This 1960 Cadillac Series 62 Coupe is a gentle giant and a tidy classic. Its generous exterior dimensions mean that it will never fail to command attention, while the odometer reading of 50,000 original miles should allow it to provide its new owner with years of luxurious classic motoring. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mike F. for spotting this cool Caddy listed here on Craigslist in Denver, Colorado. Handing the seller $43,000 could allow you to waft down the road behind the wheel of this Coupe.
When a car measures almost nineteen feet in length, it can’t be described as a shrinking violet. It is a vehicle that is going to be noticed, which is undoubtedly the case with this Cadillac. The 1959 model featured the enormous fins and bullet taillights, with the company taking a slightly more restrained approach in 1960. The fins remained, but weren’t as aggressive as seen previously. This Series 62 Coupe presents beautifully in Ebony, with the paint holding a remarkable depth of color and shine. The seller confirms that it underwent a color change during restoration, leaving the showroom clad in Olympic White. They concede that close inspection will reveal minor chips and marks, but the panels are straight, and it would be best to consider this Caddy a driver-grade classic. Rust is limited to one small spot in the passenger-side rear quarter panel, with the remaining exterior steel and the underside rock-solid. The bright trim provides an ideal contrast to the dark paint, and the glass looks clean and clear.
Cadillac offered two versions of its 390ci V8 to 1960 Series 62 buyers. This is the least powerful of the pair, although it still generates 325hp and 430 ft/lbs of torque. Those numbers are pretty impressive, although with a curb weight that pushes 4,900 lbs, the Coupe needs every pony it can muster to deliver respectable performance. A four-speed Hydramatic transmission was standard equipment, as was power steering and power brakes. The seller states that this Coupe has only clocked around 150 miles since the transmission was rebuilt, with the car also receiving a long list of recent work to ensure that it is mechanically healthy. They suggest a carburetor rebuild to improve performance, but it doesn’t appear that this is an urgent issue requiring immediate attention. This Coupe runs and drives exceptionally well, and is a turnkey proposition for its new owner.
Trimmed in a combination of Black cloth and White leather, this Caddy’s interior presents acceptably for a driver-grade classic. I think that the fabric on the front seat is beginning to split, and a cover hides the cracked dashpad. Failure of both items is fairly typical, but replacement parts are available for those wishing to improve the appearance. The same is true of the carpet, which is faded, but not badly worn. The seller states that the air conditioning requires at least a recharge to blow cold, but doesn’t mention any other functional shortcomings. The Coupe isn’t lavishly equipped by modern standards, but the A/C, power windows, Autronic eye, and AM radio are far beyond what most car buyers received in 1960.
I’m not sure if it is a sign of age, but I have recently found classics like this 1960 Cadillac Series 62 Coupe particularly attractive. I think the lure is due to the motoring experience that they provide, isolating the occupants from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Cadillacs of this vintage made a bold statement when new, loudly and proudly announcing that their owners were successful and wanted the world to know it. Some view cars of this caliber as politically incorrect today, consuming fuel voraciously in an era when electrification and hybrid technology dominates new car showrooms. As a daily driver, it is almost certainly impractical, but it is ideal to unwind during the weekend. If an automotive escape sounds appealing to you, perhaps this Caddy is the car of your dreams.
A beautiful `60 indeed! Considering myself and this Caddy are the same age, This car obviously has faired better LOL. And it’s pretty well equipped considering it’s not a DeVille but a Series 62. Power windows, AC, autronic eye etc. are usually found on higher levels of trim. Interior kits are available for these, so replacing that front seat cover or carpet are easier done these days. It appears solid, with no visible rust to speak of and nice paint. I love it and wish I had the dough. GLWTA!
“Politically incorrect”??!! Oh please! I would drive the wheels offa that bad boy. I drive a 72 CdV with 46K miles on it now, and it looks like new after 6 years of owning it. This model is a fave, tho’.
If it hadn’t been mentioned that this car was originally white, I’d have sworn it was my Dad’s old car. He bought one just like this used in 1966. My sister and I used to argue over who would put their arm on the rear armrest. That would inevitably lead to Mom turning around and giving the evil eye, ending the dispute.By 1967, Dad started getting a company car, and Mom never had a driver’s license so the Cadillac was only used on weekends. By early 68, the transmission was needing repair so Dad parked it and bought a brand new Impala. By late 69, he did the transmission work on the Cadillac and taught my sister how to drive on it. She got her license in early 1970 and it became her first car. It still seems funny to me that my very short in stature sister could reach the pedals. By May of 71 the Cadillac was sold to make room for my sisters brand new Chevelle. I never saw the Cadillac after that. This one looks to be in about the same condition as ours was when Dad sold it. Lots of memories!!
As beautiful as the ’59s are, I like the ’60s better. This one is gorgeous!
Me too; `59s have become a cliche like `57 Chevies have. 1960 Cadillacs are much more restrained in design, lower fins, without the heavy-looking front end `59s have.
I agree that the 1960 is much better. It has the automatic release emergency brake. It has the turn indicators out on the front fender which are really cool. It has a nice beautiful emblem in the middle of the steering wheel instead of that ugly pointed thing and it does not have a horn ring. It has the horn buttons recessed into the spokes. I think it’s a much nicer design
I’ve always preferred the 60s to the 59s. Price is way out of line (IMO) but most are.
I see a common thread today in looking at the various Barn finds. What do I want and what would really make me happy with my automotive choices. A 60 Cadillac for 43k or a new Escalade for a 110 K?
Joe. You can buy the Escalade and conceivably spend 20 years running it into the ground. 20,000 miles annually with all 3 (or 4) generations of your family enjoying it camping, boating, moving in and out of college, coast to coast carefree driving. Repair shop on every corner.
Or you can buy the ’60 and keep a trickle charger on it.
Bub, To say I think you logic is absolutely whacked, is a mild understatement, but go ahead and enjoy your 100 K plus Escalade for the next 40 years. You deserve each other and the repair shops on every corner should be a big help!
Joe. Did you miss lunch? You sound hangry.
I’m just saying different strokes.
Like, you’re a soccer guy. I like hockey.
It’s a big world filled with enough for all of us. Good luck Joe.
This is one stunning ’60. I couldn’t believe it had its color changed. It looks like a really top notch job. I always preffered the ’60 over the ’59. Very nice. I’ll take this over an Escalade any day. ( But I’d only drive it in nice weather.)
Wait, what? 43K and ya gotta rebuild the carb? C’mon now! THAT should have been done BEFORE you put the car up for sale, not after. Other than that, I like the car and would live to own it. It certainly is a ride fit for a Queen…Angel, you missed this one!
I really enjoy my Cadillac Escalade. It’s a 1999 has only 91,000 miles on it. I paid $5,200 for it 12 years ago and it still runs and looks like new and I can drive it in the winter.
I still like the 60,s Cadillacs better.
I see the large windshield washer glass jar is missing and there’s several scrunched up plastic bottles. Wonder what’s with that? I still have several of those jars from my various 60 Cadillacs.