Fleetwood Cadillac Models & History 1955
Thetrim on the Fleetwood long-wheelbase models was distinctive from other lines. A horizontal rub molding ran from the front parking light housings to the trailing edge of the front door and stopped. A full-length vertical air-slot style fenderbreak molding was placed directly behind the rear gap of the back doors. The two moldings did not meet at right angles. Other styling alterations, such as grille design changes, conformed to the new 1955 themes. A Fleetwood scripts appeared on the deck lid. The high headroom appearance was seen again. Both models continued to feature auxiliary seats for extra passenger carrying capacity and the Imperial sedan-limousine had an hydraulically operated glass driver’s partition.
SERIES 75 FLEETWOOD STYLE
| Model Number | Body Style | Doors | Model | Seat | Price | Weight | Production Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55-75 | 7523X | 4-door | Sedan | 7 | $6187 | 2282 kg | 1,075 |
| 55-75 | 7533X | 4-door | Imperial Sedan | 8 | $6402 | 2324 kg | 841 |
| 55-86 | 8680S | Commercial chassis | 1,975 |
NOTE: The commercial chassis featured a 4012mm wheelbase and was provided to makers of professional cars for construction of funeral cars and ambulances, etc.
I. D. NUMBERS
- Serial numbers and engine numbers were the same again
- They were found in the same locations as previous year.
- The first two symbols were “55” to designate 1955 model production.
- The next two symbols indicated the series as follows:
- “62” = Series 62 and Eldorado
- “60” = Series Special Fleetwood
- “75” = Series 75 Fleetwood
- The remaining digits represented the consecutive unit number and began at 00000 for each series.
- All series had the same ending number, which would be misinterpreted if listed.
SERIES 75 FLEETWOOD ENGINE
| Feature | Standard Engine | Optional Engine |
| Type | V-8: Overhead valves | V-8: Overhead valves |
| Block | Cast iron block | Cast iron block |
| Displacement | 5.425 Liters | 5.425 Liters |
| Bore and stroke | 96.8mm x 92.1mm | 96.8mm x 92.1mm |
| Compression ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.1:1 |
| Brake horsepower | 250 hp @ 4600 rpm | 270 hp @ 4600 rpm |
| Power | 186 kW @ 4600 rpm | 201 kW @ 4600 rpm |
| Main bearings | Five | Five |
| Valve lifters | Hydraulic | Hydraulic |
| Carburetors | Carter WCFB four-barrel, Models 2355S, 2354S, 2185S, 2186S, 2266S, 2267S, and 2255 – also – Rochester 4GC four-barrel, (Less air conditioning) Model 7007970; (With air conditioning) Model 7007971. |
Two (2) Rochester 4GC four-barrels front: Model 7007240 rear, without air conditioning: Model 7007240 rear, with air conditioning: Model 7007241 |
The Eldorado engine was optional in Series 75 Fleetwood models at extra cost.
CHASSIS
| Feature | Series 75 Fleetwood |
| Wheelbase | 3805mm |
| Overall Length | 5494mm |
| Front Tread | 1524mm |
| Rear Tread | 1603mm |
| Tires | 8.20 x 15 six-ply |
| Exhausts | Standard dual exhausts |
| Standard Rear axle ratio | 3.36:1 |
| Optional Rear axle ratio | 3.07:1 |
POWER TRAIN OPTIONS
CONVENIENCE OPTIONS
HISTORICAL NOTES
- Total 1955 output of all models reached 140,777 units, a new record high for Cadillac Division.
- Charles E. Arnold was chief engineer
