A “cowboy Cadillac” is a pickup truck or other open-backed vehicle. The term was made popular by a bumper sticker in 1975.
See also Texas Cadillac
(Historical Dictionary of American Slang)
cowboy Cadillac n. S.W. a pickup truck or open-backed automobile. Joc.
1976 Lieberman & Rhodes CB Handbook 126: Cowboy Cadillac—An El Camino or Ford Ranchero (open-backed cars).
31 August 1975, Washington Post, pg. C5:
This year, the flag decals and the “Love It or Leave It” bumper stickers are few. “Cowboy Cadillac” on a pickup truck, or “Crime Doesn’t Pay—Neither Does Ranching” are typical of the new bumper crop—self-deprecating humor instead of hate.
14 October 1976, Oakland (CA) Tribune, pg. 49:
A pickup truck in Moraga with a sign on the back: “Cowboy Cadillac.”
8 December 1977, Galveston (TX) Daily News, pg. 6D ad:
Come in and take advantage of these unheard of discounts on our Fine Collection of Cowboy Cadillacs.
Above, a 1934 plaque from the Big Apple Night Club at West 135th Street and Seventh Avenue in Harlem. Discarded as trash in 2006. Now a Popeyes fast food restaurant on Google Maps.
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Above, Big Apple Corner at 54th Street and Broadway in Manhattan. Google Maps. Stolen and missing, 2021-2024.
Above, John J. Fitz Gerald, from the Aug. 15, 1931, Binghamton (NY) Press, pg. 14.
Listen to Robert Emmerich introduce "The Big Apple," a hit song from 1937. Music written by Bob and performed by Tommy Dorsey's Clambake Seven with Bob on piano. Lyrics written by Buddy Bernier and sung by Edythe Wright. Audio provided by Dorothy Emmerich.
Also listen to a 1937 "The Big Apple" song by Ozzie Nelson and his Orchestra. See a 1929 photo of John J. Fitz Gerald and a 1931 photo of John J. Fitz Gerald.
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