1949-Cadillac-Series 62 Coupe de Ville

Description

1949 Cadillac Series 62 Coupe de Ville
s/n 496287104 engine no. 496287104
Dartmouth Green with Tan Leather Interior

The Cadillac Series 62 was the first model whose production resumed after the Second World War, and received its first postwar redesign for the 1948 model year along with the less luxurious Series 61. The 62 was distinguished by the presence of additional chrome trim, and the interior was more luxuriously finished as well. In coupe form, the car marked the introduction of the pillarless hardtop coupe body style, and the car was named Motor Trend’s first ever Car of the Year in 1949. The big news for 1949 was the introduction of Cadillac’s first OHV engine, a 331 cid V8 that would serve the company for over ten years before its first substantial redesign. Although the cars were luxurious, they were, on occasion, also used more aggressively. Perhaps one of the most famous examples of this was when Briggs Cunningham prepared two Series 62s (one of which was fitted with custom open bodywork that earned it the nickname “Le Monstre”). The other car was a standard coupe with bodywork very much like the car on offer here, and was minimally prepared with a twin carburetor setup and 35 gallon fuel tank. The standard coupe finished 10th overall, while the special bodied car finished 11th following an off that delayed the car by thirty minutes.

This particular car is a beautifully restored matching numbers car, and is extremely clean. The restoration was completed in 2007, and the car was subsequently shown at a Cadillac LaSalle National meet, where it was awarded a first place trophy. The restoration was extremely comprehensive, and would likely cost multiples of the asking price to duplicate. The restoration included the following work: windows out/trim off bare metal repaint, replacement of glass as necessary, all stainless trim polished, all chrome replated, seats, door panels, kick panels, quarter panels reupholstered in leather, headliner and package shelf retrimmed, new carpets, steering wheel, gear shift knob, signal lever knobs recast, interior stainless trim polished, interior chrome redone, new sill plates, new interior and exterior mirrors, instruments rebuilt, all new rubber, engine, transmission, and carburetor rebuilt, new engine mounts, new dual exhaust, rebuilt radiator, gas tank, fuel pump, and water pump, new hoses and belts, new brakes, wheel cylinders and bearings, rebuilt master cylinder, new U-joints, resealed differential, new springs front and rear, all shocks serviced, new idler arm, alignment, new wiring loom, upgrade to 12V electrics, new voltage regulator, rebuilt generator, new coil, rebuilt starter, new battery, and 5 new tires on wheels with restored sombrero wheel covers with new medallions. The car is well equipped with power bench seat, power windows front and rear, clock, and radio.

The car is in absolutely beautiful condition. The paintwork was done to high standards and remains excellent, with only a few blemishes and the occasional small chip. Overall, the car shows like it is a year or two old, and is extremely fresh. The body is straight and solid, and the large amount of chrome trim is excellent. There is a bit of light scratching in a few places, but the chrome is excellent overall. The trim is exceptional throughout, being in great condition and very complete. The glass is also excellent, and the radial tires are like new.

The interior is equally nice, with beautiful leather throughout. The leather seats are essentially unworn, as are the carpets, which are high quality wool. The dashboard and instruments are also excellent, and the interior lamps all work correctly, including the glove box light. The steering wheel is excellent, including the horn ring and center emblem, and the car is also fitted with power windows and power bench seat, both of which work correctly. The headliner and parcel shelf are also excellent; even the metal bows on the headliner are beautifully restored, as are the sun visors. It is very clear that the interior in its entirety was treated to a high quality and very thorough restoration.

The engine compartment is very tidy and correct in appearance. The inner fenders, engine, air cleaner and ancillaries are nicely restored. The glass windscreen washer fluid bottle is still in place, and the valve covers and other engine components are correctly finished in blue, with lovely white cursive script on the valve covers. The trunk is also very nicely restored, and is upholstered in wool carpeting, likely nicer than when the car was new. The undercarriage is solid but largely unrestored in appearance, which speaks to the integrity and soundness of the car prior to restoration.

The car runs and drives wonderfully. The engine starts easily, does not smoke, and sounds great through the dual exhaust. The transmission changes ratios smoothly, and the car rides extremely well. There are no untoward noises, and the car corners surely. The pillarless roof adds further to the appeal of driving this car, and overall it is an impossibly cool car that is a joy to drive.

This is an outstanding opportunity to acquire a wonderful example of this milestone automobile. Marking the beginning of the tradition of pillarless coupes and OHV V8s, both mainstays of the classic era of American automobiles, this Cadillac must be one of the finest examples around. It is beautifully restored in lovely colors, and looks, runs, and drives absolutely superbly. Although we do not ordinarily sell many Cadillacs at Fantasy Junction, we are genuinely excited about this car, and are quite impressed with its caliber, both cosmetically and mechanically. It is in beautiful shape, and the photos simply do not do the car justice. We recommend the car heartily and without reservation, and we are certain that it will please and impress its next keeper as much as it has us.