I remember when this 1959 Cadillac showboat came out, the automotive activists not only bemoaned this monster of conspicuous consumption, but also warned how dangerous it was. They were fully expecting a significant number of pedestrians would be fatally speared by its tail fins. I remember my neighbor's kid, a year older than I, bought a very tired convertible in 1966 and the ride in that parade float was like being on a cloud except for the noise and smell from its leaky exhaust system. My work buddy bought bought a '59 Imperial 4 door and we'd go over the bridge to Staten Island to drink beer. I liked the Imperial a lot better.
This DM model is 31 years old, but despite the old tech, it's still quite a knockout.
Those fins certainly were formidable in appearance. A few years earlier, Sammy Davis Jr. lost his left eye in a 1955 Cadillac - but to the bullet-shaped horn center that was on the '54 and '55 models.
I first say this Cadillac in August, 1958 at the Automotive building at the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto. It was displayed next to a Rolls Royce. What a shock and contrast.
This year Cadillac is the deserved icon representing the garish fin era of late 1950s American automotive styling. I have always found it to be unattractive BUT appreciate it for what it represents in automotive history and of course enjoy seeing it at shows for that reason. I am a big fan of the Caddys in the years preceding and after, particularly the '57/58 and '62, but this one not so much.
@jack-dodds I quite agree - it's not a nice looking - and yet as you say it conveys such a powerful message, not just about 1950s automotive excess, but the U.S.A. in the '50s more generally. I seriously wonder if there is any other car that carries such a powerful message - about anything - as this car does?
Fine images of an excellent model of this giant and iconic automobile ! It looks great in red and regardless of it's age, it looks amazing as both a 1:1 automobile and a 1/24 model from Danbury Mint.
I remember when this 1959 Cadillac showboat came out, the automotive activists not only bemoaned this monster of conspicuous consumption, but also warned how dangerous it was. They were fully expecting a significant number of pedestrians would be fatally speared by its tail fins. I remember my neighbor's kid, a year older than I, bought a very tired convertible in 1966 and the ride in that parade float was like being on a cloud except for the noise and smell from its leaky exhaust system. My work buddy bought bought a '59 Imperial 4 door and we'd go over the bridge to Staten Island to drink beer. I liked the Imperial a lot better.
This DM model is 31 years old, but despite the old tech, it's still quite a knockout.
@jack-dodds I quite agree - it's not a nice looking - and yet as you say it conveys such a powerful message, not just about 1950s automotive excess, but the U.S.A. in the '50s more generally. I seriously wonder if there is any other car that carries such a powerful message - about anything - as this car does?
great comment Charles, you articulate my social history of the car interests perfectly. And of course more great pics and car facts from Rich!
