Vehicle Description
'50s Cadillac are iconic, and if you want one that's affordable and
a little out of the ordinary, this massive 1958 Cadillac Series 62
sedan should work just fine. Better yet, it's got modern fuel
injected V8 power under the hood, a nicely updated interior, and
all the style that made these cars the envy of automakers around
the world.
The burgundy paint is probably 25 years old and it's showing some
age, but it just goes to show you that it's impossible to make this
car look bad. The sheetmetal and all the trim is just as it was in
1958, no modifications there, and as a result, this car has a lot
of presence regardless of what color is on it. It has been in the
same ownership for decades and it's been used, so don't expect
perfection, but at the same time, there just aren't many cars that
can compete with a vintage Cadillac in terms of charisma. All four
doors fit well and close with a precise sound that's all but lost
today, the fantastic chrome and stainless trim makes it look ornate
and highly detailed, and the white top adds just the right amount
of contrast to remind us that this is a product of the 1950s. The
chrome might be original and some of it is unwinding, but it might
be a mistake to chase perfection with this car. Character is what
this car has and using it as intended might be the very best
choice.
The interior starts with factory-style upholstery on the seats and
door panels, a wild brocade fabric highlighted by pink leather that
could only work in a Cadillac with fins. The two-tone steering
wheel makes you feel important when you slide behind the wheel and
the array of switches, dials, and gauges around you could have only
been inspired by aircraft. Of note, the dash is full of Dakota
Digital gauges, along with a few smaller gauges underneath as well
as a unique three-gauge pod around the steering column with a tach,
clock, and oil pressure gauge. It's actually pretty nicely
integrated and looks slick. Better yet, all the high-end options
work correctly, including the power windows and cold A/C. A newer
AM/FM/cassette radio lives in the center of the dash, a tidy
installation that keeps the stock look without any cutting. Nice!
And of course there's a mammoth trunk, which has become legendary
by now.
The engine is a 350 cubic inch LT1 V8 from a 1994 Corvette, and
it's the right choice for this heavy cruiser. Built for torque, it
moves all that sheetmetal with genuine enthusiasm and it never
whimpers a bit when you lean on it. Factory EFI means it starts
easily, idles properly, and never gets fussy, and they made sure
all the original wiring and accessories stayed with the engine to
boost reliability. A giant radiator is cooled by a huge pusher fan
and a set of custom exhaust manifolds feed a stock-style exhaust
system with the right mellow tone. The transmission is a 4L60E
4-speed automatic with overdrive, making this big Cadillac a
fantastic highway cruiser whose pillow-soft ride is unaffected by
the transplant. Stock suspension, power steering and brakes, and
the original rear end mean that it still feels like a Cadillac on
the road. 15-inch Cragar wheels and fat 225/75/15 blackwall radials
give it a bit of an attitude, but if you're a giant Cadillac, who
is going to complain?
You can call this a resto-mod because it blends the best of '50s
style and modern tech to create a car that does everything well.
It's not a show car, but for cruising, there just aren't many
better ways to travel. Call today!
