Fantasy Junction

Description

1950 Cadillac Series 61 Two-Door Hardtop (auction ends Friday May 13th, 2022)

Chassis Number – 506195038
Exterior Color – Red and Black
Interior Color – Grey cloth
Engine Type – 331 cu. in. OHV V8
Gearbox – 4-speed Hydra Matic Automatic
Current Kilometers – 27,914 TMU
Current Owner – Purchased 1998

General History

Few symbols of American prestige and motoring excellence can exceed the impressive Cadillac. Built at a time when America was thriving as they entered the 1950s, Cadillacs offered all new OHV V8 power (1949), supple suspension, automatic transmissions, and luxury appointments in their expansive model range. This era also ushered in curved single pane windshields offering great visibility further enhanced by the two-door hardtop design which allowed the disappearing side quarter glass to reveal an unobstructed view outside the car, afforded by the absent B-post. The stylish 1950 hardtop lines, lower roof design, and commanding body style delivered an impressive statement for those seeking a luxury car.

First restyled in 1948 as the third generation, the Cadillac lineup featured tail fins inspired by Lockheed P-38 fighter planes, ushering in a trend that would rise to its peak a decade later. In 1950 major design improvements included a lower roof, longer hood, and a standard Hydra Matic transmission motivated by the 331 cu. in V8 engine. Sales were brisk, setting a record for the model at nearly 60k units produced in 1950. Series 61 models were built on a shorter wheelbase which changed the side window profile and included a stylish and innovative three-piece wraparound rear window.

History of This Car

According to the original factory identification card included with this car, this Series 61 two door hardtop is a matching numbers Cadillac still retaining the factory original engine as marked on the ID card and stamped on the engine block. The first owner, Miss Henrietta Silliman, Toulon, IL, took delivery of the car November 16, 1950, from Travis Cadillac Pontiac, a Peoria, IL based dealership. The factory build plate reveals the car was trimmed from the factory with the following colors:

Trim No. 31 – Grey Whale Cord & Gray Plain Cloth upholstery
Paint no. 3K – Lynton Green

Records dating back to 1992 indicate the car spent time in Ontario, Canada, Portland, OR, and Greensboro, NC under the same owners who sold the car to the current consigning owner in 1998. The car was serviced regularly including a transmission overhaul in 1998. The owner reports that under his ownership the car was repainted in the current colors and that the engine was rebuilt in house as part of his ongoing participation in road rallies and driving events. The car was further fitted with new suspension components including large sway bars and the suspension was lowered to improve handling. Coming from a large Northern California car collection, this car was regularly serviced by an in-house mechanic. The owner enjoyed driving the car in events such as the La Carrera Nevada and other California based car club activities.

General Overview

Today this Series 61 Cadillac truly lives up to the history and grandeur of the era it represents. The red and black exterior is highlighted by a bounty of gleaming chrome finishes which are very nicely contrasted against the red body color. Properly serviced and prepared to a high-level driver condition, this Cadillac can be enjoyably driven or exhibited in local club events with pride. The paint is smooth and glossy, showing only minor evidence of road use and excellent trim, fit, and finish. The body panels fit very well including the doors which open and shut with confidence. Hood and trunk also have very good fit to the body panels with easy opening and confident latching. All chrome and stainless trim, emblems, and plastic lenses retain excellent to very good finishes, with only light hazing to just some of the smaller parts, none of which take away from the overall fine look of the car. The stance is hunkered down and purposeful, sitting a bit lower on black wall tires, sporting small hubcaps and trim rings with matching black steel rims echoing the hardtop roof. Emblems, lenses, and trim are all in excellent condition, delighting the eye as you view each section of the car. Captivating details continue throughout the exterior including the P-38 inspired taillights, impressive grille features, bumper mounted road lamps, and innovative three-piece wrap around rear window.

Inside the car is a delightful trip down memory lane. The beautifully designed dashboard features integrated instrumentation, a chrome-plated dash panel, and intricate switches and knobs reminiscent of jukebox designs. Instrumentation is nicely laid out with wonderful vintage dials and details, including a dash mounted electric clock complete with an original delivery tag. A nicely toned ivory steering wheel with matching turn indicator lever and gear selector, and chrome horn ring are very nicely prepared. A small under-dash unit is mounted under the dash housing an oil pressure and water temperature gauge as well as extra ports for modern device charging. The condition of the interior is consistent and very well done, most likely reupholstered under current ownership, though an invoice from 1992 indicates raw cloth materials were purchased for the car from a fabric supplier. Seat upholstery, headliner, and door panels are all cohesive and appear consistent with original type material for this series car. Carpeting, door panels, and headliner are all in very good condition throughout, displaying satisfying warm tones, very nice stitching, and correct brightwork installed throughout the interior.

Under the hood the matching numbers engine has been correctly finished with minor allowances for improved service via mechanical updates. The correct engine paint color, various components, finishes, and wiring have all been tended to with attention to detail and originality in mind. A Weber carburetor is fitted on a cast iron intake manifold. The underside of the car appears to be in generally good condition with no sign of structural compromise to the frame or suspension mounting points. Though not finished for show, the underside is dry, and both the rear leaf springs and front suspension arms have been more recently updated including AFCO front and rear shock absorbers. The trunk is very clean and while the floor material is a bit soiled from use, the trunk compartment is correct including a full-sized spare tire, factory type jack, and factory style jacking instructions mounted to the underside of the trunk lid.

The car starts easily and idles smoothly with a quiet purr from the well-balanced, if not slightly enhanced OHV V8. The column shifter engages drive easily and once underway, driving is very pleasant and relaxing. The transmission shifts smoothly, and the brakes stop the car with authority. Road manners are stately and appropriately lofty, as one might expect of a car from this period, but encouraging the throttle wakes the engine up with authority indicating the rebuild was done with added performance in mind. Handling is surprisingly quite good considering the heft and majesty of this car – owing to some extent to the impressive suspension enhancements. The overall increased power and suspension enhancements greatly improve the overall driving experience.

This wonderfully sorted Cadillac follows a long tradition of American luxury offerings that set the standard for excellence in modern cars. Built with highway cruising in mind and prepared with a sporting style, this Cadillac two-door hardtop is ready to delight the next new owner with endless years of enjoyable motoring.

Included with this Car

The car comes with copies of service records from the prior owner, spare tire and jack, a set of 1950 California manufacturers year yellow and black license plates (currently mounted to the car), a 1950 Cadillac Shop Manual, a Cadillac brochure, the Identification Card, and various paper “tag” items that appear to be original to the car.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

Inquire About This Car

Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608