1956 Fleetwood 75 by Derham - Former Rockefeller Car - Project $10,000

[JimJordanOKC]

WE have lost storage and are selling our 1956 Limo originally owned by John D Rockefeller Jr.  It has been stored since 1973 and needs a FULL restoration.  The lower body is straight and solid but where the thick padded top was has LOTS of holes.  We were going to replace the roof skin from a donor cars and put a new padded top over it.  The family we purchased it from boughy it in 1962 when Mrs. Rockefeller traded it in.  I have documentation proving its provenance.  allante93jj@aol.com or text (405)201-7672

[Bryan J Moran]

That's a Derham anlright.  Interesting.

[V63]

With wealth associated with the name, seems air conditioning was an oversight?

[James Landi]

With wealth associated with the name, seems air conditioning was an oversight?
 

Interesting car and very interesting question.. Perhaps Lexi/CLay will have some thoughts. hoping a CLC member inspects it.  Thanks for posting... all those years of storage...begs a host of questions.   James

[Bryan J Moran]

I and others love LWB cars and Derhams but that is too much for me at my old age.

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

With wealth associated with the name, seems air conditioning was an oversight?

Doubt it.   Some people with wealth don't like spending money.   That is why they have wealth.

Bruce.

[V63]

Well,  i guess ..... a custom Derham Cadillac limousine does show some restraint.

[JimJordanOKC]

Doubt it.   Some people with wealth don't like spending money.   That is why they have wealth.

Bruce.

Bruce, I have a letter from the dealer when Mrs. Rockefeller was trading in in in 1962 assuring her that she was getting trade credit for 2 USED snow tires on the deal for a 1962 Park Avenue (Also with Derham conversion by the way)

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

Bruce, I have a letter from the dealer when Mrs. Rockefeller was trading in in in 1962 assuring her that she was getting trade credit for 2 USED snow tires on the deal for a 1962 Park Avenue (Also with Derham conversion by the way)

Ha ha.   Just as I thought.   Got to save every cent.   Try that these days.

Bruce.

[jwwseville60]

This is a very cool car.
My biggest issue with limos is twofold: the drivers seat is cramped for anyone over 5 foot 8 since the division prohibits seat movement rearward.
Then you have the vision problem. How did the chauffeur merge into right lanes?

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

This is a very cool car.
My biggest issue with limos is twofold: the drivers seat is cramped for anyone over 5 foot 8 since the division prohibits seat movement rearward.
Then you have the vision problem. How did the chauffeur merge into right lanes?

I suppose these days it could be a case for Discrimination.   Maybe the owners wanted small drivers so they would sit low and be virtually invisible.

I don't think the makers cared about the driveability of the car as the owners wouldn't be actually driving them.

I tried to drive Jerry Steinards '76 Limo, and it was so uncomfortable, I simply couldn't. (I am 6'6")

Bruce.

[Lexi]

This is a very cool car.
My biggest issue with limos is twofold: the drivers seat is cramped for anyone over 5 foot 8 since the division prohibits seat movement rearward.
Then you have the vision problem. How did the chauffeur merge into right lanes?

Yes, I have noticed that the Cadillac Limos I have driven seem to be designed for drivers of standard or below average height. Even if you are short but have a beer gut, forget it as the steering wheel will often cram one's mid section. Front seat movement is restricted due to the interior bulkhead which separates the front cabin from the rear "salon" as GM called it. Another reason why 6 way seats introduced in 1956 were not an option for the Series 75. Just 2 way seats, (front and back motion only). Limos are more dangerous to drive due to that massive RH blindspot and no side view mirror there either. Also, if the Divider window is raised it picks up reflections from vehicles in front of you that for a moment appear behind you which can be extremely unnerving if only for a fraction of a second. It can be dangerous & play tricks on your mind when driving and cause you to believe there are vehicles in a space where there is nothing. I believe it is linked or related to the psychological term Illusory Motion & Induced Movement. It can be dangerous, which is why I don't drive around with my Division Window up, always half down. I once had an opportunity to buy a '56 Derham but had to pass as I had Lexi and no parking for another car. If I had the room I would seriously consider buying this, though I find myself studying storage options. Don't tell the wife. Would like to see some interior and engine bay shots. Clay/Lexi