This 1936 Cadillac Series 85 Fleetwood V-12 Touring Sedan has Texas history and is a true classic in every sense of the word. Although the United States automotive industry began to rebound after the Great Depression in 1936, buyers were still apprehensive when it came to buying expensive, top-of-the-line automobiles from luxury automakers such as Cadillac. As such, the big news for Cadillac was the introduction of a medium-priced automobile designed to compete along with companion brand LaSalle with Packards 120 line which was seeing noticeable success. Of course Cadillac maintained its status as the Royal Family of Motordom by continuing to sell its premier Fleetwood-bodied Series 80 and 85 V-12 models and its Series 90 V-16s. Cadillacs 1936 models saw the introduction of a redesigned front end treatment with a new Convex Vee grille and a more pronounced veed windshield. Down the sides of the 1936 Cadillacs another big change occurred to the doors, with most of the doors becoming front-hinged replacing the older-style suicide doors. At the rear, the 36 Cadillacs saw wider availability of the bustle-back style trunk area which was also considered at the time as a more modern design. The easiest way to distinguish a Series 80 from a Series 85 is to measure the wheelbase with the Series 85 sitting 7 inches longer than the 80. However, to distinguish a Series 80 or 85 from the lower level Series 70 or 75 requires either opening the hood to reveal a V-12 (in a Series 80 or 85) or a V-8 (in a Series 70 or 75), or a discerning eye may be able to spot the modest insignias for a V12 or V8. In total, Cadillac only produced 901 V-12 models in 1936 which makes finding a Series 85 like this one a real treat. This particular Series 85 Touring Sedan was purchased new in Texas and sports a well preserved, older restoration that won a 1st Place CCCA Award. Powering this antique 36 Cadillac is a 368 Cubic Inch V12 12 Cylinder Engine with a pair of single barrel carburetors that was said to have pushed out 150 horsepower when new. The 368 V-12 is backed by 3 speed manual transmission that is shifted via a floor mounted shifter. Like most Senior Cadillacs of the era, this 1936 Series 85 V-12 features numerous desirable options including dual sidemounts with covers (a $20 option back in 1936), full wheel discs ($4 back in 1936), dual outside mirrors, color-matched Fender skirts, Trippe driving lights and a locking gas cap. The chrome and brightwork is in very nice shape as well. Weighing over 5,200 pounds with an 138 inch wheelbase this is a massive car that drives rather effortlessly down the road, especially since it sits on 4 wide whitewall radial tires with disc wheels. The exterior on this 1936 V12 has been refinished in a dignified Royal Maroon Paint that completes this Cadillacs a classic exterior look. The interior on this 36 Cadillac 7 Passenger Touring Sedan has an elevated, distinguished appearance. The front and rear bench seats, along with the forward-facing auxiliary folding rear seats, have been reupholstered in beautiful gray herringbone tweed wool. The matching door panels, gray carpeting, painted dash, and optional flexible steering all appear to be in wonderful condition and in their stock configuration. The interior also comes loaded with many desirable Cadillac options such as an AM radio, ash-trays with smoking equipment, interior lights and a rear foot rest. The dash is equipped with a 110 MPH speedometer, oil pressure gauge, ampere gauge, temperature gauge, and gasoline gauge, along with a full-size clock. With the high quality chrome and brightwork throughout the vehicle it is truly understandable why this 1936 Cadillac Series 85 V-12 Touring Sedan is a True Classic. Whether youre buying your first CCCA True Classic or youre adding to your existing classic Cadillac collection, this 1936 Cadillac Series 85 Fleetwood V-12 7 Passenger Touring Sedan would make an excellent choice. Give us a call today at 763-428-7337!
