This automobile was featured in the January / February 2003 issue of "Caddy Corner".

- The Webmaster

Pen-and-ink drawing courtesy of Dan Reed Illustrations

I've owned "The Duchess" since July, 1989, and a brief history is as follows:

She was built on Thursday, July 14, 1955 and shipped to Scott Smith Cadillac in Philadelphia, PA.  Her first owner, Emma Smith purchased her on August 29, 1955 and I am the third owner since Mrs. Smith.

The car was furnished with most of the options available in 1955 and it is estimated that it sold for about $6,000.

The odometer has just turned 80,700 miles and remains pretty much an original car, as I have only had her repainted and re-chromed.

"The Duchess" has been in several weddings, one movie (Liberty Heights) and was used by both The Franklin Mint and Mattel for models commemorating the 25th anniversary of Elvis' death.

With a 133-inch wheelbase and a length of 227.3 inches, she rides like a dream - her almost 5,000 pounds ensures that "Boulevard" ride.

Although there were 18,300 Fleetwoods produced in 1955, only 24 are registered with the Cadillac-LaSalle Club, making her a fairly rare car.

Needless to say, she is a wonderful car and will always be one of my prized possessions.