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1949 Cadillac Series 62 news, pictures, and information

Club Coupe
Designer: Harley Earl
 
A styling tour de force of General Motors Design, the Model 62 Club Coupe handsomely predated the Bentley continental 'R' Fastback Coupe. More importantly, it introduced Cadillac's new modern lightweight OHV 160-bhp V8, which amazingly would serve the company well for a further 18 years, by which time the basic engine had grown into a 427 CID unit making 340 bhp! This quite original 26,900-mile Club Coupe retains all of its Cadillac quality exterior and interior features - aspects which inspire 'The Motor,' a respected UK publication, to write, 'It offers astonishing value for the money, a performance which few makes rival, a silence of running which we consider unbeaten and an ease of operation which must be a great asset when long mileages are attempted.'
Club Coupe
Designer: Harley Earl
Chassis Num: 496 279 904
 
Sold for $39,600 at 2008 RM Auctions.
Cadillac introduced a new overhead valve V8 engine in 1949 which offered an impressive 160 horsepower. This would become the basis for many generations of Cadillac's to follow. It would also be used successfully by many legendary racers such as Allard and Cunningham. The V8 'valve-in-head' engine was light, smooth, economical to maintain, and offered much performance potential.

The Series 62 Cadillac was distinguished from its siblings by its trim. The front fender stone shields and rocker panel moldings were grooved and the front had a very distinctive Cadillac grille. It was low and had a wide stance. The interior was completely revamped and featured a new instrumentation panel, door moldings, trim and a stylish line of fabrics.

This car was purchased in 2005 by its previous owner and then entered in the Palos Verdes Concours d'Elegance the following September. It was purchased in early 2008 by its present owner and commissioned RM classic Cars for a total mechanical and safety check. It has just over 20,000 original miles.

In 2008, this car was brought to the 2nd Annual Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey presented by RM Auctions where it was estimated to sell for $55,000-$70,000. The lot was offered without reserve. A high bid of $39,600 including buyer's premium was enough to secure new ownership.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2008
Convertible Coupe
Designer: Harley Earl
Chassis Num: 496255635
 
Sold for $75,900 at 2009 RM Auctions.
In 1949, Cadillac introduced its new overhead valve V8 engine that was more compact and lighter than its predecessor. This basic engine would power Cadillac models through the late 1970s.

There were four Cadillac series offered in 1949 with the most popular being the Series 62, available in Sedan, Coupe, Coupe DeVille and Convertible Coupe form. The Convertible Coupe came standard with power-operated windows and an upgraded interior.

This example is finished in black and has a period-style spotlight, whitewall tires, and 'sombrero' wheel covers. The interior is red leather upholstery with matching wool carpets. There is an AM radio and a heater. Power is from the V8 engine mated to a Hydra-Matic transmission.

In 2009, this Convertible Coupe was offered for sale at the Automobiles of Amelia Island auction presented by RM Auctions. The car was estimated to sell for $80,000 - $100,000. The lot was sold for a high bid of $75,900, including buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2009
Convertible Coupe
Designer: Harley Earl
Chassis Num: 496233721
 
Sold for $99,000 at 2009 RM Auctions.
The overhead valve V8 engine displaces 331 cubic-inches and produces 160 horsepower. This Convertible Coupe has won a first place award at the Greenwich Concours. This award was bestowed upon this car thanks, in part, to its body-off restoration which was completed in 2004. It is painted in light blue and has a dark blue convertible top. There are fender skirts, whitewall tires, and steel wheels with sombrero wheel covers. The interior is blue leather upholstery and there are power seats, power windows, and a Hydra-Matic transmission.

In 2009, this Convertible Coupe was offered for sale at the Automobiles of Amelia Island auction presented by RM Auctions. The car was estimated to sell for $80,000 - $110,000. The lot was sold for $99,000, including buyer's premium.
Convertible Coupe
Designer: Harley Earl
 
The Cadillac Series 62 was built on General Motors 'C' Body platform which had a wheelbase that measured 129-inchs and an overall length of 214 inches. 1948 was the first year for the P38 aircraft-inspired tailfins which first appeared on Cadillac and began a trend that continue to escalate during the 1950s. The 1949 model Cadillac is significant since it featured the new Cadillac overhead valve V8 engine that displaced 331 cubic-inches and produced 160 horsepower.
Convertible Coupe
Designer: Harley Earl
Chassis Num: 496207708
 
Sold for $112,750 at 2013 Gooding & Company.
This Cadillac Series 62 features elegant details such a chrome wheel discs, kickplates, and spear trim that adorns the fenders. This Convertible Coupe came standard with power windows, a power top, an all-leather interior, and a color-matched painted dashboard. It was further optioned with a radio, heater, and the Hydra-Matic transmission.

1949 marked the first appearance of Cadillac's long-running overhead valve V8, a powerplant that lasted for 30 years.

It is believed this car was first sold in Colorado where it would spend much of its life. It was purchased in 1990 by its current owner in freshly restored condition.

In 2013, the car was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company Auction held in Scottsdale, Arizona. It was estimated to sell for $90,000 - $120,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $112,750 inclusive of buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2013
Convertible Coupe
Designer: Harley Earl
Chassis Num: 49628189
 
Sold for $60,500 at 2013 Gooding & Company.
Cadillac replaced their flathead with a brand-new 331 CID overhead valve V-8 for 1949. The new 'valve-in-head' V8 was smoother, quieter, better performing, more economical, and offered 160 horsepower. It had 10-percent higher displacement and nearly 15-percent more horsepower, plus it weighed less than the 1948 powerplant.

The 1949 Series 62 Cadillac featured front fender stone shields and rocker panel moldings that were grooved. It had an extended hood line, which provided an even longer, sleeker look. They had a new grille treatment that spanned the width of the front end from fender to fender, giving the vehicle a lower and wider appearing stance. The interior was given modern upgrades with a new instrument panel layout, door top moldings, and a stylish array of materials.

This 1949 Cadillac is finished in Alpine White with tan interior and a tan top. It came equipped standard with power windows, a power top, an all-leather interior, and color-matched, painted dashboard. It rode on chrome wheel discs and had fender spear trim. It was given a restoration that was completed in 2005.

By Daniel Vaughan | May 2013
The Harley Earl designed Cadillac Series 62 De Ville was a very large vehicle that featured a large, 6,390 cc (390 cubic inch) V-8 engine. The back had large fins that did little for performance and handling but was all about the style of the vehicle. The design of the vehicle was inspired by the space program and the era of jet engines. The large, 4400 lb car was fitted with drum brakes. These often wore out quickly. If a U-turn needed to be made, the driver would need a parking lot. The turning radius was 24 feet.

The car was a luxury vehicle that could carry six individuals comfortably. The car was a convertible with the top being raised and lowered automatically. The interior had electrical gauges. The head lights would turn on at dusk and were also capable of switching from high beam to low beam when they sensed oncoming traffic. In total, there were eight lights on the front of the vehicle. The four on the top were the driving lights while the lights mounted on the bumper were the parking lamps. To add to the driving comfort, air suspension was used. This aided in providing a very soft ride but there was significant body roll when cornering. With the V8, it was capable of creeping to sixty in 11 seconds. This reinforced the notion that this Cadillac was built for comfort and not for speed. The drivers enjoyed the ride and they looked good cruising along, enjoying the large open road.

By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2011
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Arrow Right 1949 Cadillac models
Cadillac Series 60 Special
Cadillac Series 62 Coachcraft Coupe
Cadillac Series 75
1949 Cadillac Concepts
Cadillac Coupe De Ville Prototype

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Cadillac Series 62 Coachcraft Coupe
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Similarly Priced Vehicles from 1949
Lincoln Cosmopolitan ($3,185-$3,945)
Dodge Coronet ($1,913-$3,675)
Oldsmobile Rocket 88 ($2,045-$3,105)
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Packard Super Eight ($2,600-$4,123)
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Packard Eight Series ($2,225-$3,450)
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Buick Series 50 Super ($2,060-$3,180)
Triumph 2000 ($3,000-$3,000)
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Average Auction Sale: $52,156

 
Cadillac: 1941-1950
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Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance
Automobiles of Amelia Island
Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey by RM Auctions
Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance
2005 Scarsdale Concours, New York

Cadillac
Monthly Sales FiguresVolume
April 201313,230 
March 201315,751 
February 201313,845 
January 201313,116 
December 201218,248 
November 201214,517 
October 201213,505 
September 201212,579 
August 201214,704 
July 201213,417 
June 201212,124 
May 20129,871 
(More Details)

 
314
353
355
370
60 / Sixty
61
Allanté
ATS
Catera
Cimarron
CTS
DeVille
DTS
Eldorado
Escalade
Fleetwood Brougham
Model 30
Model 51
Model A
Model K
Model M
Series 341
Series 62
Series 70 and 80
SeVille
SRX
STS
Type 57
Type 59
Type 61
V16
XLR

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