The San Diego Region of the
CLC had their National Show on a beautiful clear blue-sky mid-September
day. The cars were parked on the lawn, adjacent to San Diego Harbor at
Ventura Cove. The weather was perfect and the west coast style barbeque
was excellent. Some 40 classic Cadillacs and La Salles were on display
spanning the 1930s through the 2000s.
Two pairs of cars, from
very different eras in our nation’s history, caught my interest. From
the 1938 model year was a pair of 60 Specials. That was a year of change
for Cadillac, and a year of high anxiety for the entire world.
The
stunning new 60 Special model was the first complete car styled by Bill
Mitchell. Cadillac ended production of its legendary V-16 power plant in
1937 and replaced it with a much simplified, lighter, and just as
powerful L-head V-16. The world was still struggling with the Great
Depression and all eyes were on Nazi Germany. The two 1938 60 Specials
on display belong to Nick Fintzelberg and Bud Hartwell.
From
the 1970 model year was a pair of Eldorado coupes. In many ways 1970
represented a high point for America and its automobiles. This was
especially true of the 1970 Eldorado. Except for the V-series Cadillacs
of the past few years, no Cadillac motor cars were more powerful than
those built in 1970. America was at the height of its power and prestige with low
unemployment, boundless opportunities, and an entire decade without a
significant recession.
That
year’s Eldorado was the last of the first generation FWD design and
sported a 500 CID V8 (newer Eldorados were burdened by emissions
control equipment that robbed them of power.) The twin examples of
the 1970 Eldorado on display both belong to Omer “Jack” Brackx.
Thanks
to all that brought their beautiful cars to the event and special thanks
to Gary Sisk for making the show a reality.
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