Vehicle Description
For the 1948 model year, GM designers Harley Earl and Frank Hershey
struck gold with their new Cadillac line. Fresh, beautiful styling
combined with a well-built chassis and robust, though dated L-head
V8 engine. What set the car apart was a subtle design cue that led
to one of the most iconic, heavily copied trends in motoring
history - the tailfin. The inspiration for the small kicked-up fin
at the end of each rear fender came from Lockheed's P-38 Lightning,
America's finest heavy fighter plane during World War II. One of
the most instantly recognizable aircraft in history, it was also
one of the fastest and toughest aircraft of WWII, and the
unmistakable twin-tail treatment earned it the nickname
"fork-tailed devil" among Axis pilots unfortunate enough to
encounter it. General Motors played a critical role in P-38
production, building a significant portion of the more than 10,000
units built throughout the war. Considering GM's involvement,
Harley Earl's patriotic nod to the P-38 was more than superficial,
and if anyone could lay claim to a tribute, it was them.
Surprisingly, the tailfin was an overnight sensation, and car
designers from Detroit to Deutschland jumped on the bandwagon,
turning Harley Earl's subtle design cue into one of the most widely
copied and iconic design themes of all time. Considering the
overwhelmingly positive response to the 1948 models, Cadillac kept
the revisions limited to a new grille and some design tweaks for
1949. The big news lay under the hood in the form of an all-new 331
cubic-inch, overhead-valve V8 engine. The new high-compression V8
transformed Cadillac into a performance leader, and the versatile
331 went on to power everything from limousines to Le Mans racers.
With the new V8 as the centerpiece, the 1949 line included the
base-model Series 61, Series 62, Series 60 Special (sedan only),
and Series 75 (limousines, formal cars, and commercial chassis).
The high-spec Series 62 had the broadest range of bodies, including
a convertible coupe, four-door sedan, pillarless Coupe De Ville,
and the gorgeous fastback two-door coupe, also known as the
Sedanette. Just 4,764 of these visually arresting coupes were
produced (versus nearly 24,000 sedans), and they stand among the
most sought-after and collectible of all post-war Cadillacs. This
1949 Cadillac is a highly desirable Series 62 Club Coupe,
colloquially known as the "Sedanette", beautifully presented in its
original shade of Dartmouth green over a dark brown leather
interior. This lovely example boasts a well-documented chain of
ownership going back to the 1950s and has never required a full
restoration, thanks to regular maintenance and refurbishment work
as needed through the years. Initially sold in Dallas, Texas, the
first owner kept the car until 1957. He sold it to the second
owners who cherished the Cadillac in their family for the next
sixty years. While in their care, it made its way to the Pacific
Northwest, receiving a high-quality respray in the original color,
a partial retrim of the interior, and attentive service work along
the way. Records and receipts document much of the work that kept
this Cadillac looking and running its best. More recent attention
includes extensive detailing of the engine bay and undercarriage,
and the car now presents with a charming character, ideal for
enjoyment on the road or in casual show settings. The Dartmouth
Green paintwork is excellent, and the panels properly aligned. Some
finish imperfections are noted under scrutiny, but the overall
appearance is wonderfully attractive. Chrome and stainless
brightwork are excellent all around, with a mix of original and
beautifully restored pieces, including all of the correct Series 62
trim. Steel wheels wear superb "sombrero" wheel covers, and
wide-whitewall Diamondback radials improve the all-round handling
without sacrificing the period-correct appearance. For the partial
interior restoration, the previous owners selected gorgeous,
antique-finish brown leather and period-style fabric inserts for
the seats. The brown carpets were fitted in the late 80s and are in
superb condition, while the door panels, seatbacks, and headlining
are believed to be the originals. The painted steel dash subtly
wraps around the cabin and features original instruments, winged
Cadillac emblem, a factory radio, and period accessory tissue
dispenser. Similarly, the original ivory wheel steering wheel is in
excellent condition. With its warm, inviting ambiance, the
Cadillac's luxurious interior suits the sophisticated elegance of
the body. The original, numbers-matching 331 cubic-inch OHV V8 sits
in a well-detailed engine bay. Factory-correct features include the
oil bath air cleaner, early-style center-bolt valve covers, glass
washer bottle, and Delco generator. Proper Cadillac blue engine
paint is in excellent condition, as is the finish on the firewall
and inner fenders. Details like the radiator tag and owner's ID
card holder on the hood shut panel are pleasing finishing touches
to the presentation. Since the engine and undercarriage detail
work, the car has seen light use, and it remains in superb order.
Nineteen forty-nine Cadillacs are some of the best driving and most
elegant American cars of the era, and this outstanding example is
no exception. It looks gorgeous, performs beautifully on the road,
and is sure to satisfy its next long-term caretaker with years of
motoring enjoyment. Offers welcome and trades considered For
additional details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6655-1949-cadillac-series-62-sedanette/