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 new designs on its shorter wheelbase vehicles (Series 61, 62, and 60 Special Fleetwood) with sleek new modern designs with pronounced tailfins, inspired by the twin tails of the P-38 fighter plane. 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 a 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.

The Series 61 was positioned below the 1948 Cadillac Series 62, with prices of $2,830 for the sedan and $2,730 for the club coupe. Above the Series 62 was the stretched Series 60 Special Fleetwood with two-inch wider front and rear doors and a wheelbase that measured 133 inches. Offered solely as a sedan, its base price was $3,820. At the top of the list was the Series 75 Fleetwood with body styles accommodating 5- 7- and 9-passengers. Its wheelbase measured 136 inches and the commercial chassis was a long 163 inches. Prices on the Series 75 Fleetwood ranged from the high-4,000s to the low $5000s.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Coupe
Chassis number: 486219814

As World War II came to an end, Cadillac turned its attention to 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, the Cadillac models had a pronounced horizontal styling theme and a pair of subdued tailfins reminiscent of the P-38's twin tails. Both the Series 61 and 62 models had different levels of interior and exterior fittings and trim. The Series 62 was the upscale model, easily identifiable with its stone shields and the lack of chrome rocker moldings. The 1948 models were the last to receive the 346 cubic inch flathead V8 engine, noted for its smoothness and durability.

This Series 62 Convertible Coupe wears an older restoration. It has a new tan Haartz cloth top, excellent brightwork, dual rearview mirrors, full 'sombrero' wheel covers, and a set of period wide whitewall tires. The interior is period correct, featuring leather upholstery equipped with amenities including power window lifts, an AM radio, and an electric clock. Power is from a 346 cubic-inch V8 engine mated to a Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. There are four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes and an impendent front suspension with coil springs.

In 2009, this car was brought to RM Auctions 'Vintage Motor Cars of Meadow Brook' where it was estimated to sell for $60,000-$80,000. As bidding came to a close, the lot was sold for the sum of $46,750 including the buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Coupe
Chassis number: 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 interior layout that influenced many designs of the 1950s.

It is estimated that around 100 examples of the Convertible Coupe remain in existence. This example was given a restoration in 1993 and has received a number of Cadillac-LaSalle Club awards including a First Primary, First Senior and even Best of Show honors in the Post-War category at the 1994 Grand National. In July of 1998, it was featured on the cover of The Self Starter, the official publication of the Cadillac-LaSalle Club.

The car is painted in Madeira Maroon over custom-dyed, Bridge of Weir leather upholstery. There are tan carpets and a convertible top. The car rides on whitewall tires with polished wheel covers. Inside, there is a drum-style instrument cluster that was a unique, one-year-only feature.

Powering the car is a flathead V-8 that displaces 346 cubic inches and is fitted with a single Carter carburetor. The 150 horsepower produced is sent to the rear wheels via a three-speed Hydra-Matic transmission.

In 2011, the car was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. The car was estimated to sell for $65,000 - $85,000 and was offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $93,500 including the buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Coupe
Chassis number: 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 was a drum-shaped instrument panel that housed all the gauges and controls. This design was discontinued the following year as it was deemed too complex and costly to produce.

This Convertible Coupe has been in prominent collections in the past decade. The car has been restored to high standards and finished in Lucerne Green with a tan interior with matching carpets. It features factory-available options, including an AM radio, the $174 Hydra-Matic four-speed transmission, a heater and an electric clock. Power is from a 346 cubic-inch Flathead V-8 with a single Carter carburetor.

In 2012, the car was offered for sale at the Pebble Beach auction presented by Gooding & Company. The car was estimated to sell for $100,000 - $120,000 and was offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $90,750 inclusive of the buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

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