1953 Cadillac 60-Special "The Muskogean Phoenix"

[kudims]

Evades Newton Sayer was a businessman in the early 20th century with two daughters, Laura and Roberta. Evades passed away in 1936 in Muskogee, Oklahoma. That same year, Roberta, then 41—or possibly 43 according to some sources—took over her father's business and successfully grew the already considerable family fortune.

Roberta lived in Muskogee, Oklahoma, from 1912 until her death in 1982, residing in the family mansion at 423 South 12th Street. The mansion, still standing today, was sold at auction around 20 years ago, along with its antique furniture that Roberta had collected during her travels abroad.

In 1953, Roberta, on the advice of her chauffeur, contacted Coffeen-Forster to purchase a new Cadillac Series 60 Special Fleetwood. Her chauffeur recommended equipping it with every available option at the time. The car was delivered with factory air conditioning (GM's first), an Autronic Eye (automatic headlight dimmer), automatic climate control, a radio with automatic tuning and front/rear speakers, power steering, Whitewall tires, and Eldorado-style wire wheels. All windows, including side vents, featured green-tinted safety glass (E-Z Eye glass). While the Turbo-Hydramatic 4-speed transmission was standard since 1940, vacuum-powered brake boosters unfortunately didn't become standard equipment until 1954.

Roberta adored the car but drove it very rarely. By 1982, the Cadillac had accumulated only 27,000 miles.

Roberta had no children or spouse, and her sister passed away in 1971. In her will, Roberta left her significant estate to various foundations on the East and West Coasts. But what happened to the Cadillac?

The Cadillac, along with several other items and $500,000, was bequeathed to Marjorie McSpadden, a close friend of Roberta's and her estate manager for many years. Marjorie did not drive the car herself but instead gifted it to her son, Bill, who recently turned 80.

When Bill inherited the car, its mileage was at 28,000. Roberta, whose chauffeur had passed away in the mid-1960s, attempted to drive the car herself a few times, resulting in one accident where she collided with her own garage door. The Cadillac was hastily repaired in Oklahoma, with the hood replaced by one from an earlier model (1950–1952), and the front fender and fog light were substituted with parts from a lower-tier Cadillac model. Over 40 years of ownership, Bill added just 7,000 miles to the car.

A few years ago, Bill's friend Ross Dutton, owner of "Dutton Restoration" in Hamilton, Montana, restored the front clip. He replaced the right front fender and hood with correct 1953 parts and added the proper chrome and fog lights.

Earlier this year, Bill decided to put the Cadillac up for sale.

After nearly two months of negotiations, I was able to purchase the car. Not only that, but I embarked on an incredible test drive with my eldest son, covering more than 2,000 miles of mountain roads from Montana to Houston over four days.

After such a journey, I can confidently say this car feels like it was meant for me. The history, the stories, and the sheer joy it brings make it a truly unforgettable experience.

P.S. While the 1953 Cadillacs don't have the iconic tail fins that would reach their peak in 1959, they do boast the largest bumpers ever—known as "Dagmar bumpers," reminiscent of other notable feminine curves. You can't pick one or the other; you've got to appreciate both!

[kudims]

Here are some pictures

[kudims]

In garage. There are plenty of things to do with this car. I will keep you posted

[Mike Baillargeon #15848]

Beautiful car Dmitry !    It looks like it ened up in the right hands....

Nothing like a series 60 Fleetwood !

Keep us posted on the progress of "The Muskogean Phoenix"

Mike

[Tom Boehm]

Thanks for posting the fascinating history and the great pictures.

[kudims]

Before diving into the technical details, let's take a moment to explore what we know about the first owner, Roberta Sayer from Muskogee, OK.

Roberta Sayer was born on January 15, 1893, and passed away on September 28, 1982, living a long but solitary life without a husband or children. In 1982, when Roberta passed, I was just starting first grade.

Roberta received her Social Security Number in 1962. She had an older sister, Laura, who married John Arrington in 1917. However, the fact that John Arrington is absent from census records (more on that later), combined with the sisters living together until Laura's death in 1971, suggests their relationship might not have been entirely smooth.

According to official records, Laura was seven years older than Roberta, but unofficial sources indicate discrepancies in the birth years of both sisters.

In the 1900 U.S. Census, the Sayer family appears listed at the top of the page: Vade (father), Emma (mother), Roberta, and Laura. By the 1920 Census, Roberta had completed only three years of college and had no higher education.

By 1950, census records show that only the two sisters remained in the household, living alone without families. Interestingly, Laura's age was understated—officially listed as 59 instead of her actual age of 64.

Further research uncovered a ship passenger list from January 1920, showing a 27-year-old Roberta arriving in Honolulu, Hawaii. She returned to San Francisco in May 1920, as noted on another passenger list.

Several address directories from different years show varying addresses before 1912, but from 1912 onward, Roberta resided at 423 South Twelfth Street in Muskogee, Oklahoma.

Unfortunately, I have not yet uncovered more information about Roberta. If I find anything interesting, I will certainly share it.

Now, let me share a few family photos that came with the Cadillac:

Vade Sayer (father)
Roberta Sayer in her youth
Roberta Sayer in later life
Also included were documents relating to Roberta's Cadillac:

A Cadillac dealer brochure issued in Roberta's name
The dealer invoice for the car, listing prices such as $5.60 for 20 gallons of gas, $325 for wire wheels, $619.55 for air conditioning (fitted in less than 2% of 1953 Cadillacs), $53.56 for the "Autronic Eye," and $28.83 for a vacuum-driven windshield washer. The total price for the car was $6,192.87, which was fully paid—likely by check.
A note on the invoice: "Car to be ordered on Special Order – soon as possible."
Annual registration cards from 1953 to 1975, showing the car's mileage progression over the years.
Roberta's last insurance policy issued during her lifetime.
A confirmation letter from a Trust Company indicating that, per Roberta's will, the Cadillac title was transferred to Marjorie McSpadden.

[kudims]

More images supporting the previous post. All paperwork regarding the car is original and was given to me in a sealed envelope together with the car.

[Tom Boehm]

I have an appreciation for all the historical research you have done. Thank you for posting. I have done historical research on genealogy, houses, and my 1940 Lasalle. I have run across the phenomenon before of women fudging their age in the census. I learned a lot about my Lasalle that was not passed on by the previous owner. You have a lot of documents. Almost all of the information I uncovered was oral. I found some pictures of my car that were very crucial to the restoration.

[Tom Boehm]

How did the Sayer family make their fortune? What business were they in? How long did Roberta run the company? What happened to it?

I'm full of questions. You gave a great account of the history and I still ask more. That is why I research.

[Lexi]

Wow! Such a fascinating story. Like, Tom, I wish to learn more about this car, Roberta and the family business. Clay/Lexi

[kudims]

Vade Sayer has built and owned Sayer Building in Muskogee, which was occupied for many years by Drunil Dry Goods and then was converted to a mini-mall, Shadow-Wood Mall. He also built several other houses, like 1110 Boston Ave., and the Baltimore Hotel. Also, Sayer had holdings in several parts of the country. He was a dealer in real estate, was a contractor and broker. He also operated a gold mine and an investment firm.

Sayer was a world traveller, and was generally accompanied by his daughter, Roberta.

As I mentioned, Roberta took over from her father in 1935.

Roberta owned the first electric automobile in Muskogee, and always had the most modern car of the time. She attended the early automobile shows in Wainwright.

Her collections from all over the world were regularly featured in the Hobby magazine, often with pictures on the cover. She had a special hobby room, bult on the side of her garage.

This is in brief. I can also show pictures of her house, and the history of ownership of this house.

Well, technical story about the car takes a different turn ))))

[Lexi]

She had a special hobby room, bult on the side of her garage...I can also show pictures of her house, and the history of ownership of this house.

If the Moderators permit, I would love to see pictures of her house if images show the collection on display. May not be Cadillac centric, but a close examination may reveal car hobby related stuff mixed in, hence my interest. Perhaps some early Cadillac items? Depending on the era the photographs are from, she may have been an early collector of automobilia and judging from her travels to early car shows, who knows what is in there especially with a hobby room built adjascent to the garage. We should closely scan for Cadillac related automobilia. It is also interesting to get into the mindset of these early automobile enthusiasts, especially a Cadillac lover and also that rarest of breeds, a female owner/enthusiast. Sounds very interesting. Clay/Lexi

[Caddyholic]

what happened to the wheel discs? and show us some under hood pictures.

[kudims]

Let me mix info about the car and what was the condition of it with some limited information that I have about the first owner.

A Journey to Montana: Acquiring a Classic Cadillac

Early on the morning of June 3rd, 2023, my eldest son and I boarded a plane that took us to Missoula, Montana, by lunchtime. While we live in the southernmost part of the United States, Missoula is practically on the Canadian border to the north, sitting at an elevation of about 1,000 meters. Montana is a mountainous state with a distinct charm—think of it as the American version of the Altai region in my native country, Russia, but with better infrastructure, excellent roads, and a milder climate.

Next day, Ross Dutton, his wife, and his brother Dan picked us up. Ross drove his 1969 DeVille Convertible, while Dan brought along his 1962 Eldorado. We rode 60 miles with Ross to Hamilton, where he owns a restoration workshop.

Meeting Ross Dutton

Ross, now around 70, has been restoring Cadillacs since the mid-1990s. He also owns a massive junkyard. Interestingly, Bill McSpadden—the previous owner (Roberta's will was to handover Cadillac to Bill's mother) of our 60 Special—met Ross after moving to Florence, Montana, about 30 years ago. Bill had been transferred by ConocoPhillips from Colorado to Montana, a common practice in oil and service companies. Bill and Ross became friends, and Ross stored the Cadillac in his hangar for many years.

Last year, Bill sold his home and returned to Colorado, splitting his time between there and visiting relatives in Oklahoma. He decided it was time for the Cadillac to find a new owner and asked Ross to help find a buyer. This is how I raised over the horizon...

Inspecting the Cadillac

Upon arriving at Ross's workshop, we began inspecting the car for rust. Ross handed me a sharp screwdriver, confident the car was rust-free but prepared for any surprises. After examining the vehicle, we lifted it using two hydraulic jacks for a closer look.

I loved the car from the first sight, and there was no need to negotiate. After a quick symbolic test drive, I finalized the purchase, which involved the careful recounting of cash.

A Glimpse Into Ross's Collection

After the deal was done, Ross gave us a tour of his hangar, filled with his private collection of cars. Though they were still slightly dusty after winter storage, the vehicles were stunning—90% fully restored and 10% in original condition, showing the passage of time.

Preparing for the Journey

The next morning, we returned to Ross's place to pick up a few spare parts from his junkyard for free. By 8 a.m., I took some final photos of the Cadillac before embarking on our journey.

The Cadillac and the Road Ahead

The 60 Special's longer wheelbase and refined trim make it stand out compared to the Series 62. Its features include spoked wheels, a rear-exhaust design integrated into the bumper (later abandoned due to chrome corrosion from exhaust gases), and the iconic "Flying Lady" hood ornament.

As I snapped photos, I was filled with a mix of excitement and nervousness. Ahead lay a challenging route through the mountains, stretching over 2,200 miles from northern Montana to Houston, Texas. The Cadillac, having spent years mostly idle and driven only 100–200 miles annually, was an unknown animal.

But this was a Cadillac—a true American classic. And, as expected, it handled the journey like a champion.

[kudims]

More photos to the previous post

[kudims]

and few more...

[kudims]

what happened to the wheel discs? and show us some under hood pictures.

Yes, I will make a post of the detailed inspection of the car with pictures, etc... and how this car is becoming a show car.
Rims are excellent




Underhood was original at the moment of purchase, with original paint, oil dust and plenty of leaks. The engine paint has faded after I used a strong pH active chemistry

[kudims]

Dry Ice Blasting: A 70-Year Transformation

This was a prerequisite to the restoration activity with the lady.

Over the years, a mix of dirt and oil from the engine, transmission, and front suspension gradually turned into a hardened, fossil-like layer on the underbody of the car. Despite my efforts, this buildup was a major challenge to remove. I had pressure washed the underbody multiple times using powerful industrial-grade chemicals, often collecting dozens of pounds of oily dirt in the process. Each of these cleaning sessions was carefully performed on a thick polyethylene film to avoid permanently ruining the driveway with black oil stains. However, even with these precautions and extensive effort, the results were far from ideal. The stubborn stalactites of grime remained, as the chemicals couldn't penetrate deeply enough to dissolve the hardened residue.

Adding to the challenge, the car's frame features numerous deep corners and crevices that were nearly impossible to access with traditional methods. These areas could only be effectively cleaned using dry ice blasting.

Given this, I decided to take the next step and clean the underbody, wheel arches, and engine bay using dry ice blasting. I reached out to several nearby companies, but only one responded. The quoted prices were straightforward: $2,000 for the underbody, $500 for the wheel arches, and $250 for the engine bay—for a total of $2,750.

It was money well spent. For the first time, I no longer had to fear going under the car and becoming black-handed within 30 seconds. The underbody was finally clean and free of the decades-old grime that had resisted every previous attempt.

Now, let's take a look at the photos: I do not show what was before, because it was a total mess. I only show the result "after"

[kudims]

Since this isn't my first restoration project, I've developed a rule that has proven its effectiveness several times. Before disassembling the car and focusing on aesthetics, it's essential to ensure that all systems are functioning as they should. Simply put: first, get the car to run "like it did from the factory," and then take care of everything else.

Here's a list of the main issues that needed to be addressed:

1. The power steering barely provided any assistance—practically none at all.
2. The automatic high beam-to-low beam switch (Autronic eye) wasn't functioning.
3. The Carter carburetor needed an overhaul and adjustment. The idle speed compensator for the air conditioner wasn't working, nor was the cold-start system. And there were other minor issues.
4. The air conditioning system was barely cooling.
5. All the seals in the automatic climate control system's air ducts had dried out and crumbled, causing hot air to blow onto the legroom.
6. The heater thermostat wasn't working.
7. The windshield wipers operated weakly and ineffectively.
8. The windshield washer wasn't working.
9. The clock wasn't functional.
10. The trip odometer didn't work.
11. The fuel pump wasn't performing properly, with frequent vapor lock issues.
12. The vacuum pump, integrated into the fuel pump, was also not functioning.
13. Braking was nearly impossible without the vacuum booster.
14. The hydraulic cylinder for the left rear door window was leaking, leaving the window stuck in the down position.
15. On the last stretch of the 2,200-mile journey home, the right brake cylinder began leaking.
16. Various electrical problems, including frayed wiring in some areas.
17. The driveshaft universal joints required replacement; the grease had dried out over 70 years, causing wear that became noticeable near home.
18. The starter only engaged on the third attempt, due to an issue with the solenoid.
19. Vacuum spark advance was not working
20. Vacuum antenna was not working
21. A/C compressor was making a knocking sound during operation

This is the +/- list of what needed to be repaired, restored, and resolved as a top priority.

[Lexi]

Was an industrial dry ice blaster used or a less costly DIYer model? Happy with the results? Clay/Lexi