Showing surface rust and minimal evidence of its original factory splendor, this 1950 Cadillac Coupe in Sunland Park, New Mexico makes a stern and stately impression. The front bumper alone probably outweighs a Corolla! Its hood and proportions show design elements of 1940s cars, but the front fenders share the line of the doors, with no hint of a separate enclosure for the front wheels. Seeking a new owner here on eBay, this elegant hardtop coupe retains most of its original parts, and the engine and underhood components reveal some optimistic attention on the road to restoration. The Buy It Now price of $9950 might scare off the bargain-hunters, but the lack of rust and damage could entice someone with the skills or budget to tackle the interior and mechanical shortcomings.

The rear fenders, while still removable, flow fully rearward, punctuating in a mild tail light fin, the latter cleverly enclosing the gas filler. While the visual appearance and lack of rocker trim suggest the short-wheelbase Series Sixty-One, the trim behind the rear wheel came with the longer-wheelbase Series Sixty-Two. Both models feature rear side windows (including the chrome trim resembling a pillar) that pivot into the panel between the door and the rear wheel, leaving an open-air (hardtop) cabin with the windows lowered. A coil-spring rear suspension resembles cars of the ’70s, but with lower arms similar to today’s NASCAR truck-arm suspensions.

I believe that tan strip would have been either real wood or wood grain painted on metal. The door panels, while removed, come with the sale, and that detail band continues rearward across the doors to the sides of the rear seat. Continuity of design like this appears in show-cars, but Cadillac brought it to the streets in 1950. Though I’m more familiar with my friend’s 1949 Cadillac, I see few changes in this 1950 model beyond subtle differences like the vertical bar at the front of the rear fenders. However, wikipedia.org reports “major” modifications for 1950. Comments on this topic are welcome below!

The lovely 331 cid (5.4L) Overhead Valve (OHV) V8 appeared in 1949 and largely carried over for 1950, making 160 HP and a velvety 322 lb-ft of torque. The 331 spins a four-speed automatic transmission. Hydraulic window lifts call for some unique skills during restoration or repair. Wait until you see what looks like fuel lines running all over the place inside. Owned by a museum, this stalled project’s engine compartment hints at the original color and work begun. This will be one sharp-looking Caddy! Can you picture yourself behind the wheel of this Truman-era Cadillac coupe?