1949 Cadillac Derham Lima "Doris Duke"
Specifications
Configuration: Front Engine, Rear Wheel Drive
Engine: V8
Displacement: 5.4 L
Horsepower: 160 HP
Torque: 312 lb-ft
Transmission: 3-Speed Manual
A Little History
This particular example happens to be one of the exceptionally rare Derham bodied Cadillacs. The original owner of this Cadillac was none other than Newport’s own Doris Duke. As grand as the exterior appears, once inside, the sheer quality hits true. The famous 1949 Cadillac was purchased as a replacement after her butler Bernard Lafferty wrecked her previous car.
The Design: Ansley H. Fox a businessman known to both the Derham and the Fleetwood Body Co. He commissioned Derham the exclusive contract for all the company’s closed bodies Cadillac limousines. Derham’s closed bodies were built in the downtown Philadelphia plant and closely resembled the custom Packard bodies that were also built in the same facility.
Did You Know?
Total Fox production amounted to between 500-800 units, with at least a quarter of them built in the Derham shops.
