I would argue that Caddies had fins WAAY after 1964: just look at any of the Coupe De Villes right through the mid 70s. OK, the ridge on top never actually rose above horizontal, but they sure stood alone and above the trunk between them!
As for tallest fins, this was settled in the flesh,m so to speak at the Eyes on Design Concours last summer, at the Edsel ford Estate in Grosse Pointe, MI. MY 61 convertible and a 59 Caddy Eldorado (both 100%
restored to stock, including rubber) were invited and parked side-by-side partly for just this purpose. We measured with a tape, and the Imperial was near a 1/2 inch higher. I have photos!
jc
On Jan 14, 2008, at 1:48 PM, M. Esposito wrote:
Hi Don,
Cadillac is generally credited with holding the record for all your questions.. being the first ( 1948 models) and the largest (1959 models) and the last ( the1964 models) although, we all know Imperial did it better.
Matt
Donn Reese <DReese@xxxxxxxx> wrote:"Which was the first American production car to have fins?
Which car had the tallest fins? (This was a discussion here last
year, was there ever a conclusion?)
Which was the last American production car to have fins?
John Corey
CFIC-Qdrive, 302 Tenth St., Troy, NY 12180 USA
518-272-3565 x201
fax: -272-3582
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