1962 Cadillac Series 62

The history of the Cadillac marque began from the ashes of Henry Ford's earliest venture into the motor car industry, resurrected by Henry Leland and reborn as Cadillac. Named after a French explorer, Cadillac has become a symbol of prestige, luxury, and comfort. Throughout the years, it has combined innovative manufacturing techniques with reliability and excellence, solidifying the marque's reputation.

By the 1960s, many rivals had come and gone, however, the Cadillac nameplate remained. General Motors had found its styling groove, and the 1962 Cadillac models wore similar styles to its 1961 siblings. They had still-lower fins, a slightly refined grille, and backup/turn/stop lights combined behind a single white lens. Front-fender cornering lights were a new option.

Cadillac first used the Series 62 designation back in 1940 to signify a higher-level trim designation above its Series 60. By 1962, the Cadillac lineup was comprised of the Series 62, Series Sixty Special Fleetwood, and the Series 6700 Fleetwood 75. The bulk of Cadillac's 1962 production was the Series 62, comprised of the base models - a 4- and 6-window sedan, and a coupe - and the DeVille Series and Eldorado Biarritz.

Both the 4- and 6-window sedan had a base price of $5,240, with the 4-window sedan accounting for 13,670 sales and the 6-window version finding 9,243 buyers. The coupe, priced at just over $5,000, added 12,166 sales. Standard equipment included a full array of lights for under the hood, under the dashboard, in the glove box, and in the trunk, plus backup and even cornering lights. Among the list of options included the Signal-Seeking Pre-selector radio at $160 or the Air-Conditioning and Heater which added another $473 to the price tag.

Above the base Series 62 was the Series 62 DeVille, which added two-way power seats and power windows. Body styles were the same as on the base series, plus added a convertible and the Eldorado Biarritz Sport Convertible. Priced at $6,630, the Biarritz was the most expensive vehicle in the 1962 Cadillac lineup, except for the Fleetwood 75 models. With the help of thin upper bodyside moldings, the Biarritz was somewhat more distinctive than the 1961 version. Production was limited to 1,450 units, the same as the year before, while the division's overall production rose substantially. The Biarritz was the pinnacle of luxury and performance from Cadillac in 1962.

1962 was the first year of the dual master cylinder braking system. Power was from an overhead valve V8 that displaced 390 cubic inches and delivered 325 horsepower at 4,800 RPM. It had five main bearings, hydraulic valve lifters, and a Carter two-barrel carburetor. The engine was backed by a four-speed automatic transmission and sent power to the rear wheels. The suspension was fully independent with semi-elliptic rear springs. Drum brakes were placed at all four corners. Its wheelbase measured 129.5 inches and it had a length of 222 inches.

Cadillac produced 160,840 vehicles in 1963 with nearly 90 percent being from the Series 62 line.

by Dan Vaughan

Eldorado Biarritz Convertible

Mechanically, 1962 Eldorados were powered by a 390-cubic-inch V8 with 325 horsepower. The transmission was GM's 4-speed Hydramatic. A new frame and suspension improved handling and ride giving it a more agile feeling. Unlike today, there were many, many colors to choose from on the Cadillac exteriors and interiors.

Eldorado Biarritz Convertible

Industry First: Color Keyed Moldings, Dual Braking System, Backup/Turn/Stop Lights

combined behind a single white lens, a New Controlled Differential.

1962 was the 60th anniversary year for Cadillac. The automaker produced 160,840 Cadillacs

during the year, all were equipped with the new dual-safety braking system, and 59 percent sold with air conditioning.

Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.875 inches compression ratio 10.5:1.

Brake horsepower: 325 @ 4800 rpm; Hydraulic valve lifters, Carburetion: Rochester four-barrel Model 701930.

Production Total: 1450

Remaining Estimate: 100

Total Price $7,740.72

Headlamp Control, Fog Lamps, Cruise Control, Controlled Differential, Air Conditioner, Signal-Seeking Radio with Foot Control Switch, Power Door Locks, Remote Control Trunk lock.

Convertible
Chassis number: 62F095483

General Motors' premier Cadillac Motor Division celebrated their 60th Anniversary year in 1962. That year, Cadillac produced 160,840 automobiles, and all were equipped with a dual-circuit braking system and 59 percent of them were sold with air conditioning. All 1962 Cadillacs were powered by a 390 cubic-inch V8 engine offering 325 horsepower and were mated to GM's 4-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. Ride and handling were improved due to the new chassis frame and suspension.

Cadillac, named after a great French explorer, employed innovative manufacturing techniques and offered excellent reliability. During the 1930s, Cadillac defined the luxury car segment, and each decade that followed saw Cadillac improving that position.

The 1960s Cadillac models were long, sleek, and superbly styled. For 1962, Cadillac produced a total of 160,840 vehicles of which 16,800 were Series 62 convertibles.

This particular example is finished in its original color of Pompeian Red with its correct white leather interior with red accents and floor covering. It is fitted with all the Series 62 convertible's standard equipment, as well the optional radio, complete with a power antenna, and air conditioning system.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible

This particular Cadillac Series 62 convertible was built on April 13th 1962 at Cadillac's Clark Street assembly plant in Detroit. The car was delivered to Galles Motor Co., in Albuquerque and it was a New Mexico car until its 2003 restoration. This 1962 has all original equipment, plus Dealer Option Group 'B', which included air conditioning, a 6-way power seat, and EZ-Eye glass.

Although the 1962 Cadillac retained the 'jet-age' styling themes introduced the previous year, the overall appearance was toned down and more elegant. The grille took on a more traditional look and the 1962 model pioneered clear-lens taillights that turned red when they lit up. New front cornering lamps and a dual master-cylinder brake system were notable innovations. It was a very good year for Cadillac, with model-year production jumping to 160,840 cars. Of these, 16,800 were Series 62 Convertibles.

The Harley Earl designed Cadillac Series 62 was a very large vehicle that featured a large, 6,390 cc (390 cubic inches) 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 name 'DeVille' would first be used in 1949 on the Coupe De Ville, and later on the 1956 Sedan DeVille. The 1942, 1946, and 1947 versions were similar; they were completely different from the 1941 body styles.

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 headlights would turn on at dusk and were 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 Dan Vaughan