that were later placed into production. Series 62 Cadillacs had a slightly shortened wheelbase, but the track width was increased by two inches, increasing interior room.

The new Cadillac V-8 engine was the big news for 1949, with minor trim differences otherwise. The new engine could handle higher compression levels to take advantage of improved, higher-octane post-war gasoline. The major difference between Series 61 and Series 62 models of similar body styles was minor trim variations. The higher-priced series again had grooved, front fender stone shields and bright rocker panel moldings. Chevrons below the taillights were no longer seen. The convertible was an exclusive offering. A heater was optional, as shown on this car.

1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham

The hand-built Eldorado Brougham stands out with its brushed stainless-steel roof and unique center-opening suicide doors that lock automatically when the car is put in gear.

In 1957, Cadillac's Eldorado Brougham was as good as luxury motoring got. The Brougham was designed and built to compete with Cadillac and Lincoln's premium-priced Continental Mk II.

In an era when even a Rolls-Royce cost $10,000, the Eldorado Brougham started at $13,074 (equivalent to about $120,000 today). There were choices — paint color and interior fabric, for example, — but no options. Large tail fins were standard. Only 400 were made in 1957.

1976 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible

The Cadillac Eldorado is a luxury car manufactured and marketed by Cadillac from 1952 to 2002 over twelve generations - this being a ninth-generation car (1971-1978). Throughout its production, the Eldorado was at or near the top of the Cadillac line. The original 1953 Eldorado convertible and the Eldorado Brougham models of 1957-1960 had distinct body shells and were the most expensive models that Cadillac offered in those years.

1976 was to be the final year for the Eldorado convertible and the car was heavily promoted by General Motors as "the last American convertible". Some 14,000 would be sold, many purchased as investments. The final 200 were designated as "Bicentennial Edition" commemorating America's 200th birthday. These cars were white with a dual-color red/blue pinstripe along the upper bodyside.

When GM reintroduced Eldorado convertibles for the 1984 model year, owners of 1976 Eldorados felt they had been deceived and launched an unsuccessful class action lawsuit. Having received a major facelift the previous year, the 1976 Eldorado received only minor styling changes, including a new grille and revised taillamp lenses.

In 2002, GM announced the end of the Eldorado line. 1596 red or white convertibles were produced in three batches of 532 each.