First time offered for sale in 14 years! This is a 1962 Cadillac Fleetwood 9 Passenger Limousine formerly owned by Father Divine of the Peace Movement centered in Philadelphia during the 40s 50s and 60s. First we will discuss the car, then we will discuss the man who called himself God.
I suspect, if God was being driven around in 1962, this is what he would choose as his mode of daily transportation. This nine passenger land yacht is powered by the powerful and reliable 390 V8 engine used by most of the big Cadillacs during the 60s. It has 325hp and plenty of torque to carry the 5400b car loaded with passengers and luggage up hills with ease. In 1962, they made 904 of these limousines and most were sold into commercial use. Not ours. Father Divine bought this one right across the street from one of his hotels at Broad St. and Ridge Ave. in Philadelphia from Scott Smith Cadillac. It was a Series 75 Limousine, Black with grey interior, and loaded with options.
Here's a list of options:
Front and rear Air conditioners
AM radio with separate controls for the back passenger
Power Windows
Power Glass Divider
Leather bench up front
Second row jump seats that fold forward
Auto dimming of High Beams when an oncoming vehicle approaches
Individual Rear heaters for the passengers
Eight ashtrays all with working lighters! (It was a different time)
Original Chrome Finned Hubcaps
3" Wide White Wall Coker Tires (Upgraded to Radials)
F Devine Plate included in the sale
390 V8 gasoline engine with 4bbl Carb./325hp
Our car has had a couple of modifications over the years as well. The passenger side rear view mirror, still intact, is not viewable from the driver seat! So there was another curved mirror added for safety when backing this up and switching lanes. The Dirham Coach building company out of Philadelphia installed a full vinyl roof to the car and it really separates our vehicle as being a very special one-off that you will find yourself talking about to people at car shows who have "never seen this before."
As a private vehicle, it has always been garaged and has a documented low mileage of less than 74k. The current owner has had it for the last 14 years and is ready for a new toy. During that time, he has taken excellent care of the vehicle and has made sure to drive it on a regular basis. Although he kept it under 1000 miles per year, it has not been out of inspection at anytime. New batteries, belts, tires, AC work, oil changes etc. have all been looked after as if it was a daily driver. Current owner has also added a new stereo with speakers up front that are easily removable if you would like to take back to stock. No cutting of the dash was necessary.
Engine runs great, trans shifts smooth, surprisingly quiet vehicle for 1962, but hey, it's a Caddy! The trunk is vast and has a CD changer installed, holds a 2.5 ton jack and a full size matching spare. All included with the sale.
Items that need attention:
-There are spots at the bottom of the front fenders as they meet the front doors that are rusting from the inside, this is due to the AC unit condensation running to the back of the vehicle. Not through the paint, but it is there.
-There is also a rear leveling system that is currently in-operational. Current owner never saw the need for it so he hasn't addressed it, most likely a compressor issue.
-Paint is original and does show some cracking at various points throughout, good 10 foot car though
-Slight seepage from the trans, nothing major but wanted to disclose it.
Now, on to the man that makes this car so special.
Father Divine was a spiritual leader all throughout the east coast in the 1900s-60s and still has a strong following here in the Philadelphia Area where he lived at the 72 Acre Woodmont Estate in Gladwyne, PA. According to wiki, he led a controversial life and had claimed to be God, stating he and his wife at the time were immortals. After the death of his first wife, he married the current Mother Divine, a picture of Mother Divine with the car had been in the original auction, it was removed after a request from the church.
The International Peace Mission Movement had a lot to do with the beginning of positive race relations in the country back in the 40's and 50's. Still going strong today, there are good people following the legacy Father Divine left behind, and owning a piece of the history will give you plenty to discuss at your local car shows when you display this jewel of a Cadillac!
We are licensed PA dealers and accept all trades, feel free to give us a call or send an email with any questions.
Thanks for looking, almost 3000 views in less than a week, an incredible statement about the uniqueness of this vehicle!!!
