On November 25, 1949, the one-millionth Cadillac was built. Perhaps
being named ?Motor Trend? magazine?s first-ever ?Car of the Year?
played a role in increasing sales for the brand. Cadillac?s big
1949 news cen?tered on engineering with the release of a new
overhead-valve V-8. Only minor appearance changes were seen,
including a more massive grille with parking lights in grooved
extension panels. A new dashboard featured a horizontal
speedometer. Cadillac serial numbers again matched engine numbers
(they were 496200000 to 496292554 for 1949 Series 62 models), and
this convertible has No. 496240897 to fit right in the range. The
major Series 62 upgrades were trim variations. These machines had
grooved front-fender stone shields and bright rocker-panel
moldings. The $3,497 con?vertible was an exclusive Series 62
offering and only 8,000 were built. A plusher interior was
featured, too. Standard features included power window lifts and
twin back-up lights mounted on the decklid. Its interior is
upholstered in Red leather. Cadillac?s innovative overhead-valve
V-8 was the most powerful engine in the automobile industry. It had
heads and a block made of cast iron. With a 7.5:1 compression
ratio, the 331 CI engine was developed to produce 160 HP and a
robust 312 lb-ft of torque. Other notable features included a
126-inch wheelbase, an overall length measuring nearly 216 inches
and a low-for-1949 height of 62 inches. A coil-spring independent
front suspension as well as a live rear axle with semi-elliptic
leaf springs and hydraulic brakes with cast-iron drums at all
corners were used. www.kuyothbody.com Email
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call 715-687-4522
