Summary

1940 Cadillac Series 75 Towncar. One-off body by Brunn, magnificently preserved, striking design, black with yellow raised molding.

Details

It was December 1939, almost 75 years ago, when wealthy Ohio industrialist Elroy J. Kulas placed his order for the last custom-built Brunn Town Car. This was the end of an era. The Brunn Company had a reputation for unparalleled quality. It is beautifully crafted with a precision that has not been diminished by the decades since new. Unlike other custom bodies fitted to a chassis provided by a major manufacturer, this Brunn design includes a special cowl and all aluminum bodywork. The hood and fenders are the only body sheet metal from Cadillac. The handmade cowl incorporated a steeply raked windshield combined with the the elimination of vent windows, front and rear, plus center-hinged suicide doors to provide a very sleek profile for a usually more subdued body style. There is a raised molding that runs the length of the car,rear fender to the nose, painted a bright yellow. The driver's compartment is all black from the original leather seat to the gloss finish on the dash, sumptuous rear compartment is done in a soft fawn color with silver inlaid, ebony wood trim, hardware is satin pewter. There is room for five; three in the generous, comfortable back seat and two in the jump seats that pull neatly from the bulk head. The clock is still keeping time and there is even a socket in the floor to place an umbrella. Small 'Brunn' emblems adorn the hinged door pocket covers. The special body incorporates a half round bead encircling the entire passenger compartment accented by a thin yellow pin stripe that compliments the big body side slash. The external door handles flow gracefully close to the body. The front and rear doors share two enormous, precisely machined hinges that require only a gentle touch to latch the door. All the finest materials of the time were used throughout the construction and their durability is incredible. Everything from the carpet to the leather chauffeur's canopy is original and virtually perfect. It even comes with that wonderful 'old-car smell'. Riding on the 141', new-for-1938 Series 75 Chassis and powered by the war-proven 346 cubic inch L-head V-8, this is not only a rare and striking automobile, it is a joy to drive. Utterly reliable and smooth as silk on brand new, period correct tires. The car has documented ownership and has been winning awards for nearly 50 years.1990 CCCA Annual Meeting in Palm Beach 100 points earned, participated in 2005 the Pebble Beach Concours inaugural 1600 mile Tour d'Elegance from Seattle to Monterey, 2008 People's Choice Award at the CCCA Grand Experience at Hickory Corners, Michigan. Style, history, rarity all in one very special, lovingly preserved, original car that you could actually drive home today,this just might be the one that has it all!