1962 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible


Details

Cadillac is one of the oldest motor vehicle manufacturers in the world. The company was founded in August 1902 following a dispute between Henry Ford and his financial investors. The first Cadillac was built in late 1902 and in January 1903 their cars received rave reviews at the New York Motor Show. Even back then Cadillac’s differentiator was ‘quality’ which is how the brand has been recognised ever since. In 1909 Cadillac was acquired by General Motors and has always been the flagship in the GM stable of car manufacturers.

Prior to World War II Cadillac was a market leader of mass produced luxury cars. In the 1930s, Cadillac added cars with V12 and V16 engines to their range, many of which were fitted with custom coach built bodies. Cadillacs of this era were often referred to as American Rolls-Royces.

The 1950’s and 1960’s were ‘good times’ for the American automobile industry. The United States became the world’s largest manufacturer of automobiles and ‘the car’ had a significant influence on American culture. Fast food, rock ‘n’ roll, American diners, drive-in movies and of course cars were ‘very cool’.

One of Cadillac’s most popular models was the Series 62, built from 1940 through until 1964. Throughout this era luxury equated to size and some of the Cadillacs of this period had an incredible presence.

Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale a 1962 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible. The current owner acquired the car at auction in the USA back in 2012. This car was part of a prominent private collection of cars that were ‘used rather than shown’. At the time of purchase the odometer read 37,393 miles. There is an import approval on file dated 3rd October 2012. Since arriving into Australia this car has been used sparingly and travelled a meagre 514 miles.

Today this car presents and drives well. The paint work is in good condition with high gloss and colour. There is the odd blemish evident, which is consistent with a car that has been driven. The body is very straight with excellent panel gaps. All of the exterior trim and chrome and glass are in good condition. Structurally the car looks solid, though there are a few small spots on both sills in front of the rear wheels. The interior is neat and tidy and there are no rips, tears or damage to the upholstery. The soft top is in excellent condition (it was replaced back in 2012), though the soft top tonneau cover is worn and its new owner may choose to repair or replace it. All of the instruments and controls, which are a feature on this car, are in good condition and in working order. Under the bonnet, the engine bay is very clean.

Prior to being sold in 2012 the previous owner had in excess of US $10,000 spent on this car with OMAG Automotive Machine Inc in Palm Springs, California. The work included: servicing the car, rebuilding the power steering & generator, overhauling the brakes, resealing the transmission, sorting the fuel delivery system & the electrics, repainting & detailing the engine bay, fitting new weather stripping, fitting new radial tyres and the fitment of a new soft top. The car was last registered in the USA as 6TVP919 (California).

This Caddie was given a ‘once over’ and service in September 2017. The work done at this time included: remove and clean the fuel tank which proved to be the source of contamination of the fuel system, replace the brake master cylinder, repair the power windows and replace the muffler.

The stonking 390 cubic inch V8 starts easily at the turn of the key. The engine is definitely more ‘luxury limousine’ rather than ‘muscle car’ and once out on the open road it is incredibly quiet. That said you are soon reminded that you have 325 bhp and 430 lbs ft of torque at your disposal if you need it! The car is just a fabulous cruiser and it goes about its business very efficiently.

The car is accompanied by a history file with receipts for all of the work done back in 2012 and in 2017, a US title (California), an owner’s manual (copy) and other miscellaneous documentation.

Oh did we mention the tail fins . . . just fabulous . . . it doesn’t get any cooler than that!

 


Specification

  • -
  • Series 62 Cadillac
  • 1962
  • Convertible
  • Auto
  • 37,907 miles
  • 6384 cc

SOLD

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