Vehicle Description
Cadillacs were truly the envy of the world when this 1949 Series 62
sedan was built. Cutting-edge technology, big performance, and
unparalleled eye appeal made them unquestionably "the Standard of
the World." Today, they still carry a legendary reputation, and if
you're the sort who likes traditional American luxury, this car
combines that big '50s look with some insanely cool modern tech. A
full-blown restomod built in the classic Led-Sled style, this
black-and-blue beauty features off-the-charts curb appeal, a
bespoke interior, and a 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel motor that's
somehow feels like it always belonged.
While the legend of the big-finned Cadillac has grown, there's
still nothing quite like the Post-War style of the Cadillac Series
62 to really command respect. One can see both the past and the
imminent future in this car's timeless design, with the classic
Pre-War shoebox styling starting to give way to the Tri-5 era that
would soon dominate the landscape, coupled with Cadillac's generous
use of bulging fenders, wide bumpers, and pronounced tailfins. The
handsome Blue Metallic finish on this big 4-door hardtop is a great
example that's striking in a sinister, yet low-profile kind of way.
It also helps minimize the rather enormous size of the Series 62,
especially the 4-door versions like this, which were wonderfully
opulent machines. The finish is incredibly modern and therefore
deep, lustrous, and practically glowing under our lights, and
although it's by no means perfect, it has an all-around great look
for anyone looking to drive and impress. With good bodywork that
emphasizes the generous curves, up to and including the
P51-inspired tailfins, which had not yet grown to grotesque
proportions. Blacking out the roof, bumpers, grille, and trim gives
the car an insanely cool two-tone presence that screams modern
Led-Sled, especially when punctuated by those black Detroit
Steelies and oversized Cadillac badges on the front fenders. The
pro's at Killer Hot Rods built this gorgeous Caddy just 4449 miles
ago, so you know the quality is second-to-none, and because their
creativity knows no bounds you likely won't see another creation
quite like this one. It may have a few imperfections here and
there, after all, it's been drooled on everywhere it goes, but the
finish was recently protected with a clear wrap to keep the
elements at bay. The door handles were shaved and whatever wasn't
kissed by blue was covered in gloss black, including the original
hood ornament, side mirrors, and roof spoiler, while the LED
headlights and smoked taillights remind everyone that there's
something modern and special underneath that super-cool veneer.
There's not much 1949 left inside after a full-blown custom
restoration featuring high-end, leather-clad buckets and a custom
center console up front, a matching bench in the rear, and
spectacular ornate door panels that complement the black,
diamond-cut upholstery perfectly. The stock Cadillac dash was
reworked and now houses a full set of black Classic Instruments
gauges inside an original-style instrument panel and even though
the overall look pays homage to the Caddy, it sure seems sleeker
and more high-tech, doesn't it? A billet steering wheel with black
leather on the rim anchors the cockpit atop an Ididit tilt column,
and a polished billet vents and a black speaker grille provide
perfect contrast to the otherwise blue metal dash - mimicking the
two-tone set-up outside. Plush black carpets neatly insulate the
floors below, there's a taut headliner above, and a custom center
console houses a set of cup holders and a retro-style AM/FM/AUX
head unit that manages the tunes. Rounding out the options list is
the Vintage Air A/C system that was cleverly installed under the
dash, and yes, it's blowing ice cold R134a refrigerated air
throughout the cabin. Out back, the back seat looks untouched and
the trunk was beautifully finished to match the cabin, with
matching black carpets and hidden side panels stitched to match for
a trick touch.
Forget everything you'd expect under the hood of a vintage
Cadillac, and only then will the 5.9L 6-cylinder Cummins Turbo
Diesel not surprise you. It seems like a peculiar match at first,
but when you consider how much sheetmetal this Cummins is tasked to
move, it all starts to make a lot more sense. That, and the fact
that this Caddy was built to be driven, not just gawked at during
car shows, and you can quickly see why the builders dared to be
brave. The swap looks darn-near seamless, and the improvement in
performance and torque is very measurable. A Borg Warner turbo will
add performance and help it run forever (Cummins diesels have a
sterling reputation for outliving all competitors), and a throaty,
intimidating hum from the custom exhaust system brings big crowds
around whenever it pulls up. They worked to keep the engine bay
looking neat and matching the black-and-blue aesthetic of the
entire build, with bright blue inner fenders and a gloss black
valve cover, and the engine stays nice and cool thanks to a giant
radiator with dual electric fans. The 47RE 4-speed automatic
transmission is a durable, reliable piece and this big yacht will
cruise at modern highway speeds effortlessly thanks to highway
gears in the heavy-duty rear end. Power rack-and-pinion steering
and Wilwood power 4-wheel disc brakes give this Caddy great road
manners, and a full-upgraded suspension was mandatory on a beast
this size, while the flashy 20-inch Detroit Steel wheels come
wrapped in 245/40/20 front and 255/45/20 rear radials that finish
off the killer look.
Nothing could touch Cadillac's combination of luxury and
performance in the '40s and '50s, and it made them an icon. The
only thing that can make it better is modern reliability, comfort
and performance, and this restomod Cadillac definitely delivers.
Call today!
