Last week we featured this 1955 Cadillac Sixty-Two convertible and it makes quite a visual statement. Today’s find in a 1954 Sixty-Two sedan and “frumpy” is the first descriptor that comes to mind. Sure, it’s stately looking in a funeral director’s sort of way, and for many, this is what they conjure up when they think of a ’50s Caddy. It is clean and original, for the most part, and it’s available, here on Facebook Marketplace for $19,000. Interested buyers will find this “Standard of the World” sedan residing in Dallastown, Pennsylvania. Thanks are due to T.J. for this tip!
The series Sixty-Two was considered Cadillac’s most popular model in ’54 as it was the most restrained in spite of its still significant 129-inch wheelbase. Body styles included a two-door hardtop and convertible in addition to the four-door sedan such as our subject car. Total Series Sixty-Two production reached approximately 76K units with the four-door sedan accounting for 33K of that total. The Facebook listing is laconic, simply stating “all original” except for the front brakes which have been converted to discs. The finish is still reasonably deep which is surprising for 70-year-old lacquer, it’s not perfect and has some signs of general use but still, I’d say this car has been well-kept. There appears to be no body panel damage or rust and the stainless trim is very presentable. The bumper’s chrome plating is fair, showing just the effects of normal age.
The 250 gross HP, 331 CI V8 engine is said to “run and drive” but that’s about it. The odometer reading is 1234 but that’s likely a placeholder (once around?) and not a genuine recording. A Hydramatic automatic transmission was the only available gearbox – no manual for this Caddy! A walk-around video that details this car’s engine and its flanks is accessible via the listing but I wasn’t able to hyperlink it to this post – be sure to check it out. It’s a clean and original-looking engine compartment.
The real highlight is this sedan’s interior – it shows like new! The upholstery has the correct tufted pattern, done in fabric, in what I would refer to as a “wheat” hue. It’s definitely a shade that will reveal dirt and discoloration but none is noted and that includes the matching carpet. The dash and instrument panel are more simplified and basic than one will often find in some cars of the era but I would certainly say that they pass Cadillac muster. The only non-original component noted is a single auxiliary gauge attached beneath the ashtray. Not surprising for 1954, this is not an A/C equipped car though it was on the option sheet. Still – no demerits are warranted when it comes to this Sixty-Two’s innards.
The verdict? Well, I still think this Caddy is frumpy looking but it is a very fine frumpy example. As for the price, $19 large seems a bit enthusiastic but I could see something in that vicinity, how about you?
Cadillac, Cadillac, long and dark, shiny and black,,I think no matter your age, we can agree, Springsteen is the best! Who in ‘tarnation would drive a black Caddy in the mid-50s? The mid-50s were the beginning of excess. No wars to speak of, people flush with cash from a host of sources, whoever they were, a car like this told the world, you made it, financially, that is. I mean, future generations will look at this car and wonder, this was the best there was? I suppose considering todays cars, it may seem archaic, but they will never understand, yes, this was the best there was. You don’t hear Springsteen writing songs about a Camry,,,amen to that!
My Dad was a salesman at the local Olds/Caddy/GMC dealer in the mid 1960’s. His experience was that more than 90% of the new Cadillacs they sold were financed. Most of the customers who paid cash bought an Olds 98 because it was a similar car for a lot less money. That’s why they had cash.
Dad had a friend, a retired architect (who designed the original Pittsburgh Zoo buildings) who bought Cadillacs for cash, but he bought used ones two years old for 75% of the new sticker price.
I love it! Americans used to be American and didn’t give a fck they built the biggest, heaviest, powerful cars and kiss our American azz lol
It only looks “frumpy” because it needs 3.5″ whitewall tires. Maybe 5″. Put some whites on it and it won’t look that frumpy. A nice leather interior would help, also.
Still, a pretty car
Something besides “mortuary black” might help too. They had such beautiful colors then. Apparently, you have to go to Cuba to see any color today!
I’m ready, HoA! Let’s go! 😆
Aunt and uncle next door had a baby blue with white top ’56 Series 62,
Another aunt had a ’57 Series 62 in medium blue with a white top.
Wide whites with those full disc chrome hubcaps, all the difference in the world.
Maybe whoever ordered this was trying to make it look like a limo.
Pretty sure it had whitewalls when new
Now, don’t toy with an old mans heart, dear, I prefer the good ol’ USA, but my kids been around the world. My son went to Cuba, and had a great time. So many misconceptions about Cuba. These days, I rarely leave the county.
Honestly, as a kid, I never remember any black cars, except funeral ones. It was commonly thought, no red cars( fire chief) or yellow( school bus) or black ones.
Asking about $4 a pound. I could daily this no problem.
I would cherish this car but I’m surprised at the pedestrian interior. The seat fabric seems more at home in a Checker then a Caddy. Is that hood ornament stock? I would think some white walls and a serious detail would wake her up. If that chrome bumper isn’t immaculate I would have it rechromed, that would definitely make a difference. GLWTA
Cloth upholstery was considered to be luxurious back then, to the point where in limousines the passengers in the back sat on fine broadcloth and the chauffeur had to sit on pedestrian leather, which is far less comfortable in a hot car without A/C.
Definitely needs wide whites. Vertical chrome trim pieces below the trunk lid are ’55, not ’54.
The last picture is a 1955 Cadillac, not a 1954. What’s up with this?
The Dagmars were bigger on the ’55s than the ’54s, but only a Dirty Old Man would notice…
Dagmars in ’55 were where the parking lights are on a ’54.
I was aquainted with a guy who owned a Cadillac dealership years ago and he had a priceless quip. When we sell the Caddy, it is executive grey, when we take it in on trade it is funeral grey.
This Cadillac has so much more CLASS than a New 2024. I haven’t come across any. Only pictures. Will any 2024 Whizmobiles be around in twenty years?