1959 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible

This 1959 Cadillac Series 62 two-door is presented as a show-grade convertible that was treated to a mechanical overhaul within the last year, receiving updates to the braking system, carburetor, cooling system, electrical system, and transmission. The 390ci OHV V8 engine received a rebuilt oil pump and new pistons, valves, timing chain, and more. Backing that is an upgraded transmission, a rebuilt 3-speed Turbo 400 and the original Hydra-Matic transmission is included additionally in the sale. The seller has owned this vehicle since 2009 and added roughly 2,000 miles during that timeframe, performing upgrades including a front disc-brake conversion, an aftermarket heating and air conditioning system, and chrome-finished wire wheels on wide whitewall tires. Restored in red with a replacement white retractable top over a reupholstered two-tone red and white leather interior, this sixth-generation Series 62 is now offered with a clear Alaska title in the seller’s name.

The Series 62 was a full-size luxury car that first debuted in the Cadillac lineup in 1940 on the C-body platform, evolving into its sixth generation beginning in 1959 with a 130-inch wheelbase, large tailfins, jewel-like grille patterns, and a refreshed decklid. This particular car is one of 11,130 Series 62 convertibles sold in 1959 that was restored and resprayed in red under prior ownership. The convertible top and weatherstripping were installed in 2018, and the hydraulic cylinders for the power-operated top mechanism were rebuilt. Brightwork was refinished in approximately 2016 and includes the bumpers, moldings, driver's side-view mirror, badging, grille, and other accents. A removable trailer hitch and wiring have been added, and the exhaust system is new.

Kelsey-Hayes chrome-finished 15-inch wire wheels with Cadillac-branded center caps are wrapped in wide whitewall tires. Power brakes came as standard equipment on this model, and the front brakes have been upgraded to discs. Handling is assisted by power steering with a rebuilt gearbox, and the suspension features heavy-duty rear springs and shocks.

The interior is furnished with a previously reupholstered red and white leather power-adjustable bench seat, color-coordinated door panels and dashboard, and red carpeting. Bright trim accents the dashboard, which features the controls for an aftermarket heating and air conditioning system below the ignition. The dashboard received repairs to the lights and gauges as well as new defroster ducting. Amenities include power windows, two-speed windshield wipers, an analog clock, a newer vintage-look radio, and an "Autronic-Eye" automatic headlight dimmer. The trunk is lined with red carpeting and contains a spare tire with a matching cover.

Instrumentation is centered around a horizontal 120-mph speedometer along with gauges for the fuel level and coolant temperature. The five-digit mechanical odometer reads 77K miles, although true mileage on the chassis is unknown.

The 390ci OHV V8 had factory output ratings of 325 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque when new and was rebuilt and equipped with several new items in 2019. Among those were the camshaft, timing chain and sprockets, pistons, rings, bearings, lifters, water pump, a reground crankshaft, a rebuilt oil pump, a larger radiator with a transmission cooler, and more. The valves were also replaced with new units with hardened seats. The carburetor and distributor were rebuilt with vacuum advance, and the fuel pump and starter were replaced. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a rebuilt 3-speed Turbo 400 transmission that was installed in 2019. Recent work includes the addition of a new driveshaft with new U-joints.

Photos showing the underside of the car are available in the photo carousel to the right.

The sale includes the car’s uninstalled original 4-speed Hydra-Matic transmission.

AUTOHUNTER ADMIN UPDATE 10/25/2021: The listing has been updated to reflect the interior is leather.