1954 Cadillac Series 62

Cadillac vehicles were endowed with all-new overhead valve V-8 engines in 1949, followed by styling changes in 1950, gaining a low and sleek appearance highlighted by longer rear decks, sweeping front fenders, round parking lights, a one-piece windshield, and chrome imitation air slots. This third generation of styling had been introduced in 1948, representing the first all-new postwar design on Cadillacs. This '3rd Gen' styling would continue through 1954. Cadillac introduced the Series 62 in 1940 and it would remain part of the lineup through 1964, serving as the entry-level Cadillac for much of its existence.

Cadillac models catered to the higher-priced market segment, and as such they were exclusive. Ford built over fifteen million examples of its Model T from 1908 through 1927, but it would take Cadillac, who began building cars in 1903, over 45 years to build its one-millionth vehicle, assembled on November 25th of 1949.

Engine output increased dramatically in 1953, from 160 bhp to 210 bhp, an increase of more than twenty-five percent. Like the other 1953 Cadillacs, electrical systems were upgraded to 12 volts as a result of the demand for power windows, tops, and other accessories.

For 1954 the Cadillac Series 62 was lower, and had many changes to the front fascia including an inverted gullwing bumper and tapered bumper guards, and a slightly updated body design. Changes were made to the rear as well, including a redesigned bumper and dual exhaust outlets in keeping with the jet-inspired style of the era. A new, long-wheelbase version was now available and vehicles fitted with the feature were void of rear fender louvers. All Series 62 models had the Eldorado-style wraparound windshield.

The Series 62 was offered in a variety of 2- and 4-door body styles, including sedans, coupes, and convertibles. The Eldorado two-door sport coupe was the most expensive, costing $5,730. A total of 2,150 examples were produced in 1954.

The base two-door coupe cost $3840; a total of 40,940 examples of the two-door coupe (all versions excluding the Eldorado) were built in 1954. 34,253 examples of the four-door sedan (all versions) were created.

This '4th Gen' styling would continue through 1956.

Cadillac Eldorado
Cadillac was firmly positioned atop the American fine car market by the early 1950s, and in late 1953, the Motorama-inspired Eldorado crowned its model range. It featured a luxurious custom interior, a fashionable wraparound windshield, a daring beltline dip, and was powered by Cadillac's state-of-the-art 331 cubic-inch V8 engine backed by a four-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. They were fully accessorized, and with a price tag of $7,750, they were among the most expensive vehicles on the market. The extensive hand labor and limited production volumes, however, meant that Cadillac reportedly lost money on every Eldorado produced during 1953. The publicity it attracted, however, was priceless, and the Cadillac sales brochure declared the Eldorado as having been 'dramatically styled by Fleetwood to capture the heart of all America.'

The Eldorado proved so popular that it joined the regular Cadillac model line in 1954, priced at $5,738, with 2,150 examples produced. Among the list of standard equipment included chrome wire wheels, special ribbed lower rear fender moldings, goldcrests, power steering, automatic windshield washers, and 12-volt ignition. It had an egg-crate grille and an inverted gull-wing front bumper with pronounced 'Dagmar' bullet fairings. The engine delivered 230 horsepower thanks to subtle engineering enhancements including new aluminum alloy pistons while retaining the original 331 cubic-inch displacement.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2008