Cadillac 62 Generation 3 Series 49-62 6267X Convertible Coupe by Fisher
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Car producer : |
Cadillac |
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Model: |
62 Generation 3 Series 49-62 6267X Convertible Coupe by Fisher |
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Year: |
1948-1953 |
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Type: |
Cabriolet |
The new Cadillac OHV V8 was the big news for 1949, with minor trim differences otherwise. This 331 cu in (5.4 L) engine produced 160HP (119 kW).The major difference between Series 61 and Series 62 models of similar body style was minor trim variations. The higher-priced series again had grooved, front fender stone shields and bright rocker panel mouldings. Chevrons below the taillights were no longer seen. The convertible was an exclusive offering. A heater was optional. Sales reached a record 55,643.
Not only did the new engine give the car unequalled performance and ability, but it did so at a substantial gain in fuel economy. The engine weighed in nearly 91 kg less than the old L-head, but because it was cooler running it required less radiator mass, making the savings in weight even greater (100 kg). Cadillac was able to offer all this, plus an engine which allowed for sleeker styling due to the fact that it was 127mm shorter and 102mm lower than the L-head. And even though the compression ratio was just 7.5:1, the new power plant was designed to take full advantage of higher-octane post-war fuels because it could tolerate a compression ratio of 12.0:1 or more.
By 1948, 88-octane premium fuels were reaching the pumps, and higher octanes were promised by the oil companies, so this was important in looking toward the future. So was the fact that there was ample block space for cylinder enlargement, and indeed displacement would be increased to six litres in 1956. Also featured in the new V-8 were wedge-shaped combustion chambers and advanced "slipper" pistons. The latter, devised by Byron Ellis, travelled low between the crankshaft counterweights to permit short connecting rods and thus reduced reciprocating mass, meaning the engine could run more smoothly at higher rpm without undue wear or damage.
Sheet metal surfaces on the '49 Cadillac remained the same, except that the hood was made a bit longer. Shortly after production was underway a larger deck lid was phased in on notchback models. The grille, now with just one horizontal bar, was given bolder lines and the parking light housings wrapped around the fenders.
The Cadillac Series 62 Coupe de Ville was introduced late in the 1949 model year. Along with the Buick Roadmaster Riviera, and the Oldsmobile 98 Holiday, it was among the first pillar less hardtop coupes ever produced. At $3,496 it was only a dollar less than the Series 62 convertible, and like the convertible, it came with power windows standard. It was luxuriously trimmed, with leather upholstery and chrome 'bows' in the headliner to simulate the ribs of a convertible top.
