Cadillac 62 Generation 3 Series 50-62 6267 Convertible Coupe by Fisher
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Car producer : |
Cadillac |
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Model: |
62 Generation 3 Series 50-62 6267 Convertible Coupe by Fisher |
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Year: |
1948-1953 |
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Type: |
Cabriolet |
Cars in the Cadillac next-step-up line were identified by slightly richer interior appointments and by chrome underscores running the full length of the body at the bottom. Hydra-Matic drive was now standard in this line. The Series 62 sedan incorporated rear ventilates. Exclusive models in this range were the convertible coupe and Coupe Deville, both with standard hydraulic window lifts.
Initially sized at 5.425 litres, the Cadillac V-8 was the product of 10 years research and experimentation. It was mainly engineered by Ed Cole, Jack Gordon, and Harry Barr, who aimed for less weight and higher compression (to take advantage of the higher-octane fuels promised after the war). These factors dictated the overhead valve arrangement, a stroke shorter than bore (92.2mm, versus 96.8mm), compact wedge-shape combustion chambers, and "slipper" pistons. The last, developed by Byron Ellis, travelled low between the crankshaft counterweights, allowing for short connecting rods and low reciprocating mass.
With all these advantages, the ohv engine arrived with 160HP, 10 more than Cadillac's last 5.8 Litre L-head V-8 -- and from less displacement, testifying to its efficiency. The ohv had other advantages. Though built of cast iron, like the L-head, it weighed nearly 91 kg less, yet would prove just as durable and reliable. Initial compression was only 7.5:1, yet could be pushed as high as 12:1; the L-head couldn't. The ohv also boasted more torque and 14-percent better fuel economy. Equally important, it had room enough to be greatly enlarged -- as it soon was.
This superb engine combined with a surprisingly competent chassis to make early-Fifties Cadillacs some of the best road cars of that day. Chicago enthusiast Ed Gaylord, who backed the short-lived Gaylord car of mid-decade, owned a 1950 Series 61 with standard shift and 3.77 rear axle. He also had a new Jaguar XK-120 at the time.
For 1950, major styling changes were performed. The cars were lower and sleeker, with longer hoods, and one-piece windshields were fitted. Hydramatic transmission was now standard.
Though Cadillac had to share the honours with the Buick Riviera and Oldsmobile Holiday, this trio was the first to market this pillar less body style. The Coupe de Ville was basically a Series Sixty-Two convertible fitted out with a steel top, and featured a large wraparound three-piece rear window. Fitted out every bit as luxuriously as the ragtop, the Coupe de Ville even sported simulated top bows inside under the roof.
