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1951 Cadillac Series 62

Extensive restyling was applied to the Cadillac line in 1948, its first redesign of the post-war era. The pre-war 346 cubic-inch V8 engine was replaced a year later, in 1949, by a new overhead-valve V-8 with a cast-iron block, 7.5:1 compression, hydraulic valve lifters, five main bearings, a Carter two-barrel carburetor, and boosting horsepower by ten to 160 bhp. In 1950, additional styling updates were applied, including sweeping front fenders, longer rear decks, a protruding front hood, a one-piece windshield, and a large egg-crate grille. The overall theme had a lower appearance than in previous years, with the swooping tailfin design a hint of things to come. The front fenders carried the word 'Caddilac' in script, and ventipanes were applied to a few of the models. The rear ventipans on the Series 62 were absent on the entry-level Series 61. The range-topping Series 75, which had held onto its classic pre-war design the longest, was finally updated for 1950, receiving its first all-new postwar body. 1950 was also the year Cadillac finally surpassed Packard in sales with over 103,800 examples built.

Minor updates were applied to the 1951 Cadillac models, with larger, bullet-shaped-style bumper guards and miniature egg-crate grilles placed within the outboard grille extension panels below the circular, fender-mounted headlights.

The Series 61 continued as the entry-level Cadillac with the sedan priced at $2,915 and the club coupe at $2,800, and approximately 4,700 examples were built. Due to low sales, this was the final year for the Series 61. Next came the Series 62, in regards to pricing, selling in the $3,500 to $4,000 range. The Series 60 Special Fleetwood Sedan was slightly higher at $4,150 and 18,631 examples were built. The top-of-the-line Series 75 Fleetwood catered more towards commercial applications, with its long 146.75-inch wheelbase platform and an interior accommodating eight passengers. With prices in excess of $5,200, production was exclusive and just 5,165 examples were built.

All 1951 Cadillac models were equipped with a 331 CID V8 with 160 horsepower. The Hydra-Matic automatic transmission was standard on the Series 62 and Series 60 but optional on the Series 61 and Series 75.

Sales of the 1951 Cadillac Series 62 accounted for approximately seventy-five percent of Cadillac's total production. The most popular was the sedan, priced at $3,530, with 54,596 examples built. Both the Club Coupe and Coupe DeVille had similar sales (priced at $3,440 and $3,845 respectively) with 10,130 of the Club Coupe and 10,241 of the Coupe DeVille sold. The convertible coupe was the most expensive in the lineup, priced at nearly $4,000, and 6,117 examples were built. Both the convertible and Coupe De Ville were exclusive to the Series 62 line and came standard with power windows.

The Cadillac Series 62 rested on a 126-inch wheelbase, which was four inches longer than the Series 61 and four inches shorter than the Series 60 Special. it wore full-length chrome on the rocker panels, lower rear quarters, and rear fender skirts. Ventipanes were on the sedan, along with a conventional backlight.

The styling theme introduced in the 1948 Cadillac Series would continue through 1953. In 1954, it was given a lower and sleeker body, round jet-style dual exhaust outlets, inverted gull-wing front bumpers, tapered dagmar-style bumper guards, and an Eldorado-style wraparound windshield. The Series 62 would remain part of the Cadillac through seven generations of styling, ending in 1964. By that point, it was Cadillac's entry-level model, replaced in 1965 by the Cadillac Calais.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Coupe

The Cadillac Division introduced General Motors' first post-war all-new design in 1948 and the now famous aircraft-inspired tailfin look. The Cadillac tailfin continued to grow, reaching its zenith in 1959 and not disappearing until the 1970 model year.

For 1951, full-length chrome accents were added to the rocker panels, rear fender skirts, and lower rear quarters of the Series 62 models. The Hydra-Matic automatic transmission and power windows were standard equipment on the Series 62, while the rear continental spare tire was an option.

Powering the car was a V8 engine displacing 331 cubic inches and offering 160 horsepower. For 1951, Cadillac produced 6,117 examples of the Series 62 Convertible.

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