Cadillac Series 62, 1949 Series 62 Pictures, News, Reviews, and Info | Conceptcarz.com - Pictures, Wallpaper, Pricing, Information, History

Overview

View more photos
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.'

View more photos
Club Coupe
Designer: Harley Earl
Chassis Num: 496 279 904

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.

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.

Photos grouped by event
Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey by RM Auctions	Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance	2005 Scarsdale Concours, New York

Vehicle Spotlight