During the 1950’s and 60’s, Cadillac's sensational advertisements were among the best in attracting female buyers. Cadillac introduced many beautiful women with alluring gowns and also portrayed a mother and daughter with matching outfits designed by Scaasi or Simonetta. Cadillac offered their vehicles in a variety of colors such as Shell Pearl, Heather, and Fontana Rose, which also appealed to many female buyers.
The Beverly Hills hotel and La Scala Opera House occasionally provided attractive background settings with models that were featured in the advertising along with jewels by Harry Winston or Cartier. Cadillac advertising was also unique in that it featured illustrated art work along with photography.
By 1960, Mickey McGuire and Jimmy Northmore, who were apart of Boulevard Photographic, handle most of the Cadillac accounts. Boulevard Photographic were considered as some of the best in the business. They transformed the perception and reality of photography. "Standard of the World” was the result within the industry's standard for trend-setting designs, and for fine craftsmanship as well.
A special thanks to Robert Tate, Automotive Historian and Researcher, for donating his story to the MotorCities Story of the Week program. Cadillac advertising illustrations are courtesy of Robert Tate. Please do not use any photographs without the permission of MotorCities/Robert Tate. For further information contact Robert Tate at btate@motorcities.org
If you have a story that you would like to donate to be featured as a MotorCities Story of the Week, email Lisa Ambriez at: lambriez@motorcities.org