1953 Cadillac Le Mans

Specifications

Engine: Cast-Iron 390 c.i. V8 (6.4L)

Horsepower: 250

Front Suspension: double wishbones, coil springs

Rear Suspension: live axle, semi-elliptic leaf springs

Weight: 4405 lbs

Named after the famous 24-hour race in France, the Cadillac Le Mans was designed by Harley Earl and built by Cadillac in an attempt to satisfy the interest of sports car fanatics around America. Though the
Le Mans never made it into production, many of it’s design elements were carried into a number of Cadillac and other GM models later in the 50’s and early 60’s.

Under the hood of the Le Mans sits a 250 horsepower Cadillac V8, with mechanical refinements that include two four-barrel carburetors, redesigned manifolds, high lift valves, and special mufflers.

Sticking to Harley Earl’s mantra of lower and longer cars, the Le Mans measures just 51 inches from the ground to the top of the windshield, which was nearly eight inches lower than the standard Cadillac convertible at the time. The concept was Cadillac’s first use of a wraparound windshield, another element that Cadillac and GM took advantage of later on.

A major innovation found in the interior of the Le Mans are the power operated seats. The seats automatically slid back as the door opened, allowing the driver and passenger easier access into the car. The seats also had a ‘memory’ function. A very common piece of equipment today, seats in the Le Mans would remember the users seat adjustment, and allow the driver or passenger to adjust settings how he
or she pleased.