1948 Cadillac Series 62 in Sacramento, California For Sale

As World War II came to an end, Development at Cadillac went into full swing. An all new design, both for Cadillac, and for the automobile industry was born. Leading the way for one of the most dramatic changes yet seen were the Lockheed P-38 inspired tail fins. This all new Post War Beauty is Cadillac's contribution to a new era of design. Offered By The California Automobile Museum Cadillac Series 62 Four Door Sedan Built for Comfort, not for Speed, this Series 62 Cadillac is equipped with a numbers matching, smooth running, original, well maintained, 346 cubic inch flat head Cadillac engine, coupled to a Hydra-Matic transmission. These engines and transmissions used in these cars were perfected to a high degree of dependability during WWII when Cadillac used them in tanks. Starting the old flat head is now quite easy with the aide of the installed electric fuel pump. Driving this pound Caddy is enjoyable too. The car handles, steers, and brakes well thanks to the list of general repairs recently done. For the brakes, all 4 wheel cylinders have been rebuilt, a set of new shoes and turned drums for each corner, both front brake hoses were replaced, the master cylinder was replaced, and while the front end was apart, repacked bearings and fresh seals. For the suspension, rear shocks and links, front sway bar links, front shocks, and lower A bars. Engine maintenance includes a fresh set of plugs and wires, a throttle return spring, oil change, and oil additive Misc. bulbs were replaced and a headlight switch round off the list. This is an impressive luxury car in terms of styling and performance. It is well maintained, has fairly low-mileage and has never been restored. The paint is still shiny and for the most part intact, but it is far from perfect. Previous owners have attempted to blend in touch up paint to conceal chips and cracks with unappealing results. The body and floors are solid and there is no rust to speak of but there is evidence of some dents in the front fender that at some point in the past had been "massaged" out with a large hammer. The chrome and stainless still have some life left in them but do show signs of their age. The bumpers have some dings and dents in them, some visible in the photos. The wheels are graced with the full "sombrero" wheel covers and a set of period wide whitewall tires including a full size spare with matching style. The tires have good tread and appear in good shape but are very old. The wipers, gauges and lights work as they should and the caddy still retains its 6 Volt system. The interior has some stains on the seats, and some wear to the carpet but overall is presentable. This car has the "Jukebox" style instrumentation cluster and the top of the dash could use some restoration. Overall the car is in really good original condition and retains its patina of originality. Appraised by Auto Appraisal Network, (appraisal included with purchase) the replacement value of this gem was set at nearly $27,000.00. Today you can own a part of history, they are getting harder to find. Don't let this one get away. *NOTE, The personalized license plates shown in the photos are NOT included with the sale of this car. Technical Specifications Engine/Drive-line Number of cylinders/type: V-8, L-head Displacement: 346 cu. in. 3.50 in. bore x 4.50 in. stroke. Induction: Single two barrel carburetor Horsepower: 150 @ 3,400 RPM. Compression ratio: 7.25:1. Transmission type: Four speed Hydra-Matic automatic. Chassis Wheelbase: 126 in. Weight: 4,179 lbs. Brake type: Four wheel hydraulic drums. Production Information Original list price: $2,996 Production: 23,997 The History Cadillac has, since its beginnings in , established itself as one of the preeminent American automakers. As the crown jewel of the GM family, Cadillac has often led the industry in quality, innovation, and styling. The Series 62 Cadillac was the mainstay of the Cadillac line from 1. Like the rest of the GM line, Cadillac resumed post WW II production with essentially the same styling as the -42 models, but a significant change was about to take place. The Cadillac featured rear fenders that ended in small tail fins containing the rear lights, a design element that would influence automobile design for the next decade, and beyond. Just before WW II, GM designers Harley Earl, Bill Mitchell, Franklin Hershey, and Art Ross had a chance to see the newly-developed (but still secret) Lockheed P-38 pursuit aircraft. The plane’s twin boom tail and sleek shape impressed the designers and had a profound impact on their ideas for post war car design. A design team, under the direction of Hershey, worked in secret to develop the design for the Cadillac. Using inspiration from the P-38 the team included the tail fins, a newly curved windshield, a more aggressive grille, and a new, complex “drum†style instrument panel. The instrument panel would prove so costly to produce that it was a one-year-only design, replaced with a simpler one in . The tail fins would gradually grow on successive models, reaching the dramatic, perhaps excessive, heights of the Cadillac. Regardless, the Cadillac was a design milestone. This vehicle was either consigned or donated to the California Automobile Museum, a non-profit organization and licensed California dealer located at Front Street, Sacramento, California, where it is available for inspection. This vehicle, and all vehicles sold through us are sold AS-IS with no warranty intended or implied by the California Automobile Museum or its consignor/donor. All sales are final, and in there is no cooling off period in California. This Vehicle's mileage is subject to increase as it may be test driven or inspected during this auction. All sales will include a California Bill of Sale and a Warranty Disclaimers to be signed. Your bid, winning or not, signifies you agree to these terms and conditions and you agree to make all payments within the allotted time. All purchased vehicles must be removed from the museum within 2 weeks from date of sale or storage fees of $10.00 per day will be applied. (Unless written arrangements for additional time have been agreed to by the Vehicle Sales Department) (For our eBay customers) If you are the winning bidder and back out of your obligation to purchase, or fail to pay within the time allotted, (unless written arrangements with the vehicle sales department have been made) you WILL receive negative feedback and be reported to Ebay, REGARDLESS of your reasons. We require a deposit within 72 hours of the end of the auction and full payment within a week (7 days). The Museum is open 7 days a week, 10 AM to 6 PM (excluding major U.S. holidays) and we welcome you or your representative to inspect the vehicle prior to purchasing or bidding. If you have any questions regarding the vehicle or would like to schedule an inspection between 10 AM and 6 PM, you can contact us through Email messaging, or call Art directly at . The California Automobile Museum is formerly the Towe Auto Museum (-09) and formerly the Towe Ford Mus