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Cadillac 1946-1958 1959-1964 1965-1971

Series 61
The Series 61 was based on the GM B-body that was shared with the Buick 40, Olds 70 and Pontiac 26 & 28 series. All 1946 Cadillacs like those of all the major manufacturers were a continuation of pre-war styling and engineering. In 1947 there was a minor styling facelift. The grille now had 5 horizontal grille blades instead of six. There were major changes in 1948 including tailfins! A new dashboard will 'rainbow' style instrument cluster. 1949 saw the introduction of an new V8 engine, whilst appearance changes were marginal. Like all 1950 Cadillacs there were extensive changes to the Series 61. Most notably the Series 61 returned to having a shorter wheelbase than the Series 62. 1951 saw few changed from the previous year. Half-way through the year the Series 61 was discontinued due to a lack of sales.

Series 62
The Series 62 was based on the GM C-body that was shared with the Cadillac 60S, Buick 50 and 70, Olds 90. All 1946 Cadillacs like those of all the major manufacturers were a continuation of pre-war styling and engineering. 1947 models featured minor facelift styling changes. For 1948 and 1949 the series was based on the same wheelbase as the Series 61. It was therefore identical to the Series 61 with the exception of trim. For 1950 the Series was more distinctive than the Series 61, being based on a longer wheelbase. 1951 saw few changes from the previous year. The Series 62 had full length underscores on the rocker panels which helped to distinguish it from the Series 61. 1952 was Cadillac's fifieth anniversary, however there were only minor styling changes. A redesigned grille with a heavier integral bumper and bumper guards. Production was brought to a halt in August after a fire at the Hydra-Matic Factory. Later in the production year the Eldorado luxury convertible was added to the range. Standard equipment included hydra-matic suspension, wraparound windshield, cut-down doors, rich leather and cloth trim, wire wells and whitewall tires. A new longer wheelbase was introduced for the Series 62 in 1954. Models were lower and sleeker than previously. Few changes were seen on 1955 models. In 1957 Cadillac adopted a tubular X-frame. This added to structural rigidity to the models. By using three center frame sections, three different overall measurements were available in the range. The Sedan DeVille was bigger than the standards models and the Eldorado derivatives were larger still. The Coupe DeVille and Sedan DeVille models had special nameplates on the front fenders. The Eldorado Brougham of 1957 was introduced to compete with the Lincoln Continental MkII. The 1958 models were essentially carryover models till the 1959 range and featured little change.

Series 60 Fleetwood Special
The Series 60 Fleetwood Special was based on the GM C-body that was shared with the Cadillac 62, Buick 50 and 70, Olds 90. All 1946 Cadillacs like those of all the major manufacturers were a continuation of pre-war styling and engineering. Each door was 2 inches wider than the standard Series 60 models. It is easily identified by the four louvers on the rear roof pillar. 1947 models featured a new Fleetwood ornament on the trunk. With the extensive restyling of the Cadillac range the Fleetwood Special can be identified by the eight louvers on the rear fender. Changes matched those of the other Series 60 models. In 1952 Fleetwood appeared on the rear deck instead of Cadillac.

Series 70 Eldorado Brougham
The Series 70 Eldorado Brougham was announced in December 1956 and launched in March 1957. It was a hand-built limited edition 4dr hard top sedan. It featured America's first completely pillarless 4dr door body styling. It even featured a brushed stainless steel roof. Buyers had a choice of 44 full leather interior trim combinations.

Series 75 Fleetwood
The Series 75 used a unique wheelbase. An extended comm.ercial chassis was also available. All 1946 Cadillacs like those of all the major manufacturers were a continuation of pre-war styling and engineering. The 1947 and 1948 models were almost unchanged from the 1946 model. The 48 models featuring a new dashboard. 1949 saw few changes, the major one was the revised dashboard that was introduced on all Cadillac models. The number of styles in the range was reduced for 1950 from 5 to 3 with the 9 seater variants being dropped. In 1951 there were minor styling changes. Inside all the models offered 8 seats. Along with the other Cadillac models the Series 75 had a lengthened wheelbase for 1954. The Commercial Chassis outsold production models for the first time. From 1955 the Eldorado engine was available at extra cost on the Series 75.

Generally the Convertibles from this era are the most valuable. Generally 100% more than 2 door hardtop models, which in turn are more valuable than 4 door models. Up to 1953 the most valuable model is the 1946 62 Convertible. 1953 was the launch of the Eldorado convertible, these are now worth in the region of $100,000 and clearly the most desirable Cadillac of this era to own.

Books
Cadillac Automobiles 1949-1959 UK USA Clarke R M (*Ad)

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