In the early 1960s, magazine road test after magazine road test came to the same conclusion: Even though the Cadillac was mass produced in great numbers, it would have been very difficult to find a car that was assembled and engineered more carefully anywhere in the world. It truly was a car for the home team to be proud of. It’s a fair argument that the 1963 model represents that zeitgeist well, and this example, sent to us by Barn Finds reader Barney, is a lovely original example of the “basic” Series 62 Sedan. Almost 13,000 six-window versions were built in 1963, and this one is being offered on craigslist in the San Francisco area with an asking price of $15,000 (or you can make an offer).
All 1963 Cadillacs were powered by a 325-horsepower 390-cubic-inch V8, but it was not the same 390 that you might have found in your neighbor’s ’62. Cadillac made the block a bit smaller and lighter, saving over 50 pounds in total engine weight in the bargain, and they also replaced the generator with an alternator (which appears to have been replaced in our feature car). The seller says that the car “runs good,” so we’ll assume that includes the Hydra-Matic transmission, as well. You may have noticed the dual-circuit master cylinder and figured that it was a modern upgrade, but it isn’t; Cadillac began using them in 1962, the only American automaker aside from Rambler to do so. Also, this is an air conditioned car, but there’s no commentary in the ad regarding its efficacy.
The interior looks gorgeous. My guess is that the trim code is 39: Rose Caravelle Cloth and Coated Fabric (according to the Cadillac-LaSalle Club’s option database). It’s the smart choice with the exterior color, Briar Rose Metallic. This is the kind of color combination that is probably nobody’s first choice, but when you see it, you wonder why; I think it’s really attractive. Cadillac had several option packages available in 1963, and although it’s impossible to tell which one this car might have, a safe bet is Package B or B2, which included power windows, whitewall tires, an AM or AM/FM radio (depending on whether you chose B or B2), Soft Ray glass, a power seat, and air conditioning.
The only obvious problem in the pictures and accompanying text is that the front bumpers have rusted through in the corners, which is too bad considering how nice the rest of the car is.
The seller says that the Series 62 is a no rust (aside from the bumpers), no accident car that is all-original. While it might not be an Eldorado or a DeVille convertible, it is an excellent example of a standard sedan from a period when Cadillac did just about everything right; its name was truly measured against Rolls-Royce, Mercedes-Benz, and not many others. It was the top of the heap, and for the price, it would be hard to find one much nicer.
This is a beautiful Cadillac. Love the color combination too. Last year for the old Hydramatic, ’64 was the first year for the THM 400. Its strange about the front bumper rotting out like that, but I’m sure if you dig hard enough you can find a nice replacement. I have many favorite Cadillacs, but I love the ’62 and the ’64. (
the ’64 tailfins are a little more shorter and just has a nicer proportion to me. And the ’62 I just love the double fins on them. I prefer them over the ’61 or ’63.) That being said I sure wouldn’t kick this gorgeous ’63 out of my garage.
Spot on, Dave, you know, I wonder if anyone would say “what kind of car is that”? :0 To us seasoned folks, there was no mistaking a Caddy like this. Not sure where the author grew up, but in ’63, none of our neighbors in Pressboard Estates had a Caddy. Many, like my old man, were still “working their way up” with Oldsmobiles and Buicks. Make no mistake, however, a Caddy was on the horizon, and it wasn’t until the mid 70s, my old man finally got his Cadillac. Cars like this were for the well to do, Mr. Businessman, banker, bankers wife, and so on, but not many truck drivers or carpenters drove a Caddy then, unless gotten some other way. We had a friend when I was kid, he was a painter, but had a car like this. We always wondered where “Lester” got his money.
Practical for today? Of course not, but what is from my time? Wonderful cars many will never get to experience. Ask the next owner, they’ll tell ya’.
that is a whole lotta car for the price. if I did not already have a luxury cruiser project in the garage (which probably will cost me double the ask of this caddy to fully restore), this would be on my buy list.
The hell with the rusty bumpers!
If this thing”s a turn key car, drive and enjoy it while you scrounge up some better ones. Were it mine, I’d tint the windows, add some Tru Spoke wire rims and cruise it at Old Town now that I have the chance again. $15K?
Not a bad price for what you’re
getting. At least our seller hasn’t been affected by all the stuff they
smoke out there. I could see Angel driving this one wearing
something really classy too. Me,
I can see my SIL driving me to my
store 🏪 in this car. As the credit
card commercial once said, “Some monuments, priceless.”
This is a great looking Caddy from the golden years. The AC belt is missing which probably indicates a leak and/or a bad compressor. Those old A6 compressors weren’t very tolerant of running out of Freon and oil.
Good catch! I didn’t spot the missing belt…but most of the time they’re missing, so I don’t think any of us are surprised. :)
The engine that’s in that car is not a 390. It is a 429. A 390 had a distributor in the center of the engine in the back and a few other differences.
This ’63 Coupe DeVille sold at Barrett-Jackson in 2014; it was labeled as having a 390 and the distributor is in front.
https://www.barrett-jackson.com/scottsdale-2014/docket/vehicle/1963-cadillac-coupe-de-ville-2-door-hardtop-162396
This blog posted Cadillac documents that showed that the 390 was revised with a front-mounted distributor in 1963.
https://6364cadillac.ning.com/profiles/blogs/enginesandtransmissions
That’s very interesting. They must have changed the fuel pump location as well because the 390 had it on top of the engine and the 390 had a generator.
Aaron. Total respect for your research!! I hadn’t known that Cadillac had revamped the 390 for the ’63 model year before going to the 429. Thank you gor posting that.
This brings back memories of my first project car, a ’63 Fleetwood. My roof was different than this one and I had four more power windows, but most of the other parts were the same. My car was ten years old when I bought it, and I only paid $190 for it. My dad had given me $200, so I felt pretty cool coming back with change.
New owner here. Well optioned car, including Tilt Wheel and Autronic Eye which BOTH operate well. Lots of recent stated work. Most options work surprisingly with exception to the A/C where the clutch does power on/off, air mix door that supplies dash vents needs attention, as most do by this point IF they have not been addressed. Interior is pristine, paint needs waxing/limited correction and front lower bumper ends (as well as the “oops” rear bumper) will be replaced or repaired. Nebraska car owned by an actual “Lester” for many years. Found in Colorado by the PO. Some very limited surface-only rust underneath after a MRI style slide around under the chassis with bright light and magnets. This car is very solid for a middle American ride. Always wanted a Fontana Rose / Briar Rose Cadillac!
First Cadillac in 1986 was a 1959 Coupe deVille in Brenton Blue (Baby Blue) that I bought for $200 @ 16. Restored it in two years with LOTS of physical assistance from close friends that I maintain to this day and some monetary assistance from the Bank of Dad and Step-Mom ($5k paid back in full in 1989 after breaking an Olds windshield with my mellon). Was able to drive the ’59 Senior Year, after limited bodywork/paint ($2.5! in 1987 and a decent job…) and EXTENSIVE mechanicals. Lesson; buy restored or as original as you can get! This ’63 in Briar Rose is pretty close.