Vehicle Description
1962 Cadillac DeVille Park Avenue
The 1961-63 Lincoln Continental is commonly viewed as the first
downsized American luxury car. However, during this same time
period Cadillac also offered a more compact variant that has
received little attention. In a way that's understandable. Cadillac
took a much less ambitious approach than Lincoln. Whereas the
Continental was given a brand-new platform, Cadillac merely cut
seven inches from the deck of its Sixty-Two series four-door
hardtop. The result wasn't all that noticeable because nothing else
about the car was changed, including the wheelbase.
Hello Americans, and for consignment we give you this driveway
dinosaur slightly shortened rear deck 4 door version in Park Avenue
in somewhat rare form. Looking dapper in Newport Blue Metallic, was
originally owned by a Philly main line well-heeled wife of a noted
landscape equipment manufacturer named Asplundh. She lovingly used
it until our consigner's father swooped in the day she traded it
in, and purchased this long (shortened!) liner. Enjoyed by the
father, it was then stored in a barn, awaiting the son's 18th
birthday. At this time, it was exhumed from its barn storage and
full frame on restoration was started. And now, the REST of the
story....
Exterior
Straight and large steel panels all rust free, are adorning this
exterior. This mixes with re-chromed trimmings, fender skirts and
some futuristic small fins flanking the shortened rear deck. A
curved "bubble style" sun ray glass windshield is on, and large
chromed bezeled dual headlights lead the way. The rear bumper is
nothing short of fabulous and had a rectangular large chrome bezel
on either side housing the backup lights. Badging is all looking
great and correct, and on all 4 corners are beautifully polished
wheel coverings wrapped by thin white rubber. Page two....
Interior
In true Cadillac style white leather adorns the front split back
cushy bench seat. It is showing some wear with cracking, exposed
foam, and dirt and smudging on the tubs and throughout the seats.
The rear bench has seen much less use and retains its original look
and charm. 4 large beautifully covered in white leather door panels
use some chrome trimming as accenting, and stainless steel for the
foregrounds of the armrests where the door actuators reside, along
with power seats, windows, and a rear view side mirror adjuster.
The driver's panel shows some dirt and wear, and others are still
in good condition. The original dash, showing some wear and paint
chip off is fronted by a thin exquisitely fashioned 2 tone black
and white and chromed steering wheel. Black carpeting is covering
the floors, and above is a tightey whitey headliner in vinyl. Stand
by for news...on the drivetrain!
Drivetrain
Our consigner states that over 40K has been spent on mechanicals
including the engine which has been completely rebuilt. It now
sports an overbore 390ci V8, a 4-barrel Rochester carburetor, and a
4-speed Hydramatic automatic transmission. New fuel lines were
installed at this time. Overall patina and plenty of dust covers
this engine. There are times like these, where it helps to recall
there have always been times like these...
Undercarriage
Plenty of heavy surface rust is noted on the undercarriage,
framing, and rear axle, and other parts. Newer coil springs and
shocks and brake lines have been put on, and along with engine,
consigner states that less than 500 miles have been clocked since
work was performed. Floor pans are still solid and black, and
exhaust is hole free but surface rusted. Power drum brakes are on
all 4 corners.
Drive-Ability
These caddies are always a blast to drive, and this one did not
disappoint on the test track where it performed nicely. It lumbers
around turns, has bias free braking and nice acceleration. The
radio was inoperable, as were the wipers.
Golf is a game where you yell "fore!' shoot 6 and put down 5, and
Main Line money never seems to dry up. That's why cars like this
exist in their large and in charge form, but dedicated to the
society ladies or high rise dowager garage parkers with its shorter
overall length, and slightly easier maneuverability. This one needs
some TLC but has a great history, as who in South Central and
Eastern PA has not seen an orange Asplundh shredder on a tree
takedown? This is Peter, your writer....Good Day!
VIN DECODE
620056309
62-1962
D-Series 62 Sedan, Short Deck
056309-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
12D-4th Week December Build
STYLE 62 6389-1962 Deville Park Avenue
BODY FW1565-Fleetwood Body #
TRIM 50-White Leather
PAINT 22-Newport Blue Metallic
E-Soft Ray Glass
K-Air Conditioning
Y-6 Way Power Seat
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
