1948 Cadillac Convertible
The 1948 Cadillac Series 62 marked the first year for redesigned post-war Cadillacs. The fresh Series 62 featured tail fins, a styling trait that would stick with Cadillac for years to come. The wheelbase was slightly shorter than the previous generation, but a wider track equated to increased interior room. The 346 cubic-inch V8 continued as the only engine option, as new power wouldn’t be introduced until the following year. Cadillac sold 34,213 Series 62s for the 1948 model year, accounting for almost 70 percent of total production, despite not hitting showroom floors until February of that year.
The 1948 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible offered here appears to be a largely original car that was cosmetically restored some time ago. It was acquired by Mr. and Mrs. Kughn from its long-time owner, a prominent Midwestern collector, in whose care it had been fitted with a new, tan Haartz cloth top. Fitted with dual rearview mirrors, Cadillac’s now iconic “sombrero” wheel covers, and a set of period-style wide whitewall tires, it boasts a period-correct interior that is quite impressive, with full leather upholstery and such amenities as power window lifts, an AM radio with a power antenna, and an electric clock. Underneath the hood is a correctly finished engine bay, housing the traditional V-8 mated to its modern Hydra-Matic transmission, ideal for easy cruising.
The convertible top has been chopped 5″ to match body and has been chromed and functions perfectly. The car has been prepped and painted in a red pearl to an amazing shine. The engine is a crate GM350 with Vintage Air, transmission is a pro-built Turbo 350, GM 10-bolt rear end with 3.23 posi-traction, power disc brakes, Nova front clip and Air Ride technology suspension. Power windows, power steering and power brakes. The interior is a one-off custom Beige Pearl leather with a Tan cloth convertible top. Factory restored steering wheel and gauge cluster.
The 1948 model year was abbreviated to about eight months and production was modest. The lower line Series 61 only sold 8,600 units, in four-door sedan and two-door fastback sedanette body styles. The big seller in the Series 62 line was the four-door sedan, which accounted for 24,000 of the model’s 34,000 sales. In the Series 62, a club coupe cost $2,900 and a convertible ran $3,400. Only 5,450 1948 Cadillac Series 62 2dr Convertibles were produced making them extremely rare and collectible today.
