Vehicle Description
Make no mistake, Cadillac not only understood the concept of First
Class in the '50s, but they were the world's finest purveyor of it.
This stunning 1958 Cadillac Series 62 sedan should tell you all you
need to know about what the 1% was doing with their money in the
late 1950s. A very impressive survivor that's ready to cruise, it's
over-the-top luxury and style from an era when America could do no
wrong.
'50s Cadillacs are impressive machines and just the mere sight of
one sends our imaginations spinning towards who might be inside,
what celebrity or dignitary might be enjoying that ultimate luxury.
But at the same time, they need to be imposing and with this
Cadillac wearing what appears to be its original Daphne Blue, it
certainly gets your attention. The finish is original, so it's far
from perfect, but it would also be a crime to repaint it. The
quality is still quite visible, as it should be for a car that cost
as much as the average family's house in 1958. And while no
late-50s Cadillac could ever be considered subtle, this one has
presence to spare: it's big, it's shiny, and nobody mistakes it for
anything else. Perhaps it's all that glittering chrome, which it
wears like an expensive watch and cufflinks, symbols of almost
unattainable luxury that you almost want to reach out and touch.
The only notable deviation from stock are the 1959 Cadillac
taillights, an each item to change if you want to go back to
stock.
You'd expect to be coddled inside, but this car is appointed like
an executive office suite with every possible luxury convenience
1950s technology could provide. The handsome interior is almost
entirely original and still in good shape with modest signs of wear
but no critical issues. Again, restoration would be a mistake here.
Features include power windows, a power front seat, and a
signal-seeking AM radio, although it has been supplanted by a
modern AM/FM/CD stereo head unit with remote cleverly hidden in the
glove box. The driver has perhaps the best seat in the house,
facing a spectacular instrument panel full of shiny stainless and
crisply rendered instruments. The steering wheel almost feels too
delicate for such a massive machine, and you can guide the big
sedan with just your fingertips. There's also a massive trunk
that's quite original, including the mats and jack assembly.
If you wanted horsepower in 1958, you shopped at the Cadillac
store. With a 365 cubic inch V8 making 310 horsepower, this big
hardtop is surprisingly swift, built for effortless power and
torque under any conditions. The engine hums with a muscular sound
that you feel in your chest as much as hear with your ears, and the
silky transmission changes gears almost imperceptibly. The
suspension is soft, no doubt about that, but isn't that the whole
point? The engine bay is nicely tended but not restored, although
the gold air cleaner and valve covers have been repainted and a
modern alternator added. Underneath, the chassis which shows no
rust or damage, as well as a frame that would be at home under a
railroad car, plus a dual exhaust system with a nice rumble thanks
to a pair of glasspack-style mufflers. Big 235/75/15 BFGoodrich
Silvertown wide whitewall radials have been fitted to the original
wheels, so it handles even better than new.
1950s Cadillacs are iconic and few work better than this one in
period colors. For a fan of original, unmolested cars, this is a
fantastic find that's going to be a joy to own. Call today!