1948 Cadillac Series 62
The iconic tail fins of the 1950s had their inspirational beginning in September of 1939, when GM Design Chief, Harley Earl and the Cadillac design team traveled to Selfridge Field to study the new aerodynamically advanced Lockheed P-38. A number of 3/8-scale models and design studies soon followed, known as the 'Interceptor' series. Development, however, was halted by America's involvement in World War II. When peace returned, the collective automotive industry worked tirelessly to keep pace with demand, gearing up for new products, and preparing for all-new post-war designs. In 1948, Cadillac introduced the new Series 61 and 62 models which featured sleek new modern designs with pronounced tailfins, inspired by the twin tails of the P-38. The graceful front fender lines flowed smoothly into the main body, which continued all the way from the belt-line to the rocker panel. The Cadillac crest was positioned in a 'V' emblem and mounted on the front of the hood.
The Series 62 received upscale interior, exterior, and trim fittings that help distinguish it from the Series 61. They were instantly recognizable by the stone shields and lack of chrome rocker moldings. 1948 would be the final year for the 346 cubic-inch flathead V8 engine, renowned for its durability and smoothness.
The Series 61 and the Series 62 shared the same wheelbase, measuring 126 inches with the length measuring 214 inches. Body styles on the Series 62 included a sedan, club coupe, convertible coupe, or a rolling chassis. The sedan was the most popular, selling for nearly $3,000 with producing reaching 23,997 vehicles. 5,450 of the convertible coupe were built and 4,764 of the club coupe.
by Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2019
Related Reading : Cadillac Series 62 History
The Harley Earl designed Cadillac Series 62 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....
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Chassis Num: 486219814
As World War II came to an end, Cadillac turned its attention on producing cars again. Development began immediately on the first all-new postwar Cadillac, led by the Series 61 and 62 models, which shared the all-new GM C-body platform. For 1948, t....[continue reading]
Chassis Num: 486229135
Cadillac introduced the first rear fins in 1948 and this design theme would remain, in various treatments, for more than a decade. The Series 62 Convertible Coupe received strong horizontal lines, a cut-down windshield, push-button controls and an in....[continue reading]
Chassis Num: 486221335
The 1948 Cadillacs were given an all-new, cohesive body design featuring a cut-down windshield and horizontal lines that followed the entire length of the car. Exclusive to this year were a drum-shaped instrument panel that housed all the gauges and ....[continue reading]
Convertible Coupe
Chassis #: 486219814
Convertible Coupe
Chassis #: 486229135
Convertible Coupe
Chassis #: 486221335
