1958 Cadillac Series 62 Sedan

Description

Make no mistake, Cadillac not only understood the concept of First Class in the '50s, but they were the world's finest purveyor of it. This stunning 1958 Cadillac Series 62 sedan should tell you all you need to know about what the 1% was doing with their money in the late 1950s. A very impressive survivor that's ready to cruise, it's over-the-top luxury and style from an era when America could do no wrong.

'50s Cadillacs are impressive machines and just the mere sight of one sends our imaginations spinning towards who might be inside, what celebrity or dignitary might be enjoying that ultimate luxury. But at the same time, they need to be imposing and with this Cadillac wearing what appears to be its original Daphne Blue, it certainly gets your attention. The finish is original, so it's far from perfect, but it would also be a crime to repaint it. The quality is still quite visible, as it should be for a car that cost as much as the average family's house in 1958. And while no late-50s Cadillac could ever be considered subtle, this one has presence to spare: it's big, it's shiny, and nobody mistakes it for anything else. Perhaps it's all that glittering chrome, which it wears like an expensive watch and cufflinks, symbols of almost unattainable luxury that you almost want to reach out and touch. The only notable deviation from stock are the 1959 Cadillac taillights, an each item to change if you want to go back to stock.

You'd expect to be coddled inside, but this car is appointed like an executive office suite with every possible luxury convenience 1950s technology could provide. The handsome interior is almost entirely original and still in good shape with modest signs of wear but no critical issues. Again, restoration would be a mistake here. Features include power windows, a power front seat, and a signal-seeking AM radio, although it has been supplanted by a modern AM/FM/CD stereo head unit with remote cleverly hidden in the glove box. The driver has perhaps the best seat in the house, facing a spectacular instrument panel full of shiny stainless and crisply rendered instruments. The steering wheel almost feels too delicate for such a massive machine, and you can guide the big sedan with just your fingertips. There's also a massive trunk that's quite original, including the mats and jack assembly.

If you wanted horsepower in 1958, you shopped at the Cadillac store. With a 365 cubic inch V8 making 310 horsepower, this big hardtop is surprisingly swift, built for effortless power and torque under any conditions. The engine hums with a muscular sound that you feel in your chest as much as hear with your ears, and the silky transmission changes gears almost imperceptibly. The suspension is soft, no doubt about that, but isn't that the whole point? The engine bay is nicely tended but not restored, although the gold air cleaner and valve covers have been repainted and a modern alternator added. Underneath, the chassis which shows no rust or damage, as well as a frame that would be at home under a railroad car, plus a dual exhaust system with a nice rumble thanks to a pair of glasspack-style mufflers. Big 235/75/15 BFGoodrich Silvertown wide whitewall radials have been fitted to the original wheels, so it handles even better than new.

1950s Cadillacs are iconic and few work better than this one in period colors. For a fan of original, unmolested cars, this is a fantastic find that's going to be a joy to own. Call today!