Fleetwood Cadillac Models & History 1953
Eightvertical 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 Number |
Body Style |
Doors |
Model |
Seat |
Price |
Weight |
Production Total |
| 53-60 |
6019X |
4-door |
Sedan |
5 |
$4305 |
2426 kg |
20,000 |
ENGINE
| Type |
V-8 Overhead valves. |
| Block |
Cast iron block. |
| Displacement |
5.425 Liters |
| Bore and stroke |
96.8mm x 92.1mm |
| Compression ratio |
8.25:1. |
| Brake horsepower |
210 hp @ 4150 rpm |
| Power |
157 kW @ 4150 rpm |
| Bearings |
Five main bearings |
| Valve lifters |
Hydraulic 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
| Wheelbase |
3302mm |
| Overall length |
5710mm |
| Tires |
8.00 x 15 |
| Dual exhaust system |
standard. |
| Rear axle ratios |
3.07:1 |
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
