1950 Cadillac Series 61 Coupe
"Tens of thousands of times each year, Cadillac cars go into the hands of people who never before owned and driven the "Standard of the World". And each time this happens, it poses for Cadillac the most serious challenge a motor car ever faced. For when a man moves up to Cadillac, he does so expecting extraordinary things. Yes, when you move up to Cadillac, you can look forward to the thrill of your life. For Cadillac more than meets the challenge". From a 1950 print ad featuring a Van Cleef and Arpels gold and jade necklace over a jade colored 61.
For consignment, a 1950 Cadillac Series 61 coupe showing 43,973 miles which are not actual, but the car is housing its number matching engine. The sales brochure states, "here is a completely new 'sport type' model for the 61 series. Like other Cadillac models for 1950, the series 61 is dramatically new in appearance and luxurious appointments.". It also boasts about the Caddy's "decorative yet functional chrome". Let's take a closer look.
Exterior
Before we delve into the massive chrome elements, let's note the two tone paint with the roof in gold and the body in burgundy and this two tone design was common on the 2 door. In profile, the rear fender with its vertical chrome accent on its straight front bulging hip, subtle raised fin, and skirt almost appears like it was added on as it veers from the body lines in dramatic fashion. Those lines start with a bulbous hood over a pontoon fender that flows straight back maintaining a slight swell at the shoulder line. The curved windshield stands taller than the curved rear window, giving the rear a sloping profile met with a rounded rump. It's at the nose where most of the chrome resides in a massive grille and bumper that sends an accent spear through the door with two torpedo shaped bumper guards leading the way. Could the chrome use some restoration? Sure, but it's nice enough to be presentable. The bumper out back is big too, and wraps around to create a bold accent on the quarter panel. The body is straight and the paint is very nice and outside of some minor pitting in bright work, we could not find any exterior imperfections.
Interior
Varying shades of gray dress the door panels with neat cloth and vinyl along with a tan header and hardware surround and it's in nice shape. Light gray cloth also covers the seats with dark gray toppers on the split bench which shows a touch of patina with some compression and discoloration, but nothing we wouldn't be proud to present at a show. The back seat follows suit with material and conditions and provides legroom that would accommodate Joel Embiid. Up front, the plastic steering wheel has yellowed and cracked with age and there are some breaks in the rim while the horn ring remains in good condition. The gauge cluster ahead is chrome framed in a contoured window looking stylish and rich with bold white numbering on a black background, all based in a tan painted metal dash. The elegant burgundy mid panel contains an AM radio and a clock in the style of the gauges. Gray loop carpet covers the floor nicely and the mohair headliner shows typical age but is fully intact and presentable. The trunk is large but nothing fancy with a well worn mat and a red wheeled, white wall spare tire.
Drivetrain
Under the big hood is a fantastically clean, numbers matching 331ci V8 which produces 160 horsepower and receives fuel through a 2-barrel carburetor. A Hydramatic 4-speed is behind it, transferring power to the rear wheels and 3.36 gears, while drum brakes on all four corners are assigned the job of slowing this big car down.
Undercarriage
A nicely clean underside greets us with very little surface rust or errant fluids. We do note a drop or two of the red stuff on the transmission pan, but all other pans are clear and the knuckles are too. Some glossy black undercoating has preserved this side of the car and a single exhaust travels through a stock style muffler before exiting out back in a tailpipe that shines like new. Coils springs make up the front suspension while leaf springs occupy the rear.
Drive-Ability
Outside of some trucks, this era's Cadillacs represent some of the largest cars we pilot, and this original 331 ignites without issue and we roll this behemoth onto the test loop. 160 horses are pushing a lot of weight but acceleration is not horrible, tracking is straight and lofty as one would expect in a premiere luxury car, and visibility is quite good thanks to the greenhouse. If you're very short, a few Yellow Pages, (remember those?), might be warranted to see over the hood. Meanwhile, we note the horn and radio not working but all other functions work as they should. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
Amazing that these big cars roamed the streets like Bison on roads that were half the width of what we're used to today. But they did and many didn't survive, so this car represents a nice example of what was, and is essentially rolling, American art, a stunning example of form and function with an interior not unlike a fine living room and a cloud-like ride that helped put Cadillac at the top of the food chain. This is 211 inches of steel on steel that's ready for a new home.
506154426
50-1950
61-61 Series
54426-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
STYLE NO 50 6137-1950 Series 61 Club Coupe
BODY NO FW 5717-Detroit Body #
TRIM NO 31-Gray Whale Cord & Gray Plain Cloth
PAINT NO 10-French Gray
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.
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