- Formerly from the collection of Ronald Lauder of Estee Lauder fame
- Finished in classic colors over a stylish interior
- One of the fastest American production cars for the model year
- Lockheed P-38 Lightning fighter plane-inspired styling
LOT 616
Selling on Saturday Evening
1949 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible
A significant evolution in post-war American luxury cars, the 1949 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible showcased Cadillac's advancements in engineering and styling. While the exterior bore resemblance to the 1948 models with their signature tailfins, originally inspired by the Lockheed P-38 Lightning fighter plane, the biggest story lay beneath the hood. That year, Cadillac introduced an all-new 331-cubic-inch overhead-valve V-8 engine, replacing the aging flathead V-8 that had powered Cadillacs since the 1930s. Lighter, more compact, and more efficient, the new engine produced 160 horsepower and offered improved acceleration and fuel economy. It set the stage for Cadillac's dominance in the luxury car segment throughout the 1950s and beyond.
The Series 62 Convertible rode on a 126-inch wheelbase and featured smooth, flowing lines that reflected the optimistic styling of the era. With room for six and a power-operated soft top, it combined sporty appeal with luxurious comfort. Standard features included a push-button radio, full instrumentation, dual sun visors, and leather upholstery. Buyers could also opt for accessories like power windows, power seat adjustment, and the increasingly popular Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, which Cadillac had begun offering in 1941.
Cadillac built just over 8,000 Series 62 Convertibles in 1949, making it one of the more exclusive body styles in the lineup. Today, it stands as a symbol of Cadillac's transition into the modern era, blending new engineering with refined, elegant design. The 1949 model was not only a pivotal year mechanically, but also visually represented the beginning of Cadillac's golden age with a car that helped define American luxury in the early post-war years.
The recipient of a previous high quality restoration, this 1949 Cadillac Series 62 is presented in a black color scheme over an eye-catching red interior that is enclosed by a power-operated black convertible soft top. The restoration is well-preserved, with aging and some cracking evident in the paintwork. The upholstery with recent detailing shows nicely and readily reveals the quality of the work's fit and finish. Features include power windows, a push-button radio, classic wide whitewall tires, and plenty of room for friends and family. Powered by a 331-cubic-inch overhead-valve V-8 engine paired with an optional Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, this winning combination made it one of the fastest production cars built in America for the model year.
Most recently this example was a resident of the Ronald Lauder Collection, heir to the Estee Lauder cosmetics fortune. While under his possession, it was properly maintained and exhibited among his extraordinary car and art collection. A landmark in both design and engineering, this 1949 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible marked the beginning of the modern American luxury car and set the standard for an entire generation of post-war automobiles.
Contact Us
- Phone: +1.260.925.6789
- Toll Free: 800.990.6789
- Email: info@worldwideauctioneers.com
