1938-1945

1986-up

1945

Facts: [as for 1946, below]

Models:

Series "61" [126" wheel base]: from 5400001-5403001¹

6109 5-passenger Sedan. 4145 lbs $2146 ( 2200)

The first post-WW2 production Cadillac

____________________
¹ Included in 1946 production figures

 

1946-1953 (introductory notes) by Cadillac-LaSalle Club Member, David M. Newlin from Arizona (#25270)

FOR ALL YEARS 1950-1952:  When equipped with turn signals only (no fog lights), the front parking light assemblies have a small round circular trim piece filling the remainder of the assembly.  When ordered with optional fog lights, a large lens (with dual filaments) occupies the entire circumference of the assembly.  This is true from 1950-1952 and is not a identification tool.  NOTE: The switch for these fog lamps is located directly above the ignition on the dashboard and twists to turn the lights on - an otherwise mysterious and unidentified item.  

1950  - first year for tail lights in fins. 

1951 - A spotting guide for 1951 year only; small round dual backup lights (optional)  were mounted below trunk lid on the left and right sides.   Front bumper guards are smaller than later years and vertically mounted. Also, first year for standard backup lights integral with taillights in fins (moved from lower trunk lid edges as had been the case since the 1946 models).  New bumper guards (front and rear) larger than previous (which continued through 1952).  The front guards also had a distinct angular assembly line (towards the outside of the vehicle) on there bumper itself.  NOTE:  Many sources state that 1952 was the first year for backup lights integral with the taillights in the fins.  This is incorrect as many pictures and my own 1951 6019X will attest.

1952 - for front turn signals/fog light, the outside assembly was changed to include a small "lip" over the top of the light (never seen this in print but it is clear in pictures and I removed two from a junked 1952 to put on my 1951 - teenage angst, perhaps).

1953 - apparently the first year for which the bumper guards were referred to as "Dagmars", being increased in size, moved off  the front bumper itself and now located where the turn signal/fog lights had been in the 1950-1952 models (those lights being moved directly below the headlights into a more rectangular assembly).

1946-1953 (options) the Hydro-Lectric (TM) system was available.  For open cars (on which it was standard), this included what have become known as power windows (with master control on the driver's door and individual controls on each of the other windows), fore and aft front seat adjustment (hidden button under the left front of the driver's seat) and convertible power top mechanism.  For closed cars (for which it was optional except on the 60 Special and certain 75 models), the windows and seat only were adjustable. The system utilized hydraulic lines to all areas and had a small electrically driven hydraulic pump under the hood. Draining fluid lowered the window (dead silence); pumping fluid raised it (raucous pump noise).  Vehicles with this system (and it was a complete system) had a X after the model number beginning in 1949.  The complex Hydro-Lectric system was changed to a more satisfactory all-electric system in 1954.

I am 99% certain of these comments; however, might do well to have some reviewers take this on at your convenience.

One small area that is of interest to me.  The radio antenna was power-operated even before World War II but I believe that it was vacuum-operated (as were the convertible tops until 1942) and perhaps even after that.   Does anyone actually know?  Was this an option or standard equipment with the radio?  By the mid-fifties, I am certain it was all electric with the radio option (almost always an option.....) but don't know when the change was made.  I do not believe that it was ever part of the Hydro-Lectric system.

1946

Facts: V8 Series "61", "62", "60-S" and "75"; Car production resumed post-war in third ¼ of 1945 [first 1946 model came off the production lines on 17.10.1945; 100,000 cars were on back order by the end of the model year; few styling changes from 1942 models; V8 engines and Hydra-Matic transmission had got beefed up during war-time operations 11 models offered, 18th in U.S. car sales ranking, Series : "61", "62", "60S", "75"; specifications: 8-cylinder, 90° V8, 3.5 x 4.5" b&s, 346 ci, side valve, 7.25:1 compression ratio, dual throat down-door aft carburetor, 150 (130 net) BHP @ 3600 rpm ("75" = 160 gross, 133 net @ 3800 rpm), 3-speed automatic transmission, 3.77:1 rear axle ratio or 3.36:1 with Hydra-Matic ("75" = 4.24:1 or 3.77 with Hydra-Matic), live rear axle suspension, semi-elliptic springs and tube shock absorbers, independent coil-spring front suspension with tube shock absorbers, 126" wheel base chassis ("62" = 129", "60S" = 133", "75" = 136"), 215" over-all length ("62" = 220", "60S" - 224", "75" = 224"), 59" front track, 63" rear track, 7.00x15 tires ("75" = 7.00x16), weight: 4080-4225 lbs ("62" = 4145-4475, "75" = 4790-4960 lbs), 0-60 mph in 13 seconds. ("75" = 15 seconds.), 100 mph top speed ("75" = 95 mph", 12-30 mpg ("75" = 10-18 mpg). Basic specifications as as for 1942, but Hydra-Matic transmission standard; recirculating ball steering. Excerpts from 1946 Data Book (?) in CLC, 4/90, pp.3-5. Article on the 1946 Cadillacs in AAI2, 15.10.1945 {***}; also C/C 5/1990.

Easy ID: "CADILLAC" in block letters behind front wheel opening.

 

Models:

Series "61" [126" wheel base]: from 5400001-5403001

6107 5-passenger Coupe 4065 lbs $2022 ( 800)

6109 5-passenger Sedan. 4145 lbs $2146 ( 2200)

61 Chassis only ( 1)

Series "62" [129" wheel base]: from 8400001-8418566 (article in M, 22.3.50 and 26.7.50

6207 5-passenger Coupe 4100 lbs $2249 ( 2323)

6267D 5-passenger Convertible 4462 lbs $2521 ( 1342)

6269 5-passenger Sedan 4240 lbs $2324 (14900)

62 chassis ( 1)

Series "60-S"[133" wheel base]: from 6400001-6405700

6069 5-passenger Sedan 4348 lbs $3054 ( 5700)

Series "75" [136" wheel base]: from 3400001-3401927

7519² 5-passenger Sedan 4860 lbs $4238 ( 150)

7523 7-passenger Sedan 4905 lbs $4415 ( 225)

7523L with auxiliary seats 4920 lbs $4093 ( 22)

7533 7-passenger Imperial 4935 lbs $3295 ( 221)

7533L with division 4925 lbs $4609 ( 17)

75 163" chassis ( 1292)

1945-1946 model total (29194)

Production began with 46-62 4-door Sedan; front and rear bumpers extended round front fenders of car, new trim moldings, new radiator and trunk emblems, lower, sleeker hood ornament, 6-bar radiator grille, 3-piece bumper, improved Hydra-Matic [from extensive use in military applications], steering and front suspension unchanged from 1942. Synthetic rubber tires were used in '46. More info.: NIT special M1602-2, pp.26-33; article : comparison with 1946 Lincoln, CC&CC, 5/1990{***}
____________________

² Story, CLC 11-12/90, p.11

 

1947

Facts: Series "61", "62", "60-S" and "75"; Car shortages were still apparent although 60,000 units were built (double the previous year); minor changes including "sombrero" wheel covers, grille bars down from 6 to 5, and winged trunk emblem; 11 models offered, 20th in U.S. car sales ranking; data comparison with other makes, specifications: 8-cylinder, 90° V8, 3.5 x 4.5" b&s, 346 ci, side valve, 7.25:1 compression ratio, dual throat down-door aft carburetor, 150 (130 net) BHP @ 3600 rpm ("75" = 160 gross, 133 net @ 3800 rpm), 3-speed automatic transmission, 3.77:1 rear axle ratio or 3.36:1 with Hydra-Matic ("75" = 4.24:1 or 3.77 with Hydra-Matic), live rear axle suspension, semi-elliptic springs and tube shock absorbers, independent coil-spring front suspension with tube shock absorbers, 126" wheel base chassis ("62" = 129", "60S" = 133", "75" = 136"), 215" over-all length ("62" = 220", "60S" - 224", "75" = 224"), 59" front track, 63" rear track, 7.00x15 tires ("75" = 7.00x16), weight: 4080-4225 lbs ("62" = 4145-4475, "75" = 4790-4960 lbs), 0-60 mph in 13 seconds. ("75" = 15 seconds.), 100 mph top speed ("75" = 95 mph", 12-30 mpg ("75" = 10-18 mpg). 95% of '47 models had optional Hydra-Matic transmission; Series "63" and "67" line dropped; new grille [stamped instead of die-cast], sombrero hubcaps appear; bright metal stone shields instead of rubber, script nameplate instead of block letters, new radiator "V" tied in with crest, winged emblem on trunk, new "Hydra-Lectric" window lifts.

This original photos was found in an old album that the factory had discarded;
recovered in a dumpster in MI,  the album was subsequently sold on e-Bay in 2003

 

Easy ID: Trunk crest with horizontal, decorative "wings" on either side [except Fleetwood 60S, which carries "Fleetwood" in script]; horizontal striping fills gap between hood "V" and crest; small, round parking lights (below headlights) with vertical bar on either side, level with 4th grille bar down from top [unless fitted with large rectangular fog lights, as in 1946]; five grille bars in all; optional large rectangular fog lights in place of parking lights, "Cadillac" in script lettering behind front wheel openings, half-circle horn ring (lower half of steering wheel).

Models:

Series "61" [126" wheel base]: from 5420001-5428555

6107 5-passenger Coupe 4145 lbs $2200 ( 3395)

6109 5-passenger Sedan. 4225 lbs $2324 ( 5160)

Series "62" [129" wheel base]: from 8420001-8459835

6207 5-passenger Coupe 4215 lbs $2446 ( 7245)

6267 5-passenger Convertible 4475 lbs $290 ( 6755)

6269 5-passenger Sedan 4295 lbs $2523 (25834)

62 129" wheel base chassis ( 1)

Series "60-S" [133" wheel base]: from 6420001-6428500

6069 5-passenger Sedan 4420 lbs $3195 ( 8500)

Series "75" [136" wheel base]: from 3420001-3425036

7519 5-passenger Sedan 4860 lbs $4471 ( 300)

7523 7-passenger sedan 4905 lbs $4686 ( 890)

7523L with auxiliary seats 4920 lbs $4368 ( 135)

7533 7-passenger Imperial 4925 lbs $4887 ( 1005)

7533L with division 4925 lbs $4560 ( 80)

75 136" wheel base chassis ( 3)

75 163" wheel base comm. chassis ( 2423)

75 163" wheel base bus. chassis ( 200)

1947 model total (61926)

More info.: MC summer 1977, pp.2-9; preview of 1948 + 1949 models; also SIA, 2/86, pp.36-43; instrument panel (p.39); gas filler detail (p.38), front bumper detail (p.38), engine comp. (p.40); last vestige of running boards (p.41); full rear view (p.43); "60-S" large color photo, CLCA 1975 centerfold; "62"convertible story and photos, "75" Limousine, small photo, CLCA 1979, p.35; "62" 2-door convertible (C&D card set); for optional equipment, see Sch40.; 1947 Brunn special Town car (CCI, 29:4), other '47 [?] (CCI, 31:5); 47-62 sedan with "Kitchen and Bath", PS 5/52, pp.130-131

Trivia: NOTE BEFORE READING: QUOTED ARE THE WORDS FROM THE ARTICLE ITSELF AND ARE NOT INTENDED TO OFFEND ANYONE. TRULY A PIECE OF HISTORY WORTH SHARING FROM BACK IN THE DAY OF IGNORANCE. LIFE July 28, 1947 full page magazine advertisement OR article featuring quite the interesting story. Words below the picture say; "Negro Farmer Jones, White Dentist Charles Townes Stand in front of the $3200 Cadillac. Says Townes, "Nobody has asked me to give it back." Below; "HARVEY JONES AND THE NEW CAR" Harvey Jones is a young Negro Navy veteran who grows peanuts on 18 acres his father owns near Ahoskie, N.C. Two months ago Harvey was approached by a white man selling lottery tickets for a 1947 Cadillac. A good Southern Negro, Harvey asked if "anyone" could get in. The white man said yes. Harvey bought a ticket. As the story goes on Harvey Jones was the first winner of this Cadillac being raffled by the Ahoskie's Kiwanians in North Carolina. On June 19, 1947 Harvey's ticket was drawn. The Kiwanians did not want a Negro to win. Three men went out and explained it was a mistake and that the lottery was just for white folks. They gave him his dollar back, later drawing another and the car went to Dr. Charles Townes, a Waverly, Virginia dentist. The Atlanta Constitution got wind and the controversy began

1948

Facts: V8 Series "61", "62", "60-S" and "75"; Went into production late Feb. '48 (CA 12/92, p.17); 11 models offered, 20th in U.S. car sales ranking; 97% of '48 models came with optional Hydra-Matic; only had one backup light (CA 12/92, p.20); radical styling changes, large fenders melting into body in long, straight lines, appearance of first tail-fins [called "rudder type" rear fenders in in-house publications] housing tail-lights and directional . signals, unique "horseshoe" instrument panel, hydraulic window lifts on some models (have "X" after body style number), more glass area with new, curved windshield and rear window; "60-S" model had simulated air-scoop on leading edge of rear fenders. For improved ride, tire pressure was dropped to 24 psi, making use of advancements also in tire manufacture. Specifications: 8-cylinder, 90° V8, 3.5 x 4.5" b&s, 346 ci, side valve, 7.25:1 compression ratio, dual throat down-door aft carburetor, 150 (130 net) BHP @ 3600 rpm ("75" = 160 gross, 133 net @ 3800 rpm), 3-speed automatic transmission, 3.77:1 rear axle ratio or 3.36:1 with Hydra-Matic ("75" = 4.24:1 or 3.77 with Hydra-Matic), live rear axle suspension, semi-elliptic springs and tube shock absorbers, independent coil-spring front suspension with tube shock absorbers, 126" wheel base chassis ("62" = 129", "60S" = 133", "75" = 136"), 213.9" over-all length ("60S" - 226", "75" = 224"), 59" front track, 63" rear track, 8.20x15 tires ("75" = 7.00x16), weight: 4068-4150 lbs ("62" = 4125-4449, "60S" = 4356, "75" = 4790-4960 lbs), 0-60 mph in 13 seconds. ("75" = 15 seconds.), 100 mph top speed ("75" = 95 mph", 12-30 mpg ("75" = 10-18 mpg). "75" cars retained 1946 body lines but had 1948 instrument panel and interior design; rear bumper mounted flush with end of body and not "added-on"; 4 different windshields in '48! "60S" had dipped rain gutters and the 5 hash-marks that first appeared in '42; it had an extended rear deck lid and simulated side air scoop; brochure shows fastback coupes with one-piece back-light but in fact all came with 3-piece rear windows; center glove-box [not used again until 1965-66 models]; much broader glass area; change front glass to plastic tail-light lenses, improved windshield wipers, counterbalanced trunk hinges, 2 drain holes in wheel discs instead of one in '47, discs were not interchangeable owing to increased wheel rim size.

Easy ID: "Horseshoe" instrument cluster; small, round parking lights (below headlights) set in center of rectangular fog light housing, level with space between 2nd and 3rd grille bars down from top, four grille bars (i.e. three rows of "egg-crate" openings), hood crest between wider "V", again "Cadillac" in script lettering behind front wheel openings. Series 62 cars have three chevrons below tail-lights. Wheel covers interchange with 1949-1952, therefore not reliable for ID purposes.

Models:

Series "61" [126" wheel base]: from 486100001-486148663

6107 6-passenger Coupe 4070 lbs $2728 ( 3521)

6109 6-passenger Sedan. 4145 lbs $2833 ( 5081)

61 126" wheel base chassis ( 1)

Series "62" [126" wheel base]: from 486200001-486252704 [tail-fin features]

6207 6-passenger Coupe 4125 lbs $2912 ( 4764)

6267X 6-passenger Convertible 4450 lbs $3442 ( 5450)

6269 6-passenger Sedan 4180 lbs $2996 (23997)

62 126" wheel base chassis ( 2)

Series "60-S" 133" wheel base]: from 486000001-48605270

6069X 5-passenger Sedan 4370 lbs $3820 ( 6561)

Series "75" 136" wheel base]: from 487500001-487546088

7519X 5-passenger Sedan 4865 lbs $4779 ( 225)

7523L with auxiliary seats 4925 lbs $4679 ( 90)

7523X 7-passenger Sedan 4910 lbs $4999 ( 499)

7533L with auxiliary seats ?? lbs $ ?? ( 64)

7533X 7-passenger Imperial 4930 lbs $5199 ( 382)

75 136" wheel base chassis ( 2)

76 163" wheel base comm. chassis

from 487600001 ( 2067)

1948 model total (52706)

More info. on "62" Club Coupe, CLCA 30th anniversary issue, p.39-41; "75" Limousine, CLCA 1975, p.27; Limousine, CLCA 1980, p.29; "60-S", MC Summer 1977, cover; Series "62" tail fin drawing SIA 21, p.36; fastback rear view, SIA 11, p.11; engine , same issue, p.14; "62" Sedan for sale, SIA17, p.9; CLCA 30th anniversary issue, p.38; MC summer 1977, pp.2-9; preview of 1948 + 1949 models; instrument panel, SIA 11, p.10; note re '48 Cadillac advertisement in CA 12/92, p.91; 2-page, SEP advertisement for 1948 {***};. for optional equipment, see Sch40; see also C&P, 5/72; Hydro-Lectric problems covered in annex to "Cadillac Serviceman" 3/48; 48-60S photo (CCI, 29:2); 1948 Saoutchik Cadillac inspiration Delahaye in TQ 7-8/83, p.20

 

1948-1949

Article: comparison between 2 years, SIA 11, pp.10-17; SIA 6-7/72, pp.10-17; engine comparison, MC summer 1977, pp.2-9; CA 12/92, p.2 and pp.8-21;

 

1949        [Thanks to Jay Friedman, Ron Roscoe and George Southern for corrections]

Facts: V8 Series "61", "62", "60-S" and "75"; New 8-cylinder, overhead-valve 90° V8 engine (in development since 1936-37) to take advantage of higher-octane fuels; 4¾" shorter, 3" lower and 200 lbs lighter than previous L-head version but developed 10 more HP. 3.81 x 3.63" b&s, 331 ci, overhead valves, push rod actuated, 7.5:1 compression ratio, Carter dual down-door aft carburetor, 160 (133 net) BHP @ 3800 rpm, 3-speed manual transmission standard, or 4-speed automatic "Hydra-Matic;  3.77:1 rear axle ratio or 3.36:1 with Hydra-Matic ("75" = 4.24:1 or 3.77 with Hydra-Matic), live rear axle suspension, semi-elliptic springs and "Knee-Action" shock absorbers, independent coil-spring front suspension again with "Knee Action" shock absorbers; 126" wheel base chassis ("62" = 129", "60S" = 133", "75" = 136"), 213.9" over-all length ("60S" - 226", "75" = 224"), 59" front track, 63" rear track, 8.20x15 tires ("75" = 7.00x16), weight: 4068-4150 lbs ("62" = 4125-4449, "60S" = 4129-4415, "75" = 4790-4960 lbs), 0-60 mph in 13 seconds. ("75" = 15 seconds.), 100 mph top speed ("75" = 95 mph", 12-30 mpg ("75" = 10-18 mpg). "75" cars retained 1946 body lines but had 1948 instrument panel and interior design; giving a total of 160BHP @ 3800 rpm; 7.50-1 compression ratio, 313/16x35/8 b&s (96.84x92.07mm), 331 cu" displacement (5,424 liters), 0-60mph in 13.4 seconds., aluminum alloy pistons shaped to nest between crankshaft counterweights, stannate-treated piston surfaces, dual downdraft carburetor, compression ratio 7.5-1 (shown as 6.7-1 on Belgian sheet [see below]), 18 quarts of coolant, thermostatic automatic choke, new improved generator, 220 sq." braking area (233 sq." on "75" models). New engine subjected to 1,000,000 miles of testing before installation in 1949 models. Detailed engine photos with 1948 comparison in Sch40 book, p.147. 12 models offered, 18th in U.S. car sales ranking, new this year; car had 2 backup lights, compared to only 1 in '48 (CA 12/92, p.20); Coupe de Ville introduced late in model year, simultaneously with the Oldsmobile 98 Futuramic Holiday and the Buick Roadmaster Riviera; "Arty" coupe, CC, 10/83; MC summer 1977, pp.2-9; preview of 1948 + 1949 models; '49 2-page advertisement appeared SEP 27.11.48 (CA 12/92, p.91); start of advertising themes featuring jewels by famous jewelers. Some body styles now had hydraulically operated seats as well as windows (also have "X" after body style number). Hydra-Matic transmission was standard on export models.; lubrication chart (CCI, 30:7). Article on 1949 engine: AI, 1.11.48, pp.34-35. Story of surviving Series 62 convertible in V8, #9, pp.8-13.

[A number of Database users have supplied corrections for this year's section.  These include:       

1. 49 Cadillacs still had lever-action shock absorbers. Tube-type shocks were not introduced until 1950.

2. The series 75 (limousines) had the old body style, but the dashboard looked the same as that of other 1949s, not like 48s as the database says. This dashboard was slightly wider than that used in Series 60S, 61 and 62 because the Series 75 was wider, but it superficially resembled the others.

3. FYI: the lower compression ratio you report from Belgian literature is because higher octane gasoline on sale in the USA, which permitted a relatively high compression ratio of 7.5 here, was not yet available in Europe. So cars sold in outside the US had a lower compression ratio for the lower octane fuels. (I don't know how it was achieved; either a thicker head gasket, which would cause alignment problems with the water pump and valve train or dished pistons.

4. The standard 3-speed transmission (with a 3.77 rear axle ratio) was standard equipment on all 49 models (the last year that this was so), though only 1-2 % of cars were so equipped. The 4-speed (not 3-speed as in the database) Hydra Matic transmission (with a 3.36 rear axle ratio) was optional equipment in 1949, though most cars were so equipped. Beginning in 1950 the Hydra Matic was standard on Series 62 and 60S, and beginning in 1952 Hydra Matic was standard on all except Series 75 and Series 86 (hearses and ambulances). From 1954 all Cadillacs were equipped with Hydra Matic and the engine/transmission connection was changed such that there was no place anymore to mount a clutch or pedal linkage.

5. All 49s had two back-up lights [YS adds:  according to factory literature, one reversing light was standard; two were optional].  Most 48s had only one back-up light, but beginning late in the 1948 model year 2 back-up lights were supplied à la 1949.

Easy ID: Three grille bars (i.e. two rows of large, rectangular "egg-crate" openings, two lower two grille bars wrap around front fenders to wheel openings, small, round parking lights (below headlights) set in rectangular frame between 2nd and 3rd grille bars, "Cadillac" in script lettering behind front wheel openings, two white reversing lights on rear body below trunk lid, full horn ring. Wheel covers interchange with 1948 and 1950-1952, therefore not reliable for ID purposes.

(body styles): 1949 Photo of motor in Brooklands Book "Cadillacs from 1949-1959"; "75" Fleetwood limousine (CCI, 27:1)

Models:

Series "61" [126" wheel base 3m20]: numbers from 496100001-496192554, over-all length 215"

6107 6-passenger Coupe 4070 lbs $2814 ( 6409)

6169 6-passenger Sedan. 4145 lbs $2919 (15738)

61 126" wheel base chassis ( 1)

Series "62" [126" wheel base 3m20]: numbers from 496200001-496292554. over-all length 215".

6207 6-passenger Coupe 4125 lbs $2992 ( 7515)

6237X 6-passenger Coupe de Ville 3857 lbs $3497 ( 2150)

6267X 6-passenger Convertible 4450 lbs $3523 ( 8000)

6269 6-passenger Sedan 4180 lbs $3076 (37617)

(id.) Crated, knocked down ( 360)

62 126" wheel base 3m20 chassis ( 1)

Series "60-S" [133" wheel base 3m38]: numbers from 496000001-496092554. over-all length 226" 5m76 [longer than "75" series!].

6037X Sp. Coupe de Ville ( 1)³

6069X 5-passenger Sedan 4370 lbs $3859 (11399)

Series "75" Slab sides and 1948 5-bar grille carried over without change for 1949[136" wheel base 3m46]: numbers from 497500001-497592554, over-all length 225" 5m74.

7519X 5-passenger Sedan 4865 lbs $4865 ( 220)

7523L with auxiliary seats 4925 lbs $4691 ( 35)

7523X 7-passenger Sedan 4910 lbs $5011 ( 595)

7533L 9-passenger Imperial 4930 lbs $4890 ( 25)

7533X 7-passenger Imperial 4930 lbs $5211 ( 626)

75 136" wheel base chassis ( 1)⁴

76 163" wheel base comm. chassis ( 2067)

1949 model total (92554)

More info. on "62" convertible, story and photos, CLCA 1990, pp.20-23, also CLCA 1974, cover; + p.1; HR (???), NIT 123, cover, pp.66-69; also CC&CC 6/1985, cover and pp.34-41; CA 12/92, rear cover; details including hood ornament, front ensemble, rear seat, gas-filler, rear ensemble, hood V and crest, instrument panel, 1949 luxury car comparison, specifications; convertible, NIT 33, pp.36-39 [with Gainsbourg]; convertible, NIT, 122, cover, p.5, pp.20-25; NIT, 123, p.10; SIA 6-7/72 cover; Photo of motor in Brooklands book "Cadillacs from 1949-1959"; 62 Sedanette, CLC 1/93 cover + pp.4-5; 7523X Limousine, CLCA 1973, p.26; "62" 2-door Sedanet (or Sedanette) (C&D card set); Limousine, CLCA 1980, p.29 [???]; Hess & Eisenhardt "S&S" hearse, SIA 20, p.47; instrument panel, SIA 11, p.10; gas-filler, same issue, p.14; fastback rear view, SIA 11, p.15; bird's eye view of new Coupe de Ville, CA 12/92, p.94; Coupe de Ville 2-door Coupe article 1949 versus 1989: NIT 94, pp.70-73; custom "Woody" by B&S [offered at '93 Barret-Jackson auction], color photo available [apparently not in Sch40 book ].
___________________________________________________________

³ Built for 1949 "Autorama"

⁴ Believed fitted with "Woody" body by Bohman & Schwartz (car was offered for sale at Barret-Jackson auction 1/94 - photo available

Trivia: This year, Reza Pahlavi, Shah of Iran, got a guided tour of the Cadillac plant facilities. It is not known whether he bought or was given a Cadillac of his own at that time, but his presence was duly recorded photographically. One such photo was included in one of many rare factory photo albums claimed to have been found in a dumpster, in Michigan, and later offered for sale on e-Bay in 2002. I believe the CLC Museum and Research Center was able to acquire some of these albums; sadly others have gone into private collections and possibly may be lost for we poor researchers.

 

1948 versus 1989

Article in NIT 94, pp.70-73,

 

1950

Facts: 8-cylinder, 90° V8, 3.81 x 3.63" b&s, 331 ci, overhead valves, push rod actuated, 7.5:1 compression ratio, Carter dual down-door aft carburetor, 160 (133 net) BHP @ 3800 rpm, 3-speed automatic transmission, 3.77:1 rear axle ratio or 3.36:1 with Hydra-Matic ("75" = 3-speed standard, Hydra-Matic optional, 4.27:1 axle ratio or or 3.77 with Hydra-Matic), live rear axle suspension, semi-elliptic springs and tube shock absorbers, independent coil-spring front suspension with tube shock absorbers, 122" wheel base chassis ("62" = 126", "60S" = 130", "75" = 136"), 215.5" over-all length for sedans, others 220.5" ("60S" - 224.5", "75" = 224"), 59" front track, 63" rear track, 8.00x15 tires ("75" = 7.00x16), weight: 4068-4150 lbs ("62" = 4125-4449, "60S" = 4129-4415, weight: 4068-4150 lbs ("62" = 3863-4500, "60S" = 4356, "75" = 4790-4960 lbs), 0-60 mph in 13.5 seconds. ("75" = 15 seconds.), 100+ mph top speed ("75" = 95 mph", 14-22 mpg ("75" = 10-18 mpg). [Following from JMR data book] "Americas most desired automobile", new, modern styling, new economy, driving ease; V8 Series "61", "62", "60-S" and "75"; 9 models offered, 18th in U.S. car sales ranking; Cadillac sales exceeded 100,000 mark for first time, almost doubling in 2 years, new one-piece windshield, redesigned front suspension with direct-acting tube shock-absorber mounted inside coil springs, new intake manifold design to heat lower carburetor chamber [carburetor idle heating system to avoid stalling in cold, damp weather], sixteen refinements to Hydra-Matic [modulated line pressure to eliminate noticeable downshift], new center-"X" frame strengthener, new more rigid boxed rear cross member, new 3-piece oval muffler, new all weather vent system.   Accessories: automatic push-button radio with vacuum antenna, Syncro-Matic radio and rear speaker, automatic heating system, Fleetwood robe, seat covers, standard heater and defroster, windshield washer, LH and RH clip-on vanity mirrors, spotlight with built-in rear view mirror, wheel discs, wheel trim rings; LH and RH outside rear view mirrors, combined parking, signal and fog lights, Blue Coral finish protection, new all-weather ventilating system. Series "61" wheel base shortened to 122", Series "60-S" shortened to 130", Series "75" completely restyled from pre-war design and wheel base increased from 136¼" to 146¾"; no more "Business Sedan", "Business Imperial" or 5-passenger Following excerpt from unknown source (perhaps MT): The Cadillac is America's number one car in my book... [although] it rates mediocre, even by current American standards, in roadability, brakes and steering, the fact remains that Cadillac is the dream of the American working man - the American symbol of success. 1950 article in MI, 10/50.

Easy ID: Front grille. Again lower part of grille wraps around front of car to wheel openings (with or without rectangular fog lamps set below headlights), large, round parking/turn-signal lights inset in grille, level with center grille bar, three grille bars (i.e. two rows of large "egg-crate" openings), wider hood "V", again "Cadillac" in script lettering behind front wheel openings, full-circle horn ring, rear windshield in 3 parts, Hydra-Matic quadrant on steering column. Wheel covers interchange with 1948-1949 and 1951-1952, therefore not reliable for ID purposes.

(body styles): all cars have dual back-up lights, simulated air inlet at front of rear fenders, combination rear tail and direction signal lamp, new rear "V" and crest, Morocco brown instrument panel and door trim, wing and crest in center of instrument panel, new grille with inc. parking and fog lights, wider "V" and crest, new door handles, lower door sill molding on all but "61" models; "61" sedan and coupe; sedan has extra wide one-piece rear window, coupe deck is longer than sedan, 3-piece rear window 6 buttons on inner door panels; "62" coupe, sedan, Coupe de Ville, convertible, Hydra-Matic standard, re-styled interiors and size increase, coupe, sedan and Coupe de Ville all have 3-piece rear window; sedan and coupe door panels have 7 French-seamed pleats, Coupe de Ville has 3" piping on upper doors and seat bolsters, 2 robe cords, chrome simulated top bows, hydraulic windows and front seat; coupe has hydraulic front windows and seat at extra cost; convertible has all-leather interior, piping, with decorative chrome "V" on door panels, hydraulic top, front windows and seat; "60S" sedan, 8 louvers on rear fender door cap, hydraulic window and seat controls, 3-piece rear window, biscuit & button seat design, rear ¼ panel vents, Hydra-Matic standard; "75" 7-p. limousine or sedan, auxiliary seats, completely new design, wheel base up to 146", tufted seat motif, full leather front compartment [limousine ], map compartment under rear arm rests, robe cord, assist grips, foot rests, rear electric clock, hydraulic windows, division [limousine only] and seat [sedan only], elongated "Fleetwood" crest [where on car? - p. 44 of data book]; super custom, NIT 43, pp.46-47; 60 Special, SIA91, pp.50-57; 60 Special story, CLCA 1976, p.2-5; also SIA86, pp.50-57, details hood mascot, front grille, rear fender louvers, back-up lights, hood emblem & crest, door sill plate, gas-filler, inner front door, rear assist handle, engine comp., tools; table of prices and production figures, comparison of 1950 Cadillac and 1950 Packard; article, CC&CC, 3/1989{***}; and SIA87, pp.14-15; Sedan in "75" series; modified and decorated 1950 Sedan, in book "Automobile and Culture", exhibited at Morgan Gallery, Shawnee, Kansas (HW collection) {***}

Models:

Series "61" [126" wheel base 3m20]: numbers from ??? - ???, over-all length 215"

6137 6-passenger Coupe 4070 lbs $2814 (11839)

6169 6-passenger Sedan. 4145 lbs $2919 (14619)

id. CKD 4145 lbs $2919 ( 312)

61 126" wheel base chassis ( 2)

Series "62" [126" wheel base 3m20]: numbers from ??? - ???, over-all length 215".

6219 6-passenger sedan (41890)

6237 6-passenger Coupe. 4125 lbs $2992 ( 6434)

6237DX 6-passenger Coupe de Ville 3857 lbs $3497 ( 4507)

6267 6-passenger Convertible 4450 lbs $3523 ( 6986)

62 126" wheel base 3m20 chassis ( 1)

Series "60-S" [133" wheel base 3m38]: numbers from ??? - ???, over-all length 226" 5m76 [longer than "75" series!].

5-passenger Sedan 4370 lbs $3859 (13755)

Series "75" Restyled to conform with the rest of the line [146¾" wheel base]

7523L with auxiliary seats 4925 lbs $4691 ( 1)

7523X 7-passenger Sedan 4910 lbs $5011 ( 716)

7533X 9-passenger Imperial 4930 lbs $4890 ( 743)

86 157" wheel base commercial chassis ( 2052)

1950 model total (103857)

 

1938-1945

1986-up