1963 Cadillac Series 62

For 1963, Cadillac redesigned the hood and deck lids on the Cadillac Series 62. The front fenders projected further forward than in 1962, the tail fins became tamer, and body side sculpturing was entirely eliminated. The radiator grille became taller and on either side of the long grill were dual headlamps. The result was an appearance that was longer and bolder.

The Cadillac Series 62 came in a variety of body styles including the legendary Coupe DeVille. Other styles included the 4-door 6-window sedan, 2-door coupe, 4-window sedan, Park Avenue Sedan, and a Convertible. Also part of the series was the Eldorado Biarritz. Pricing began at $5,025 for the 2-door Coupe and rose to over $6,600 for the Eldorado Biarritz.

Cadillac set an all-time record for interior appointment choices with a very wide and extensive list of available options. Options included bucket seats, leather, wool, or nylon upholstery fabrics, wood veneer facings on the dash, and much more. Standard equipment included dual-speed wipers, power steering, power brakes, automatic transmission, dual backup lamps, wheel discs, remote control outside rearview mirrors, left-hand vanity mirror, oil filter, tubeless black tires, heater, defroster, and cornering lights.

The DeVille 6300 Sub-Series incorporated a DeVille signature script above the lower beltline molding, near the back of the body. Standard features added power windows and two-way power seats. The Eldorado Biarritz convertible had special styling and untrimmed bodysides, white sidewall tires, six-way power seats, full-length stainless steel underscores, and a unique grille.

The 1963 Cadillac was powered by an overhead-valve V8 displacing 390 cubic inches and offering 325 horsepower. It had been completely redesigned, resulting in a quieter and smoother operation and more efficient. It sat lower in the engine bay and was shorter and narrower that the 1962 V8. With the help of aluminum accessory drives, the engine lost 82 pounds.

by Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2013