Considered to be a 50th-anniversary model, it would seem that all 1952 Cadillacs, including this subject car, were 50th-anniversary models simply by virtue of the fact that 1952 was Cadillac’s golden anniversary. At least that’s how they’re presented in Cadillac’s ’52 promotional material. Regardless, this Series Sixty-two, according to the seller, is one of 42K sedans so produced while Caddy’s total output rested at 90K that year – a count that put them domestically, in eleventh place. With a recorded 76K miles of usage, this powder blue luxury cruiser still shows well, so let’s take a closer look. It is domiciled in Jackson, Louisiana and is available, here on craigslist for $15,500. Thanks to T.J. for this discovery!
You’ve come a long way baby, at least between 1902 and 1952 (and you could argue the same thing between 1952 and 2002 but probably with a different slant). But the fifties were a time for unbridled enthusiasm within the domestic automotive industry and Cadillac was, arguably, the Standard of the World. Models abounded that year with Series 62 sedans, two-door coupes, two-door “DeVille” hardtops, a convertible, and the long-wheelbase Series 75 limousine sedan.
Resprayed in what appears to be the original Olympic Blue hue, this sedan shows well though there are some blemishes such as the noted under-trim rust streams. There’s also some rust bubbling in other places like the fender skirts. The chrome and trim are a mixed bag, some, like the grille and front bumper, look fine, other pieces like the rear bumper have lost their luster. And of course, the badging is gold-colored to reflect this Caddy’s anniversary status. There is no evidence, fortunately, of rot-through or crash damage.
A 190 gross HP, 331 CI V8 engine married to a Hydramatic automatic transmission allows this car to, “start, stop and run reliably“, claims the seller. With the exception of a 12-volt charging system conversion, things in the engine room appear to be as originally intended.
The images of the interior aren’t very forthcoming though it is said to be original. From what little can be seen, the dash, instrument panel, and front seat look fine, the carpet too. The upholstery shows as a blue velour type fabric but so little is revealed that it’s anyone’s guess as to what kind of overall condition it possesses.
So what do you think of this 50th anniversary Cadillac? I’d rather have it than a 1902, or a 2002 example – or probably most Cadillacs built since 2002. Beyond that, an early ’50s example of anything doesn’t really float my boat but I know these Series Sixty-Two sedans, and coupes too, definitely have a following and the anniversary aspect will probably add to this car’s draw, wouldn’t you agree?
You know, ( here it comes) one can tell where we are automotive-wise today, and I still feel the amount of comments here translates into interest, but here you have the BEST, most luxurious car America made in the early 50’s, open for all comments, unlike that pesky “early access” ALL DAY,,,and nothing. Bupkus, for shame. I know, Cadillac is a tarnished name today, like way down on the list for luxury car sales, if GM doesn’t get their heads out of their rears, this famous marque will join the ranks of such other great names as Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Saab, Hummer( just stuck that last one in there, couldn’t care less about the Hummer, but still) as cars nobody wants. Very few people could afford Caddy’s then, unlike today, where a nod gets you a new one. People worked their entire lives to buy a Caddy. You pulled up in one of these in your driveway, you would be noticed, unlike today. Not sure what they did with the brakes, it appears they removed the heater, and added a brake reservoir. The master cylinder was below the drivers floor, which, for most, is fine, this a “nice day” car anyway. Beautiful car, “easy” restoration, and no interest in this grand car makes me want to puke, but here we are, and I’ve ruined enough laptops as it is.
Cadillac in the 80s and 90s, watched their customer base die out. as sales became dismal with the intro of the 4cyl Econo box and other crappy cars, they had to reinvent themselves to their changing demographics. and competition. while the industrial look was initially not embraced by the buying public, they have done a decent job of resurrecting the brand. but not good enough. time should edge them further with their electric offerings coming to market and an evolving buyer. don’t throw in the towel just yet. (I was an executive in the automotive business for years.)
Excellent.
In 1954, My grandfather really wanted a Cadillac but instead, settled for a brand new 54 New Yorker, Deluxe.
Having weathered the 1929 stock market crash, and even though he could have afforded it, he just couldn’t bring himself to spring for the Caddy.
I’d snap this baby up in a trice if I didn’t live on the other side of the planet ! I bought a black one just like this in W.Quebec for $50 in ’68 and my missus and I drove it 2500 miles to British Columbia where I transplanted the drive train into a ’53 I had bought in Vancouver in ’65. From there,we headed south to California and then back across the States to Quebec . We covered 8500 miles in 5 weeks with no trouble except I had to prime the carby every morning.The ineffective accelerator pump on the 4 bbl allowed us to get 22 mpg on the California freeways. These are my all-time fav cruisers !
Looks like they added a remote reservoir for brakes:-)
‘I’d rather have it than a 1902, or a 2002 example – or probably most Cadillacs built since 2002.’
The absolute bottom of Cadillac styling: anonymous blob Caprice look a like. No definition, no flow, no interesting curves or angles, grille that might well have come from that Chevy mini-van thing.
Wretched.
I’d take the ’52 too. Or an ’85-’86, even.
Nothing speaks of GM’s decline of leadership like the end of the century Cadillacs.
Collectible cars are all about nostalgia. Vehicles we or our parents once owned with great memories of trips and took dates on or muscle cars we lusted for but couldn’t afford to buy or the insurance on all that power when a young driver. This 1952 Cadillac is before I was born so I do not have the emotional connection to this rusting example of The American Standard of the World. I love the blue color, the cool 1950s styling and the fact it had a strong V8 and automatic transmission. But the restoration costs coupled with the lack of personal connection means this great luxury car is not for me.
Who can forget the “Caddy that Zigs”.(1997 Opel Cadillac Catera) That had to show us that the once grand marque was gone. :-) Terry J
These are great, but $15,500.00 is too much money for this one, considering the cost of dealing with the rust-through (which would also mean a full repaint), the tired old interior with incorrect seat covers, dulled chrome, etc. etc. The odometer shows 80-something thousand miles, but has surely turned over at least once.
80,000 miles? I doubt if it has turned over Gitter. 1952 was pre-Eisenhower Interstate Highway system. Hilly,winding 2 lane blacktop highways at best. It was typical for a car to have a 100,000 mile life span, never heard of one going anywhere near 180,000 miles. Now if a car is under 200k it’s called “low mileage”. Terry J
Hi Terry, I agree, people just didn’t rack up the miles like today, and many roads outside of cities, were still gravel. If one DID travel by car then, they probably bought a Cadillac for that very reason. I remember ONCE, my old man had a car that was going to turn 100K. We all went for a ride, and when the odometer went to all zeros, we all cheered. It was an unwritten rule, get rid of the car BEFORE 100K.
Went to my father’s funeral in one of these, it was black, of course, sat in front with the driver, mother and little sisters in back, I was a kid but “full grown” and had my license. It seemed strange to me to be driven in a paid Caddy when we had a perfectly good Chevy at home. But it, and this one, were MUCH nicer cars than Chevy’s and Fords. My mother said it was “part of the package, so enjoy it.” What a waste of money the whole thing was. I am signed up for cremation, and no ceremony – just an open house/wake if I am still living where I am.
Some great comments here. I am now 66 years young and looking for a 90s Brougham. However, they are either beat up, smoked in and just a pile of dog crap. Or they are 15,000 mile cream puffs and selling for more than $40,000. I owned a 73 Coupe de Ville in 2004. It was red with black leather. Needed work, so I sold it for $500 to a couple worker. Don’t know of he still has it. Looking back, should have kept it. My dentist gave it to me. His grandmother bought it new. Today, Cadillac a total joke with over priced garbage. Cadillac will soon join Pontiac, Olds and Saturn in the grave. The once mighty GM is a complete joke. Their vehicles are horrible.
Hi George, smoked in, that’s funny, AND yes, a big stogie and a Caddy went hand in hand.
My grandparents lived in Pismo Beach California. I was eight years old in 1966 and all of us grandchildren were piled in “grandma’s caddy” and my dad would take us down and let us all drive on the beach…it was a ‘52 four-door just like this one except gray on gray. One Dad and 8 kids…”Seatbelts!? We don’t need no steenkeen seatbelts!” 😂