331ci OHV V8
Carter 2-Barrel Carburetor
160bhp at 3,800rpm
4-Speed Hydra-Matic Automatic Transmission
Coil Spring Front Suspension, Semi-Elliptic Rear Leaf Springs
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes

*Landmark First-Year Coupe de Ville Hardtop Model
*First Model Year for Cadillac's Revolutionary OHV V-8
*Example of Motor Trend's Inaugural Car of the Year
*Restored, Handsomely Presented AACA Award Winner

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Having outlasted the majority of its competitors by the late 1930s, General Motors' top-level Cadillac Motor Division moved from strength to strength during the postwar era, consolidating its position during the heady buyer's market of 1945-47 while perfecting its first new postwar models. Thoroughly modern new Cadillac models for 1948 featured a new chassis-frame design and body designs inspired by secret prewar studies of Lockheed's stunning new twin-boom, twin-engine P-38 fighter plane at Selfridge Field outside Detroit. Numerous clay models and prototypes were constructed and finished, with this design work headed by Julio Andrade, assistant to GM design chief, Harley Earl. Despite the vast amount of work invested into the early concepts that informed the 1948 Cadillac design program, only the discreet and distinctive, upward-flowing tailfins would grace the 1948 models; however, many features would be rolled out over the following years, first on Cadillacs, then filtered down to update the rest of the GM product hierarchy.

Following the big launch of the new-for-1948 models, Cadillac's winning styling continued essentially unchanged for 1949. Among the detail refinements, the prior "rainbow" cluster-style dash design was replaced by a more conventional layout featuring a horizontal speedometer. Further developments for 1949 included the release of Cadillac's all-new and revolutionary overhead-valve V-8 engine, an unqualified tour de force of design and efficiency. Featuring then-high compression, Cadillac's new V-8 delivered 160 rated horsepower, but more importantly, strong peak torque at just 1,800 engine revolutions. Providing the power required to propel the entire Cadillac model line with the authority and near-silent operation that loyal buyers had long enjoyed and continued to demand, this new engine's importance to its maker simply cannot be overstated. Importantly, the new Cadillac V-8 and its design excellence provided ample scope for future development and served as the marque's sole powerplant in various displacements and power ratings for years to come.

In testament to Cadillac's stylistic leadership, the new Model 6237 Coupe de Ville debuted for 1949. A dashing and sporty two-door model, the new Coupe de Ville featured a pillarless hardtop roofline – the last word in automotive design at the time. Based on Cadillac's most popular Series 62 model line with a generous 126-inch wheelbase length, the Coupe de Ville gained immediate traction among Cadillac buyers with its fresh and modern profile. Sales were brisk for such a bold new body design with 2,150 examples of the Coupe de Ville sold that first model year and the nameplate going on to become a fixture at Cadillac for several decades to come.

Accompanied by the very rare original Cadillac Identification Card, this 1949 Cadillac Series 62 Coupe de Ville was delivered new to John G. Davis on December 17, 1949 via Rader's Garage in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. While intervening history is unknown, this historic, first-year Coupe de Ville was more recently treated to a frame-off concours-quality restoration, confirmed by its achievement of a 98-point National First Prize honor during the latter 2000s under AACA judging at Hershey, Pennsylvania. The Consignor acquired the Coupe de Ville approximately 10 years ago and fewer than 96,500 miles of use are indicated at the time of cataloging. In addition to its handsome color combination and presentation, the Cadillac is equipped with the highly desirable, factory-optional GM Hydra-Matic four-speed automatic transmission and a heater/defroster. Rightly, Motor Trend editors accorded the 1949 Cadillac line as the magazine's first Car of the Year recipient, ensuring the lasting desirability of these outstanding postwar motorcars. Equally ready for showing and touring enjoyment, this 1949 Cadillac Series 62 Coupe de Ville is simply an excellent example of Cadillac's industry-leading design and engineering.