">
2021 Shannons Summer Timed Online Auction
Lot
138

1950 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible (LHD)

PASSED IN

Tuesday 23rd February 9.17pm AEDT*

Sydney

Passed In

Specifications

Engine V8, 331-cid
Gearbox 4-speed automatic
Body Work Convertible
Colour Black
Interior Red
Trim Leather
Wheels Wire Spoked
Brakes Drums

Description

This lot is no longer available

Cadillac’s range for 1950 underwent extensive restyling, with a longer, lower and generally sleeker appearance that set the trend for the next decade.  The curvaceous nose was dominated by an egg-crate grille with extensive use of chrome ornamentation, a single curved windshield replaced the earlier split screen and sweeping rear fenders started with an imitation chrome air intake, ending in tail fins - a styling gimmick first seen in 1948.  The entry-level Series 61 was built on a slightly shorter wheelbase, while the better-equipped and trimmed Series 62 rode on a full 126-inch wheelbase platform, boasted additional chrome decoration along the length of the lower body, rear ventipanes and was available in a choice of four different body styles, including the sedan (style 6219), Club Coupe (6237), Coupe de Ville (6237DX) and convertible (6267).  The Coupe de Ville featured a new innovation introduced the previous year, the hardtop, while the convertible was the only ragtop in Cadillac’s model line-up that year and - with a list price of $3,654 - the most expensive offered apart from the Fleetwood.  The convertible came with hydraulic windows and power steering as standard, while the options list included windscreen washers, power front seat with under-seat heaters, a Wonderbar radio with a power antenna, whitewall tyres and chrome wheel discs.  Under the massive bonnet, Cadillac continued to offer just the one choice of motive power, the powerful overhead-valve 331-cid V8, rated at 160 horsepower, coupled to the ultra smooth Hydra-Matic automatic transmission – no manual was gearbox was offered.  Cadillac set a new sales benchmark in 1950, with production peaking at 59,818 units, of which just 6,986 were Series 62 convertibles making this classic American convertible highly collectible today.