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 Dan Vaughan

Eldorado Sport Convertible Coupe
Chassis number: 546222206
Engine number: FW350

In 1954 the Cadillac Eldorado special two-door Convertible Coupe with seating for five was offered for sale at a price of $5,738. Total production reach 2,150 ensuring this was a very exclusive automobile and reassuring everyone that Cadillac was the 'King of Luxury Cars.' It had styling that was bold, elegant, and appealing. A large amount of chrome made it instantly recognizable and the powerful V8 engine meant its luxury was backed by unsurpassed performance.

The name 'Eldorado' was in honor of the mythical City of Gold. When most cars of the era offering equipment as optional, the Eldorado offered it as standard. Included in the list were windows that could be opened or closed with the touch of a button. Power-assisted steering and brakes meant this larger vehicle with a 115-inch wheelbase were easy to drive. The radio had a travel tuner that would stop when a power transmitter was intercepted. The antenna could be raised by the touch of a button. The Autronic-Eye system would automatically dim the headlights when approaching motorists were detected. Kelsey-Hayes chrome wire wheels could be found on all four corners, with the rear quarter panels covered with bright aluminum trim. An optional Sport-Deck tire carrier, commonly known as a continental kit, was offered for those who wanted to travel.

This particular 1954 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible was offered for sale at the 2007 RM Auctions held at Meadow Brook. The estimated value was set at $60,000 - $80,000 and offered without reserve. There is a 331 cubic-inch overhead valve V8 engine capable of producing 210 horsepower. There is a HydraMatic automatic gearbox and four-wheel power-assisted drum brakes. It has an older restoration that has been well-maintained and appears in good condition. It is finished in red and fitted with a white leather interior in the factory's correct pattern.

At the auction, the estimated value proved to be accurate as the car was sold for $71,500 including the buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe

53 years ago, two young racers from Colorado challenged the well-funded factory teams in the Carrera Panamericana Road Race driving an independently sponsored 1954 Cadillac Series 62 Coupe.

By the time the dust settled, Keith Andrews and Blu Plemmons, from Colorado Springs, had driven the Caddy to a remarkable second-place finish, beating all of the factory teams over the final two stages of the race. They completed the 1,907-mile race in less than 21 hours, averaging more than 115 mph over the final 410 miles.

To celebrate the accomplishment, General Motors Performance Division has re-created the car with 'frame-on' restoration of a vintage car discovered in GM's vehicle inventory that matched the original racer's specs...even in color.

Updates were made to enhance vehicle and occupant safety, but the original design intent was maintained. 'Their performance in 1954 was consistent with Cadillac's DNA,' said Kevin Smith, Cadillac's Communications Manager.

The 1954 Cadillac Series 62 LaCarrera finished third in the 1954 La Carrera Panamericana Race. The team was only two minutes and fifty-five seconds behind first place. The 1,908-mile five-day Panamerican road race was across Mexico from Tuxtla to Ciudad Juarez.

Keith Andrews (Pilot) - Died May 15, 1957, in trial runs at Indianapolis Speedway. Keith ran at Indy in 1955 and 1956. Keith placed first in two out of eight legs in the five-day race. Keith also ran the Panam in 1953.

Blu Plemons Copilot - Lives in Denver and raced over 30 years short track using stock and modified cars. He still participates in racing with his grandchildren.

Wilson McCule (Mechanic) - Passed away in June of 2005. He was a mechanic at Raybestone Brake Service of Colorado Springs one of the original crew and helped to obtain the car and pull together the team.

Eldorado Sport Convertible Coupe

The introduction of the Cadillac Eldorado in 1953 proved to be a success - becoming one of the most publicized cars in American automobile history. The first Eldorado off the assembly line was given to President Dwight D. Eisenhower by General Motors and was used as his inaugural parade car.

The 1954 Cadillac Eldorado had a lower, sleeker body, a new cellular grille insert, and a wraparound windshield. Like many expensive Cadillacs, it came fully equipped including automatic windshield wipers, power steering, and a 12-volt electrical system. The Eldorado could be easily identified with its golden crest behind the air-slot fender breaks, the monogram plates on the doors and the custom interior trimmings with the Cadillac crest embossed on the seat bolsters.

In 1954 Cadillac marked its 40th consecutive year of V-8 availability - though the Eldorado's 230 horsepower, 331 cubic-inch V-8 engine was a far car from the 1914 70 horsepower Type 51 engine. Only 2,150 Cadillac Eldorados were produced in 1954 and cost nearly $6,000 from the factory.

Eldorado Sport Convertible Coupe

The Eldorado model was part of the Cadillac line from 1953 to 2002. It was the longest-running American personal luxury car as it was the only one sold after the 1999 model year. The 1953 Eldorado was a special-bodied, lower-production convertible derived from the 1952 ElDorado 'Golden Anniversary' concept car with bumper bullets (aka Dagmars) from the 1951 GM LeSabre show car. For 1954, the Eldorado had a lower, sleeker body, a new cellular grille insert, and a wraparound windshield. It was powered by a 331 cubic-inch V8 engine offering 270 horsepower and rode on a 129-inch wheelbase chassis.

This car was previously owned by a famous Hollywood movie star and the current owner is the CEO of the Word Network and WADLTV38 in Detroit.

Eldorado Sport Convertible Coupe

This Eldorado is powered by a 331 cubic-inch overhead valve V8 engine developing 230 horsepower and coupled with a Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. The 1954 price was $5,738 which was less than the 1953 model which sold for $7,750. The production run for 1954 was 2,150 units that weighed 4,809 lbs each. For 1954, Cadillac's new model was identified by its golden crests, leather interior, metal boot, chrome-plated wire wheels, and ribbed bright-metal panel along the lower rear fenders.

Eldorado Sport Convertible Coupe
Chassis number: 546246337
Engine number: 546246337

This Cadillac Series 62 Eldorado is one of 2,150 examples produced that year. It has been given a recent two-year, frame-off restoration that was completed in 2018. It is finished in Alpine White with a black convertible top and the one-year-only ribbed chrome panels on the lower rear fenders. It has a power convertible top, a 331 cubic-inch overhead valve V-8 engine, 4-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. There are Autronic-Eye headlamp control, a Wonderbar radio, and power assist applied to the windows, and a four-way seat control. Mechanical upgrades include a generator-to-alternator conversion, electric cooling fans with manual override, and hardened valve seats compatible with unleaded fuel.

It is believed that this is one of 42 examples that currently remain.

by Dan Vaughan

Eldorado Sport Convertible Coupe

Although the Eldorado Convertible lost the unique sheet metal featured in its debut year, the 1954 edition of this top-line Cadillac remained the undisputed king of American luxury cars. The all-new styling was bold and brash and featured a revised rendition of the wraparound windshield, a more rakish profile, and lavish amounts of glowing chrome.

Styling details unique to the Eldorado included wide-fluted aluminum panels along the lower rear fenders, wire wheels, and a custom-crafted leather interior. Standard features on every 1954 Eldorado convertible included power steering, power brakes, Hydra-Matic, power front seat, and fog lamps. The horsepower rating of Cadillac's 331 cubic-inch V8 increased to 230 in 1954 and a 12-volt electrical system was now included. The Eldorado Convertible's list price was reduced in 1954 to $4,738 and buyers responded enthusiastically, sending model-year production up dramatically, to 2,150 units.

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