Cadillac Series 62

The 1949 Cadillac marked the beginning of the tail-fin craze. It was a form of American styling that would not fade for a further decade. Inspired by the Lockheed P-38 aircraft, the fins began as modest blips on the ’48 car which was otherwise a fairly restrained design, even rather elegant in Sedanette form. This body, with its long sweeping tail and curved widescreen, is said to have inspired the original Bentley Continental R-Type of 1952, and there is no denying the similarity between the two.
As well as being one of the most dramatic looking cars on American roads, the ’49 model Series 62 was also one of the fastest. This was thanks to a new overhead valve V8 which had been ten years on the drawing board. The engine delivered a 162 bhp punch. Quiet and smooth with its five bearings and hydraulic valve lifters, it was good for the magic 100 mph in 13 seconds – faster than most sportscars of the day.
Naturally the Series 62 featured automatic transmission, a Cadillac feature since 1941. New front end styling was marked by rubber bumper guard tips and dual circular parking lamps set into the lower section. Side trim was revised and the tail light theme was used throughout the line. Upgrades such as these helped ensure the continuing popularity of the Series 62.