1948 Cadillac Series 62

The iconic tail fins of the 1950s had their inspirational beginning in September of 1939 when GM Design Chief, Harley Earl and the Cadillac design team traveled to Selfridge Field to study the new aerodynamically advanced Lockheed P-38. A number of 3/8-scale models and design studies soon followed, known as the 'Interceptor' series. Development, however, was halted by America's involvement in World War II. When peace returned, the collective automotive industry worked tirelessly to keep pace with demand, gearing up for new products, and preparing for all-new post-war designs. In 1948, Cadillac introduced new designs on its shorter wheelbase vehicles (Series 61, 62, and 60 Special Fleetwood) with sleek new modern designs with pronounced tailfins, inspired by the twin tails of the P-38 fighter plane. The graceful front fender lines flowed smoothly into the main body, which continued all the way from the belt-line to the rocker panel. The Cadillac crest was positioned in a 'V' emblem and mounted on the front of the hood.

The Series 62 received upscale interior, exterior, and trim fittings that help distinguish it from the Series 61. They were instantly recognizable by the stone shields and lack of chrome rocker moldings. 1948 would be the final year for the 346 cubic-inch flathead V8 engine, renowned for its durability and smoothness.

The Series 61 and the Series 62 shared the same wheelbase, measuring 126 inches with a length measuring 214 inches. Body styles on the Series 62 included a sedan, club coupe, convertible coupe, or a rolling chassis. The sedan was the most popular, selling for nearly $3,000 with producing reaching 23,997 vehicles. 5,450 of the convertible coupe were built and 4,764 of the club coupe.

The Series 61 was positioned below the 1948 Cadillac Series 62, with prices of $2,830 for the sedan and $2,730 for the club coupe. Above the Series 62 was the stretched Series 60 Special Fleetwood with two-inch wider front and rear doors and a wheelbase that measured 133 inches. Offered solely as a sedan, its base price was $3,820. At the top of the list was the Series 75 Fleetwood with body styles accommodating 5- 7- and 9-passengers. Its wheelbase measured 136 inches and the commercial chassis was a long 163 inches. Prices on the Series 75 Fleetwood ranged from the high-4,000s to the low $5000s.

The L-head V8 engine had a cast-iron block, hydraulic valve lifters, a two-barrel carburetor, three main bearings, 7.25:1 compression, and produced 150 horsepower at 3,400 RPM. It displaced 346 cuib-inches and had a 3.5 inch bore and a 4.5 inch stroke. This engine was replaced the following year by a new overhead valve V8 with a 331 CID and 160 bhp.

by Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2019