Fleetwood Cadillac Models & History 1954
Thebig Fleetwood “high headroom” job came as an eight-passenger limousine with driver’s partition or eight-passenger sedan without, both having jump seats. V-shaped ornaments appeared on the hood and deck with a Fleetwood script in the latter location. Wheelbase increased to 3805mm. Styling changes conformed with those seen on other lines.
I. D. NUMBERS
- Serial numbers and engine numbers were again one and the same.
- They appeared on the right-hand of the crankcase above the water pump and on the right frame side bar behind the engine support.
- The first two symbols were “54” for 1954.
- The next two symbols indicated series as follows: “62”, “60” or “75”.
- The remaining digits represented the consecutive unit number and began with 00000 for each 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 54-75 | 7523X | 4-door | Sedan | 5 | $5875 | 2287 kg | 889 |
| 54-75 | 7533X | 4-door | Imperial Sedan | 8 | $6090 | 2315 kg | 611 |
| 54-86 | 8680 | Commercial chassis | 1,635 |
NOTE: The commercial chassis featured a 4013mm wheelbase and was provided to professional car makers for construction of funeral cars, ambulances, etc.
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 | 230 hp @ 4400 rpm |
| Power | 171 kW @ 4400 rpm |
| Bearings | Five main bearings. |
| Valve lifters | Hydraulic valve lifters. |
| Carburetors | Carter WCFB four-barrel Models 2143S, 2109S and 2110S – also – Rochester 4GC four-barrel (with Aire) Model 7006963; (without Aire) Model 7006962. |
CHASSIS
| Model | Wheelbase | Overall Length | Front Tread | Rear Tread | Tires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Series 75 | 3805mm | 6022mm | 1524mm | 1603mm | 8.20 x 15 |
| Exhaust | Dual exhaust system standard | ||||
| Rear axle ratio | (Standard) 3.07: 1 (Standard with air conditioning; optional without) 3.36:1 |
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CONVENIENCE OPTIONS
HISTORICAL NOTES
- Assembly of 1954 models began January 4, 1954 after a 25 day halt for changeover to new production specifications.
- Fiberglass-bodied Cadillac show cars appearing at the GM Motorama this year included the Park Avenue four-door sedan, El Camino coupe, and La Espada convertible.
- Charles E. Arnold was chief engineer
