Originally called the Series 40-62, the Cadillac Series 62 was produced from 1940 through the 1964 model year, with a hiatus for World War II. Designed by Harley J. Earl, the Series 62 was built on the C-body platform as the new entry-level Cadillac sold alongside the Series 61, as the La Salle line was soon to be dropped. The Series 62 sat lower, had a segmented grille, a more stylized front bumper, a more aerodynamic windshield, a curved rear window, no running boards, and an overall sleeker appearance.
The original Series 62 had continued to evolve until 1942, when the focus turned to the war effort. Cadillac production resumed in October of 1945. The Series 62 was the only model built for many months, with only slight changes from the 1942 model year. 1947 would see more cosmetic changes to the Series 62, and the introduction of Hydro-Lectric windows on the Series 62 convertible, the only model in Cadillac’s line-up with a retractable soft top. Though the 1947 Series 62 was mostly a placeholder until the 1948 redesign, it represented 84 percent of Cadillac sales, with nearly 40,000 copies leaving the factory.
By the 1954 model year, the Cadillac Series 62 was entering its fourth generation. This new-generation Series 62 had a more streamlined, sleeker and lower appearance. The front-bumper Dagmars fronted a new egg-crate grille. All models featured the previous-generation Eldorado wraparound windshield, while coupes featured wraparound rear windows. Eldorados came with a number of identifying trim pieces that distinguished them from other models in the Series 62 line.
For the 1956 model year, the Cadillac Series 62 was given a new grille, optional grille finishes, and parking lights incorporated into the bumpers. The 1956 Series 62 was warmly received, as evidenced by the 134,502 copies that left the factory, or more than 86 percent of all the Cadillacs sold that year.
Our feature 1956 Cadillac Series 62 Coupe is largely unrestored. It is finished in its original Pecos Beige hue with a Taupe roof over a Beige Heather patterned cloth and Gaberdine interior. Chrome bumpers and trim are also original. This Series 62 coupe is powered by a 365 cubic-inch V8 producing 285 horsepower. A four-speed automatic transmission moves power to the rear wheels. It is equipped with a power front bench seat, power steering, power windows, EZ Eye glass, a heater, and a signal-seeking radio with power antenna.
This 1956 Cadillac Series 62 will cross the auction block during the Mecum Auctions Chattanooga, Tennessee event taking place October 13th and 14th.
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Comments
Gotta love the style and effort but I never was a big fan of these sleds.
What an ICON! I hope it doesn’t end up overseas, but would probably get better care there and stay original.
The 55 and 56 Cadilac Coupe DeVilles are, in my opinion, among the most beautiful Cadillacs ever produced.
Optional A/C could blow through vents in the package tray, freezing neck and head of back seat passengers.
1956 was Cadillac’s final year of ‘wedding cake’ styling with its three levels of focus – the fender line below the hood, trunk and belt line above, and of course the roof.
Amazing how much of this car remains in original condition.
This is a treasure! Brings back memories of my 1956 convertible Coup de Ville. Elegant and massive it turned heads everywhere it went.
Did anyone noticed the Flying Goddess on the hood? If this is the bread-n-butter model, why they had the Flying Goddess on this model since it was entry-level at that time or it did not matter to Cadillac and the Goddess was more of their signature logo like the crest regardless of low to high end line-up?
Today, the Goddess is being used on special low-volume or limited run models.
Kind of a strange color combo, but it’s still attractive. What sticks out to me is how the pics show it with the door windows down. This leaves a strange “missing” chrome piece that makes it look like it fell off. Of course, that has the chrome along the top edge of the windows, so with them up it would look proper. Just a strange observation.
Beautiful Cadillac! That was when Cadillac was truly “A Standard for the Wotld”!
Immediately, my eye was drawn to the “missing chrome” of the window.