I looking for comments on a 1936 Cadillac S70 (Green) open car. It just listed on eBay. I'm new to the Cadillac world and any input you might have is appreciated. I have average mechanical skills and this car might be too much for me. Thank you and a special thanks to Mike B. for his help.
6/24/21 update;
I want to thank you for your helpful comments surrounding the 1936 S70 convertible. I love the look of these cars but this particular one is over my head. You really helped me understand what I was getting into. This forum and its members are a valuable resource. Many thanks for your time!
Here's the link to that car.....
https://www.ebay.com/itm/124782607025?_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20160727114228%26meid%3D76ef6d2a263f4d2d870242f2748649e0%26pid%3D100290%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D4%26sd%3D124782607025%26itm%3D124782607025%26pmt%3D0%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D2060778&_trksid=p2060778.c100290.m3507
Mike
Greg,
YOu've come to the right place. The answer to your question requires some explanation from you as to what your objectives are with this car. It's clear from the presentation of the car that whoever owned it, used it, kept it out of the weather, but didn't put much effort or money into up grading or restoring it. It's a desirable machine, but it appears to be on the edge of needing some serious work in the front end and running gear --- no idea about the engine/transmission/ brakes, etc, etc
My suggestion--- go and inspect and drive the car--- on close inspection and test drive, you'll know much more about just how "in love" you are with it--- It will require a good deal of passion - i.e. commitment and money to preserve it. It looks to me to be in fragile condition. Hope this helps-- there are many folks on this site who are true experts. I'm not, so ask your questions on the restoration section of this site. Hopethis helps, James
On their web site they are asking $59,000
I like this car too. Like you, I have "average mechanical skills" and one of the most important things I found in this hobby for myself, at my level, is to know a good mechanic and body person who knows how to work on these pre-war cars. Secondly, finding parts for the car may be a challenge. The CLC is a good place to start. Thirdly, look at past sales of pre-war cars and you can see they are declining. Keep that in mind when you are budgeting the price of the car and the cost of the restoration and maintenance. "Buy the best condition car that you can afford" is very true for this hobby during these times, especially with the cost of chroming, paint, etc getting so astronomical these days.
I saw that car a couple of years ago at the Classic Car Mall. It was listed for sale then at $80+K. It's a very rare, desirable model. It is complete but everything needs to be done. It doesn't take long to realize six figures wouldn't be enough to restore it. Not for the faint of heart but maybe for someone where money is no the object. Harry
I am a 1936 (7529) owner and can vouch for what everyone else has said. Nice car and hard to find! Keep in mind 1936 is kind of a one year only with the engine being somewhat different, but the car itself is similar to 1937. Can be very costly for repairs even doing somethings yourself and more to restore (in my opinion). To make it a driver, like mine, you may get lucky and not have a lot of problems. I had to replace the engine among other things............ It's has tried my patience at times. You will have to have your heart in this one. Let us know how it works out. Regards, KenZ
What I would like to know is, where are the 5 doors as it is advertised as having 5 doors.
Bruce. >:D
Well, it certainly looks nice in the pictures. If you like a challenge, have the time, support and money, go for it! Make it a driver and enjoy.
This car has been listed many times on eBay, rarely fetching bids higher than upper $20k range. Seller originally was asking upper $90k range on their dealer website, down to upper $50k last time I checked.
Two causes for caution on this car: its obviously quick-and-dirty paint job might be hiding a multitude of problems; and the body's wooden structure, especially the sills, could be a deep pit for labor and expense.
When I called on this car a couple of years ago (same seller that's currently offering it), my first question had to do with negotiability of the price -- whereat I was told that they sell cars all over the world and would have no trouble getting their price for this one. Perhaps by now the worm has turned somewhat.
For that money I would for sure go look at it. Let it run and get hot. Check for water in oil and bubbles in radiator, drive it. As Ken said that is a one year engine and if crack seats or anything you are going to have problems.
IMHO it looks to me like someone found it in storage, painted it, made it run and looking to sell. The regulator is not correct, so who knows it that works right. The horn has a button on the column, so that means the switch is bad or missing. Motor was definitely worked on. Looking at the gas pedal that car has some miles on it.
I think Holy Dagmars is right on!!!That car has been rejected by MANY knowledgeable people. There must be a reason. Don't buy it.
Bob
Ruff is not just a sound a dog makes...
Plenty of nicer cars out there that are worth the money.
I paid a lot less then that for my 40 LaSalle. I was a mechanic for my career. Even without paying someone to do my work. Just in parts and all new interior I could have purchased a nice car to drive.
Thanks Wayne
"I want to thank you for your helpful comments surrounding the 1936 S70 convertible. I love the look of these cars but this particular one is over my head. You really helped me understand what I was getting into. This forum and its members are a valuable resource. Many thanks for your time!"
The original question has, apparently, been sufficiently answered. You've saved Greg a ton of $$$ and personal pain folks, James
(He responded to us by an "edit" to his original posting. )
This car lived most of its life in Battle Creek Michigan. The long term owner died and his widow put this car and two other Cadillacs up for sale via gr auto gallery. They started around $80k and the last asking price was $49k about a year later. It was apparently sold to this dealer who has been trying to sell it ever since.
I was told that the original owners were the Garwood boat family. The owners father purchased it from them in the 1940s. The deceased owner inherited the car from his father. I was told that the interior was original and it was repainted at some time. The trim tag matches the colors.
Attached is the car at the CLCMRC fall festival 2016