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Rusty Luxury: 1947 Cadillac Series 62

rusty-luxury-1947-cadillac-series-62

There was a time when owning a Cadillac meant something. Not that the prestige of owning one is gone today, it just doesn’t hold the same status it used to. Cadillac’s new lineup of cars is impressive, but when you look at a Caddy from the Golden Era, you quickly understand why the brand had such an appeal then. Take this 1947 Cadillac Series 62. Even covered in dirt and rust, it still has a presence about it that you don’t find in modern luxury cars. Maybe it’s the size or the curves, but there is just something about it that Cadillac has been without for many years. Have a look at it for yourself here on eBay and maybe you can pinpoint exactly what has been lost.

rusty-luxury-1947-cadillac-series-62-out-of-the-barn

Now that it has been pulled from the barn, it is easy to see just how much work this Caddy is going to need. It appears to be solid and complete, but the body is covered in surface rust and most of the trim is in need of refinishing. The original grey paint is about gone. If the rust wasn’t so bad this car would have some fantastic patina. We would be sure to check the floors and frame for serious rust before handing over any money.

rusty-luxury-1947-cadillac-series-62-interior

As with most sellers, this one seems a bit overly optimistic about the condition. While it has potential and all the hard to find pieces are still here, it is going to need a complete restoration inside and out. The interior is in rough shape and will need everything redone. They haven’t tried to start the motor, but they claim it turns freely. Given how long it has been sitting, we would guess the engine, transmission, and brakes will also need to be completely gone through. The odometer is showing less than 60k miles, but that doesn’t mean it hasn’t rolled over.

rusty-luxury-1947-cadillac-series-62-in-the-barn

Hopefully one day Cadillac will regain some of its former prestige, but if not there are still plenty of classic Caddies out there like this one. While we are excited about this car, we would love to get into this barn to see what else is hiding in there. Can you identify any of the cars parked around it?

Comments

  1. Avatar Dolphin Member

    Upside:
    – Looks fairly solid
    – Classic flathead V8 engine design
    – It’s a Cadillac

    Downside:
    – No pics of the engine bay, floors, or trunk
    – Classic flathead V8 engine design—if you wanted an early OHV V8
    – Lots of work in this baby to get it looking right even if there’s no significant rust
    – Not a convertible, so likely upside down on values for a long while

    Like 0
  2. Avatar twwokc

    Hope someone brings this grand lady back to life without worrying about “the upside”. While the 49 and later models may be more popular this one deserves another life.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Dolphin Member

      t:
      For me, if I have a car that I really like and can afford to R&R, I could care less about any upside price appreciation. I don’t worry about that with those cars.

      My point was, for a car like this that needs everything, it’s being upsideDOWN that’s scary—total costs way more than it’s worth, with lots of $$$ being tied up and not being able to get much of it back to do anything else.

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  3. Avatar Jeff

    Agree with Dolphin on the finer points. A true example of American excess and go-get-um flash of the forties. A true Hollywood or mobster mobile. It belongs in a museum, naturally after the restoration.

    Like 0
  4. Avatar paul

    Save it, save it, save it, don’t worry about downside, upside,it is a grand dame, oh & no mods please & no clear coat over rust, bring it back.

    Like 0
    • Avatar paul

      wouldn’t mind the black Hawk next to it either.

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    • Avatar twwokc

      I agree 100%. If someone rat rods, resto mods or “customizes” it…they need to be taken out back and shot. OK, maybe not shot but talked to in a stern manner.

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      • Avatar paul

        shot works for me.

        Like 0
  5. Avatar Shuperman

    “Everything was working when it was parked. But now after some years of setting (sic), some restoration will be required.”

    I just laughed my milk into my nose.

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  6. Avatar Alan

    Think they have the wrong photos. Listing says –
    “This is a original car – NO Rust!!”

    Or was it two tone brown/grey, and I’m seeing it wrong?

    Like 0
    • Avatar paul

      They were trying out a new paint scheme that year, you like?

      Like 0
  7. Avatar FRED

    THIS BABY JUST NEEDS TO BE REDONE USING THE SAME OR REBUILT PARTS. THE FLATHEAD V8 IS WAY BEFORE MY TIME BUT IF IT TURNS OVER REBUILT IT TOO.WHAT I DON’T WANT TO SEE IS THE OLD GIRL REBUILT USING ALL NEW CADDY PARTS. THERE ARE PLENTY OF OTHER RIDES TO DO THAT.

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  8. Avatar jim s

    i would like to see pictures of what else is in that barn. i too hope someone saves this car and makes a driver out of it.

    Like 0
  9. Avatar Don Andreina

    Wow, that’s a beauty. It’s a bit sacrilege I know, but I love a Caddy without fins.

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  10. Avatar MadHungarian

    Houston is not a particularly dry climate. I also suspect this car spent a lot of time sitting outdoors before being moved into the barn. That being said, all 40’s flathead Cadillacs are elegant cars that deserve to be saved if possible. The ’49-up OHV V8 gets all the recognition, but a well-running flathead is an amazing machine, incredibly quiet at idle, sounding more like a fine watch. As for durability, an essentially similar powerplant built by Cadillac was used in tanks in World War II. In fact, I have heard that some surplus tank engines found their way into cars — although I imagine some modifications are required.

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  11. Avatar Cookie Monster

    Cadillac at one time was the car to own.These old beauties are very different than anything on the road today or previously.I own a 1954 CoupeDeville it is a tank and floats like a boat.Hopefuly the purchaser of the barn find will restore it to original as possible spec’s and not rod it out !!!!!!

    Like 0
  12. Avatar Chris in WNC

    the black car beside it is a Studebaker Coupe 53-54-55?
    the aqua car on the other side is possibly a 57 Chevy or an old finned Mopar……

    Like 0
  13. Avatar dave skilton

    ok folks its on its way to england. it will get a sympathetic restoration and driven.

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    • Avatar Jesse Staff

      Thanks for the update Dave! Did you purchase it?

      Like 0
      • Avatar dave skilton

        yes i did buy it, works out a good price for one of these overhere

        Like 0

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