To be OFFERED AT AUCTION at Auctions America’s Fort Lauderdale event, April 1-3, 2016.

Chassis No.
506244280

Estimate:
$100,000 - $120,000 US

By 1950, Cadillac had finally come out on top of the battle for luxury car supremacy after years of trading punches with Packard for the honor of the bestselling premium automobile in America. Cadillac wrested the top spot away from a struggling Packard and did not relinquish it for years to come. Much of this was thanks to the arrival of the new 331 cubic inch overhead valve V-8 engine that produced a stout 160 horsepower.

Beyond the luxurious equipment and stylish bodywork, the OHV V-8 was proven by Briggs Cunningham, who raced a stock-appearing 1950 Cadillac Coupe in the grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans race, where he earned a highly respectable 10th place overall finish. Cunningham’s Cadillac reached 120-mph on the long Mulsanne straight and averaged over 80-mph over the 24 hour period. This amazing performance was something an equivalent Packard would be hard-pressed to achieve and it boosted Cadillac’s image tremendously.

At the entry-level of the Cadillac lineup was the Series 61, available as a four-door sedan or a club coupe. For those wanting to step up to a convertible or Coupe DeVille hardtop, it was necessary to order the Series 62, which featured a greater range of options and more exterior trim. Most customers opted for the Series 62, though only 6,986 ordered theirs in soft-top configuration.

The wonderful Series 62 Convertible Coupe on offer has been prized by several prominent collectors and presents in excellent, fully restored condition. This example was once part of noted collector Len Immke’s stable when Mr. Jim Miller caught sight of it and fell in love. After a great deal of convincing, Mr. Miller was able to purchase the car from Mr. Immke. At one point Mr. Miller traded the car away, but missed it enough to buy it back and keep it in his esteemed collection until only three years ago. It then joined another prominent private collection, where it remained until now. Through the years it has been lovingly maintained and is a striking example of this iconic 1950s machine.

Starting with what was an already excellent original car, a high quality and comprehensive restoration was performed. It wears very attractive and unusual French Grey paint work over red leather interior, the rare and correct original color combination. A black cloth soft-top piped in maroon sets off the tantalizing color quite nicely. Well accessorized and optioned from the factory, this Cadillac is loaded with options that include a Hydra-Matic transmission, power windows, heater, driver’s spotlamp, AM radio, stainless steel wheel covers, wide whitewall tires and rear fender skirts.

The paint remains beautiful and the body panels are absolutely straight and properly fitted with excellent gaps throughout. The extensive chrome and stainless trim is excellent and totally complete. Inside the luxurious cabin, red leather has taken on minor creasing which lends a warm and welcoming appearance to this exquisitely restored Cadillac. Original instruments, radio and clock adorn the beautifully finished dash. Door panels, proper carpets and interior fittings are in fine order as well.

Under the large hood rests the famous 331 overhead valve V-8. It is detailed nicely in correct Cadillac blue with proper script valve covers. Everything is tidy and clean, appearing well maintained and extremely well detailed with correct fittings, clamps and finishes. Ideally suited for driving or casual showing, this Cadillac elegantly recalls a time when the Standard of the World really did set the standard.
1950 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible