The 1948-49 Cadillac
Series Sixty-Two Convertible and Sedanet were elegantly beautiful
Cadillacs. Part of the first postwar redesign, they were among the most
graceful cars of the era. The fastback sedanet -- also known as the
club coupe -- had the aura of the Classic "boattail" about it.
The significant mechanical difference between the two model years was engines: the '48s ran with the last of the 346-cid flathead V-8s, while the '49s had the first of the pioneering 331-cid overhead-valve, high-compression units. Some collectors prefer the earlier engine, saying it is smoother and quieter, though the ohv unit provided more power and returned better mileage.
Both years were almost identical in styling, though the '49 looked a little heavier in front. The '48 possessed a fine one-year-only drum-style instrument cluster, while the '49 dash was more conventional.
Pluses of the 1948-1949 Cadillac Series Sixty-Two Convertible/Sedanet:
Conv, 5,450; Sedanet, 4,764
Production of the 1949 Cadillac Series Sixty-Two Convertible/Sedanet:
Conv, 8,000; Sedanet, 7,515
Specifications of the 1948-1949 Cadillac Series Sixty-Two Convertible/Sedanet:
Length, inches: 213.9
Wheelbase, inches: 126.0
Weight, inches: 4,125-4,449
Price, new: $2,912-$3,442 (U.S.)
Engines for the 1948-1949 Cadillac Series Sixty-Two Convertible/Sedanet:
 ©2007 Publications International, Ltd. 1948 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible. |
The significant mechanical difference between the two model years was engines: the '48s ran with the last of the 346-cid flathead V-8s, while the '49s had the first of the pioneering 331-cid overhead-valve, high-compression units. Some collectors prefer the earlier engine, saying it is smoother and quieter, though the ohv unit provided more power and returned better mileage.
Both years were almost identical in styling, though the '49 looked a little heavier in front. The '48 possessed a fine one-year-only drum-style instrument cluster, while the '49 dash was more conventional.
Pluses of the 1948-1949 Cadillac Series Sixty-Two Convertible/Sedanet:
- One of the great postwar American designs
- High-demand item
- Widely recognized for excellence
- Fairly high running costs
- Uninspired interiors
Conv, 5,450; Sedanet, 4,764
Production of the 1949 Cadillac Series Sixty-Two Convertible/Sedanet:
Conv, 8,000; Sedanet, 7,515
Specifications of the 1948-1949 Cadillac Series Sixty-Two Convertible/Sedanet:
Length, inches: 213.9
Wheelbase, inches: 126.0
Weight, inches: 4,125-4,449
Price, new: $2,912-$3,442 (U.S.)
Engines for the 1948-1949 Cadillac Series Sixty-Two Convertible/Sedanet:
| Type | Size | Horsepower | Years |
| sv V-8 | 346 cid | 150 | 1948 |
| ohv V-8 | 331 cid | 160 | 1949 |
Want more information about collectible cars? See:
