For most of the 1950s and 1960s, the Series 62 was “entry-level” to the Cadillac de Ville. Yet in 1951, nearly three out of every four Cadillacs built carried Series 62 badging, including the seller’s club coupe. It could be described as a survivor as it still runs and drives but is rough around the edges almost anywhere you look. Located in Oceanside, California, this stoic Caddy is available here on craigslist where the asking price is $18,000. That works out to about $4.50 per pound. Thanks for the trip down memory lane, T.J.!
Cadillac redesigned its cars in 1948 after selling warmed-over 1942s following the end of World War II. Fins would quickly become the order of the day, a Cadillac styling feature for many years to come. Another rework came in 1950, so the ‘51s (like the seller’s car) were largely the same with the big news mechanically being that the Hydra-Matic transmission was now standard fare. These cars were powered by 331 cubic-inch V8s, which were meek by the standards of the next decade at 160 hp. And the coupes had 3-piece rear windows.
Cadillac sold nearly identical numbers of Series 62 and de Ville coupes in 1951, about 10,000 copies each. We’re told this Caddy is original, so that implies it has never been repainted or had the motor rebuilt. But it’s spent its fair share of time on the road over 72 years, accumulating 80,000 miles (or could it be 180,000?). Despite its age and use, the 62 runs well, according to the seller, and could be driven as-is should you so choose.
The car comes with its fender skirts, which makes the machine appear lower than it may be. The white-over-yellow paint is well worn and the seller says any rust that is present is of the surface variety. Inside the passenger compartment, everything seems as though it’s as the day the auto was built. The 4,000-lb. car may be easier to stop as the front brakes were converted from drum to disc. The question of the day: do you keep it the way it is, restore it back to its original glory, or go for some sort of customized low-rider?
Restore!
Bit high on the price but my question is why would you customize this car?
Anybody can rebuild a car,It takes a real man to cut one up,old saying here in Kentucky.
Now, when you get married in Kentucky, is your new bride still your cousin? She is here in Florida!
Agreed–at a loss to understand why the writer would suggest customizing.
Appreciate the per pound pricing analysis. Cheaper than ground chuck 😀
Met your mom in Florida.
Touche RW. I don’t doubt that!
I’d leave it.Just go thru it to get it to be a dependable safe summer cruiser.Like the patina and actually the color.Don’t see too many yellow ones.18k is a little stiff to me , I’m thinking around 8-10 k if she’s all solid. Wonder what the disc brakes are off of or after market ? Wise conversion if done properly though.Duals and glasspacks too.
The car DEFINETELY deserves to be restored!!!! I love that car but just for sentimental reasons. A cousin of my father had the same model, and another member of my family owned the 1951 convertible!!! They remind me my childhood! Max from Italy
Diesel swap drift monster
Potential buyer be aware, rust country on the coast in Southern LA area.
I have seen model 62 painted glossy black with trim removed and air bagged, no other mods, very nice. Oh, and big V8 to improve power to weight ratio from stock.
If it’s as clean as it looks, I’d repaint it original colors and drive it. If restored, it will hide in a museum or someone’s large garage. Just me, but I think she deserves to be driven. Show today’s kids what real cars were. This car and I are the same vintage.
Repaint it, refresh the interior, and leave it alone, mod wise. Everything does not need to be customized. There isn’t an infinite amount of any old car model left to mess them up.
This ’51 Coupe, if solid, certainly will shine (pun intended) with new paint and interior. No further mods needed. Price negotiable? Likely.
Late ‘40s and early ‘50s Cadillacs have 4 in narrower front tread (59 in vs 63in). Nash Statesman ’49-‘51as recently featured ’50 have 5 in narrower front tread.
Nash Statesman turning circle is 42 ft 4 in , the big Ambassador (with a 5.8125” narrower front tread than rear) has a 44 ft 4 in turning circle. Bathtub Nashes are mocked, but Cadillacs clock in at 45 ft, 46 ft, and 51 ft for model 62, 60S, and model 75.
Starting at $18K makes restoration a rich man’s game who doesn’t care if he is upside down in the project.