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LOT 327

1948 Cadillac Series 61 Club Coupe Coachwork by Fisher Chassis no. 486112044 Engine no. 486112044

Sold for US$36,960 inc. premium
Lot 327

1948 Cadillac Series 61 Club Coupe
Coachwork by Fisher

1948 Cadillac Series 61 Club Coupe
Coachwork by Fisher

Chassis no. 486112044
Engine no. 486112044


346ci L-Head V8 Engine
Single Two Barrel Carburetor
150bhp at 3,400rpm
Hydra-Matic Automatic Transmission
Independent Front Suspension - Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Drum Brakes

*Striking fastback Club Coupe 'Sedanette' model
*Early iteration of Cadillac's iconic tailfins inspired by the P-38 fighter plane
*Classic and elegant Frank Hershey styling
*A highly original and well-preserved example


THE POST-WAR CADILLAC

The Series 62 Cadillac's beautiful Fisher-built 'Projectile' or 'Torpedo' bodies had first appeared on the 1940 range and featured a revised front-end treatment for '41, establishing a pattern that would last for several years. Only detail changes were made in the immediately post-war years before the range was comprehensively restyled for 1948, emerging with Harley Earl's Lockheed P38-inspired tail fins for the first time. Progressively enlarged, this signature styling device would reach its zenith in 1959 before fading away. With 150 horsepower on tap, the '48 Series 61s and 62s had a decent turn of speed, while the chassis was considered remarkable for its maneuverability. The Club Coupe is, of course, a highly influential piece of design which is credited with inspiring others, including no less than Bentley with their R-Type Continental.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This example of Cadillac's sublimely designed '48 Fastback is a remarkable time-warp automobile which has survived its 70 plus years in good unrestored order. Its body tag confirms it to have been delivered in the rich Beldon Blue Metallic scheme as new, with the contrasting Gray Dual Cord and Gray Plain Broadcloth and the 'K' option of under seat heating, and this is how we find the car today.

As was the fashion in its day, the Cadillac was fitted with plastic seat covers for the majority of its life, ensuring that when they were removed in recent years the interior was revealed to be immaculate and yet original with only the lightest of wear. All told, the odometer reading accrued is 42,887 miles, and much of its paintwork appears to be original finish. The car has been in the present custody for a number of years having been acquired as part of a group collection of authentic original motorcars, and emerges again offering a wonderful opportunity here.

Saleroom notices

Please note, the title for this vehicle will be in transit.

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