Any Flying Goddess info

[D. Mailan]

Hi everyone!

I am writing a paper for college. It a descriptive/informational essay that centers around a unique logo/symbol and talk about its provenance and symbolism. I decided to go with the flying goddess.

I am wondering if anyone has some interesting information about it that could be useful. There are some articles online. But any interesting things or stories about it would be helpful! Like why Cadillac chose it or who designed it? The history behind it? Stuff you've heard about it.

Anything really!

Thanks!
Derick

[Clewisiii]

A couple of years ago I was in the Cadillac design studio and looked to the side to see three new clay versions of the flying goddess.

I turned to the studio manager and asked if it was coming back. They said yes. But not as a good ornament. They embossed it into some side trim on the Cadillac Celestiq.

So not an old history story. But a closing topic.

[Lexi]

Hi everyone!

I am writing a paper for college. It a descriptive/informational essay that centers around a unique logo/symbol and talk about its provenance and symbolism. I decided to go with the flying goddess.

I am wondering if anyone has some interesting information about it that could be useful. There are some articles online. But any interesting things or stories about it would be helpful! Like why Cadillac chose it or who designed it? The history behind it? Stuff you've heard about it.

Anything really!

Thanks!
Derick

You may want to refer to Maurice Hendry's reference work on Cadillac, of which there was an expanded edition, Cadillac at 100 Legacy of Leadership, in 2 volumes. There is probably information in there on this. I think we can say that 1956 was the last year for the Cadillac Flying Goddess hood ornament, (except the Eldo models that year did not sport them). 1956 was the end of a lot of traditional Cadillac styling. By 1956 it's Flying Goddess has to rank as one of the longest stand alone hood ornaments. Perhaps even the longest? Not sure. That said many older cars had hood ornaments in which the "tail" joined with trim that went back to the windshield cowl area. In that event we may not wish to count that "tail section" as part of the length, expecially as many of these hood ornaments also acted as the hood unlocking mechanism. So they pivot up when pulled. The 1956 Cadillac Goddess stands alone, (no rear trim to cowl area), and it plays no part in opening the hood. So as a stand alone it is certainly a large one in length. Some may argue that the 1959 Cadillac Brougham resurrected the Flying Goddess. Upon close examination this hood ornament appears to be more of a jet age statement rather that an anotomical inspired one. Rather like some mid '50s Chevy hood ornaments that look more plane or bird like. 1956 Seems to be the end of the Flying Goddess as a Cadillac hood ornament. Hope some of this is of interest. Can see if I can measure mine if you like, (we're talking technical here). Clay/Lexi

Edit 1: GM also states that 1956 was the end of the Flying Goddess as a hood ornament. There is also a discussion of the Celestiq re-imaging, (but it is no longer a hood ornament as Carl noted). Check this web page out:

Edit 2: After checking out that new rendition of the Goddess on the Cadillac Celsetiq, I am totally smitten with it. So classy and a superb touch of class and elegance befitting a Cadillac. Check out the link below for images of it being sculpted. Almost wish I had one of these new Cadillacs just for that Goddess branding.

https://www.cadillac.com/celestiq/goddess

[J. Russo]

This may help a little......................

https://www.autoblog.com/2022/12/27/cadillac-celestiq-flying-goddess-hood-ornament/

https://media.cadillac.com/media/us/en/cadillac/home.detail.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2022/dec/1221-caillac.html#:~:text=Envisioned%20to%20represent%20the%20brand's,the%20bespoke%201959%20Eldorado%20Brougham.

https://www.autoevolution.com/news/the-story-of-the-cadillac-flying-goddess-and-the-car-that-revived-her-222900.html

[Barry M Wheeler #2189]

One "story" about the 1930/31 V/16 lady was that she was purported to be saying with her hands to her head, "Oh my God, there goes that # 2 spark plug again!!!"

And one way to tell a "good" '41 goddess is that you should be able to see her bra. It has concentric circles.

One point you might wish to make is that all of the ladies have their chins thrust bravely into the wind, implying that nothing, but nothing better get in her way. By way of contrast, the R/R lady, The Spirit of Ecstasy, seems to be bowing to "whomever."

Best of luck. You might not have a lot of history, but use plenty of pictures.

[Lexi]

...all of the ladies have their chins thrust bravely into the wind, implying that nothing, but nothing better get in her way. By way of contrast, the R/R lady, The Spirit of Ecstasy, seems to be bowing to "whomever."
Best of luck. You might not have a lot of history, but use plenty of pictures.

Exactly. Well said Barry. The Spirit of Ectasy is quite nice but no match for the Flying Godess. Anyhow, didn't Rolls Royce use variations of GM Hydramatic transmissions under licence in their cars, for about 15 years? Maybe that is why the Ectasy had her head bowed, (to Cadillac's greatness). Clay/Lexi

[David King (kz78hy)]

The last car with the hood Goddess was the limited production 1959 Eldorado Brougham, 99 cars produced.  It is very modern interpretation of the Goddess.

[Barry M Wheeler #2189]

Lexi, had you heard that when R/R received the transmissions, they were aghast with the rough interior of the transmission cases. So, they polished them smooth. And soon found that they didn't work at all... They were supposed to be rough inside. (I hope my memory was correct about the this. It's been a while since I read this factoid.) Any correction is welcome.

[Lexi]

Lexi, had you heard that when R/R received the transmissions, they were aghast with the rough interior of the transmission cases. So, they polished them smooth. And soon found that they didn't work at all... They were supposed to be rough inside. (I hope my memory was correct about the this. It's been a while since I read this factoid.) Any correction is welcome.

Fascinating, though that is something that I have not heard. Wonder why it had to be rough? Possibly it had something that indirectly had an impact on hydraulic pressure? Clay/Lexi

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

You are correct Barry.   I heard that story decades ago.

Bruce.

[Michael Petti]

I heard that story long ago also. I believe it is true.

[64\/54Cadillacking]

I love the 56 extra long Goddess, I think she's absolutely beautiful!
I have one on display in my room that's how much I like her    .

Honestly 1950's Cadillac ornamentation on its cars, are a work of art.
You could literally use a lot of its trim and emblems as art pieces for your home.

Everything from the bumpers, to the hood ornaments, and to all the excess chrome trim.

[Lexi]

I love the 56 extra long Goddess, I think she's absolutely beautiful!
I have one on display in my room that's how much I like her    .

Honestly 1950's Cadillac ornamentation on its cars, are a work of art.
You could literally use a lot of its trim and emblems as art pieces for your home.

Everything from the bumpers, to the hood ornaments, and to all the excess chrome trim.

As usual, I couldn't agree more 64\/54Cadillacking. You have impeccable taste. I have a '56 re-chromed Goddess on display in a brass curio cabinet. It was professionally mounted on an engraved acrylic pediment which makes it look like it is taking off. Looks like how they mount an old fighter jet on the grounds of an Air Force base. Also, I always wanted to incorporate a pair of those huge chrome rear fairing spears from a 1956 60 Special into a doorway as columns. They have a cool, sort of Art Deco look to them. Got a pair here just waiting for the day... Clay/Lexi