Vehicle Description
1948 Cadillac Series 61
There's really nothing like assuming the helm of a late 1940's
Cadillac, a car from an era where General Motors was at the tip top
of their game in terms of both design and performance.
Unfortunately, top-notch vintage Cadillacs that are ready to drive
are becoming increasingly hard to find. The factory perfect cars
are locked in padded garages and only allowed to see daylight
during concours level events, and the field dwelling project cars
are aging almost as fast as the cost of restoring them is going up.
But every once in a while a nice, a car that is not only eye
catching in its design, but also represents the epitome of success,
like this super cool 1948 Series 61 Cadillac that has pulled into
our showroom and stopped everyone dead in their tracks.
Please Note: NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY*
For consignment, the pinnacle of achievement trophy in the form of
a 1948 Cadillac Series 61, albeit in barn find condition. She will
need some work to bring her back to perfection, including rust
remediation, interior repair and a thorough mechanical once over,
but once completed you will have a car that not only draws eyes,
but also draws memories of good times past. You HAVE arrived!
Exterior
A color change to black is draping the miles of steel panels on
this big piece of Detroit iron. On the body work there are areas of
some previous patching that have left the body metal bumpy as well
as invasive rust peeking through in various areas that were once
repaired. Chips and scratches are all over, as is surface rust in
various areas and paint fading on the roof. Heavy use of chrome is
everywhere on this body, and appears not to be missing any pieces,
but rust has appeared on most surfaces marring the shiny finish.
Window trimmings abound and there are some of these trimmings that
show dings and dents and the mounted glass has become lightly
de-laminated in a few areas. Extra-large bumpers with vertical
protectors that have Dagmars mounted to their tips are seen on
front, and the rear is sans Dagmars and just the vertical bars.
Chrome mirrors on tall stalks have been added to both doors and
chrome visors are on each side window. On the back is the
beginnings of a bump up fin that protrudes from the rear quarter
top, and a taillight occupies this space on the edge of the bump
up. The star of the show is the torpedo style fastback roofline
where the single curved trunkline meets the roofline and curves
gracefully downward, housing a near horizontal curved glass rear
window, and rounded trunk. A beautifully rounded rear fender with a
skirt has chrome trimming on its leading edge and a large trim
spear just above it that runs to the back of the car. Wide white
wall tires are on all 4 corners and are dressed with standard
Cadillac wheel covers.
Interior
A swing of the doors and we are greeted with a mix of taupe steel
uppers and white vinyl lowers at least for the passenger's door,
the driver's door has been stripped of its panel exposing the inner
workings of the window mechanism. 2 long broadcloth benches, the
front having a split back, with tan striped inserts and gray
bolsters sit in brown broadcloth covered tubs. Extra wide gray
piping is delineating the two patterns. The front bench is soiled,
has material tearing, and has suffered from water damage. The rear
bench has water damage on the cushions and tearing on the top of
the upper cushion, however we have found the missing door panel.
Soiled but intact black carpeting floods the floors and would
benefit from a good scrubbing. Upfront the full metal jacket dash
is finished in taupe and is showing some dulling and wear. A nicer
arched speedometer has the steering column protruding from its
bottom and a cracked and worn Bakelite wheel sits atop with a
bullet styled center hub. A radio is in the center, and a clock in
front of the passenger. The chrome on these appliances is fading
and slightly pitted. The headliner is tan mohair and shows a little
water damage but looks nice and tight.
Drivetrain
Heaving the hood which resembles a Trojan helmet we see the 346ci
flathead V8. It is a numbers matching mill and has a single
2-barrel carburetor on top. On the back is a 4-speed Hydramatic
automatic transmission. Way back is a 3.36 rear axle. All of this
appears as original with patina, surface rust and corrosion, but
appears visually complete.
Undercarriage
Up on the lift we see a solid frame covered in a heavy coating of
surface rust. This surface rust has appeared on nearly every other
component down below, and signs of invasive rust are apparent on
the flooring in a few areas. While these areas have been repaired
with panels from above, they could be done in a more professional
manner. The rockers remain solid, but also show signs of repair.
Front independent coil spring suspension along with rear leaf
springs provide the ride for this cruiser while drum brakes on all
4 corners. A single exhaust system is on as is a Cherrybomb muffler
all coated in more surface rust.
Drive-Ability
While a key has been located, the duration of storage has left us
with trepidation as to starting this gleaming hulk of steel and
chrome. We do note that the engine does turn over by hand.
Here we have a fine example of a big Caddy from 1948 with most of
its original equipment on it. Some TLC for the cosmetic aspect will
be required to make it perfect, and a good cleaning and some minor
repairs will go a long way for the interior. With the looks and
likes that this mechanical marvel holds, it's definitely standing
room only for gawkers and fans...and that's before you finish the
restoration.
VIN DECODE
486104910
48-1948
61-Series 61
04910-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
STYLE NO 48 6107-1948 Cadillac Series 61 Coupe
BODY NO FW457-Fleetwood Body #
TRIM NO 37-Gray Dual Cord & Gray Plan Broadcloth
PAINT NO 8-Kingswood Gray Metallic
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 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.
