Classic car history: 1959 Cadillac Series 62

The 1959 Cadillac was the brainchild of designer Harley Earl, who was inspired by American space travel and rockets for his design. The Cadillac 59 was the pinnacle of American car design excess. With tail fins rising 42 inches off the ground, rocket-style taillights, quad headlights and massive chrome bumpers, a body length of over 20 feet, this was the ultimate Cadillac to turn heads. The flamboyant fins of the ’59 are accentuated by its very low profile, which is 3 inches lower than the already low profile of the ’58 model.

Harley Earl was directly responsible for the design of 50 million vehicles and completely changed the look of the American automobile in the 1950s. No man has had such an impact on the shape of American automobile design, and no man has been guilty of so many excesses. of design. Other images were included in its space-themed design such as chrome grilles in the shape of false teeth, dashboards that looked like they belonged to fighter jets with dozens of switches and controls, bumper protrusions known as “Dagmars,” hood ornaments that looked like launchers. missiles.

The 1959 Cadillac is an American icon. You’ll see this year’s model showcased in many 1950s-style diners and restaurants. Hard Rock Café always has a 1959 or 1960 Cadillac in their restaurants. The 59s also starred in many movies, such as in the Clint Eastwood movie “Pink Cadillac.” The Cadillac 59 was a monument to American optimism in the 1950s; in fact it was the “American Dream”. Who wouldn’t love to drive one of these today? Today it will be difficult to find a restored 59 convertible for less than $ 70,000 and many of them sell for more than 100K.

Some of the features of the Cadillac 59 62 Series include power brakes, power steering, automatic transmission, central locking, tinted windows, and some options include headlight dimmers (automatic eye), power-operated windows, seat and trunk adjustment. Some of the other available models include the 8-seater Fleetwood Limo and the Eldorado Biarritz, which is the most valuable ’59 Cadillac.

1959 Cadillac Series 62 Specifications

Engine: 390 ci V8, cast iron head and block

Compression ratio: 10.5: 1

Induction: Carter 4-cylinder carburettor

Maximum power: 325 hp at 4800 rpm

Maximum torque: 435 pound-feet at 3400 rpm

Top speed: 121 mph

0-60 mph: 11 seconds

Transmission: GM TurboHydramatic Automatic

Body / Chassis: Steel body on steel X-frame chassis

Direction: recirculation ball

Wheels and tires: 15-inch diameter steel discs.

Brakes: Drums, 12-inch diameter. (front and back)

Front suspension: coil spring forks and telescopic shock absorbers

Rear suspension: live axle with coil springs and telescopic shock absorbers

Wheelbase: 130 inches

Height: 55.9 inches

Weight: 4885 pounds

Quarter Mile Performance – Who Cares?

Production: 11,130

Price: $ 5000 for Series 62, $ 7400 for Eldorado

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