Dream Car Giveaway

 

Eight vertical louvers on the lower rear fenders directly behind the fender breakline once again characterized the widedoor Cadillac sedan. This model was also distinguished by exclusive extra-wide full-length chrome underscores and a Fleetwood insignia on the rear deck lid.

I. D. NUMBERS

  • Serial numbers and engine numbers were again one and the same.
  • They appeared on the right-hand side of the crankcase above the water pump and on the right frame side bar behind the engine support.
  • The first two symbols were "53" for 1953.
  • The next two symbols indicated the series as follows:
    • "62" = Series 62 (including Eldorado)
    • "60" = Series Sixty Special Fleetwood
    • "75" = Series 75 Fleetwood
  • The remaining digits represented the consecutive unit number and began with 00000 for all series.
  • All series had the same ending number, which would be misinterpreted if listed.

STYLE

Model NumberBody StyleDoorsModelSeatPriceWeightProduction Total
53-606019X4-doorSedan5$43052426 kg20,000

ENGINE

TypeV-8 Overhead valves.
BlockCast iron block.
Displacement5.425 Liters
Bore and stroke96.8mm x 92.1mm
Compression ratio8.25:1.
Brake horsepower210 hp @ 4150 rpm
Power157 kW @ 4150 rpm
BearingsFive main bearings
Valve liftersHydraulic valve lifters.
Carburetors:
  • with Hydra-Matic Transmission:
    Carter WCFB four-barrel Model 2005S
    also - Rochester 4GC four-barrel Model 7005100.
  • with Dynaflow Transmission:
    Carter WCFB four-barrel Models 2088S, 2119S, and 2119SA
    also - Rochester 4GC four-barrel Model 7006215.

NOTE: After the Hydra-Matic plant fire approximately 19,000 Cadillacs were sold with Buick Dynaflow transmission attachments. This was referred to as the "Twin Turbine" drive.

CHASSIS

Wheelbase3302mm
Overall length5710mm
Tires8.00 x 15
Dual exhaust systemstandard.
Rear axle ratios3.07:1

CONVENIENCE OPTIONS

Heating and ventilation system$199
Power steering$177
Signal-seeking radio with preselector and antenna$132
Remote control signal-seeking radio with preselector and antenna$214
Five white sidewall tires$48 exchange
Tinted E-Z-Eye glass$46
Autronic Eye Automatic headlamp beam control$53
Chrome wire wheels$325
Air conditioning$620

HISTORICAL NOTES

  • On August 12, a fire at the Hydra-Matic transmission factory in Livonia, Mich. broke out and would bring a damaging halt to production within a week.
  • It was September 8 before Cadillacs began leaving the factory again.
  • 28000 Cadillacs were built with Buick Dynaflow transmission after GM's Hydra-Matic plant burned to the ground.
  • Charles E. Arnold was chief engineer