|
Cadillacs Cruise on Postage Stamps
Countless millions dream of owning one. A minority achieves the dream and become the proud owners of a Cadillac – a symbol of power, wealth and luxury. The sleek lines, lush interior and phenomenal engine combine to produce a vehicle worthy of the dream. This is reflected in the number of nations which have used the Cadillac as an image on their postage stamps.
In 1961, Monaco released a series of stamps exposing elite cars to the public. The 1 franc version in blue, red and violet showed a ‘tulip-body’ Model K Tourer Cadillac. This tiny principality is renowned for its love of motor cars and especially motor racing. The culmination of the motor racing world in Monaco is the annual Grand Prix. It is no surprise that the Cadillac – a rich, smooth, sumptuous vehicle is depicted on their postage stamps.
In 1973, Liberia issued a set of vintage car postage stamps. The 3 cedi stamp featured a 1903 Model A Cadillac with a demountable tonneau. In 1970, the tiny Arab Emirates flooded the market with a series of ‘wall-paper’ stamps featuring a variety of Cadillacs. Following the expansion of oil exports in 1973, these ‘stamps’ were replaced by the far more profitable asset – oil. The Cadillacs featured on these stamps included the Model F, Model M and Eldorado. The vibrancy of the colours captured attention and, for the three year period, the postage stamps proved to be both practical and a reliable income source.
Ghana issued a 4000 cedi postage stamp in 2001 which featured a Cadillac Series 62 – 1949 model. This stamp was one of a ‘Classic Cars’ series. The large island of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean released a 60 franc postage stamp featuring a late model Cadillac in 1993. France issued a 2 franc stamp in 2000 featuring a Series 62 convertible. The iridescent pink was certainly appropriate to the model and the stamp was one of a Vintage Cars Series issued that year.
In 1984, Nevis issued a 1cent postage stamp featuring the V16 Fleetwood convertible (1932 model). Gambia promoted the 1903 Cadillac on a 4 penny stamp issued in 1996. Although usually associated with vast wealth, Cadillacs have traveled the world on postage stamps.
The Republic of Paraguay, in Latin America, produced a number of interesting blocks of ‘wall-paper’ stamps featuring Cadillacs. Some license with the reproduction of the images but the colours are definitely captivating. The time period in which these stamps appeared is questionable. Although the term ‘wall-paper stamps’ suggests a lack of practicality, these stamps were usually used for postage within the nation in which they were produced. It is thought that they were produced during times of severe economic downturn in order to provide another source of income. Whatever the reason, stamp collectors have surely been provided with an interesting and challenging task if they choose to make ‘Cadillacs’ a theme for their hobby.
|
