Barn Find Drop-Top: 1963 Cadillac Series 62
This ’63 Cadillac convertible was pulled from a barn after being stored for more than 30 years. It’s said to wear its original gold paint and the drivetrain is numbers matching. Other than being fitted with a new set of tires and having received a wash, nothing has been done to the car in ages. Currently found in Independence, Oregon, this drop-top is available here on eBay where the bidding is holding at $5,155.
We believe the seller’s Cadillac is a 1963 Series 62 as there were no production numbers noted for a De Ville convertible. The seventh generation of the Series 62 Cadillacs was built from 1961-64 and the 1963 models were treated to some styling updates with redesigned hoods and deck lids. The hoods alone jutted out five inches further forward than before while the tailfins were trimmed down to help provide a lower profile. Production for ’63 would result in 17,600 of these convertibles being built with a hefty MRSP price of nearly $5,600.
This non-running example was quite the looker back in the day, with its white convertible top and interior to contrast the gold paint. Little has been done to the car in some time and no mention is made as to why it was parked back in the 1980s. The Caddy has more than 154,000 miles on the odometer, so perhaps wear and tear caught up with it. Given the ragged generator belt and apparent hole in the hose coming out of the water pump, it hasn’t been started in years.
We’re told the car is corrosion-free except for surface rust on the sheet metal and front bumper. The floors, trunk, and sills are said to be solid, and the doors open as close they should. We’re wondering, though, if the front floor pan has been patched at one point. So, the body may not be a difficult project and the interior will need the front seat recovered and carpeting replaced, at a minimum. As you would expect with any Cadillac, this car is well-equipped and even includes factory air conditioning, not yet standard equipment even on most luxury cars.
Cadillac’s engine of choice in 1963 was a 390 cubic-inch V8 that produced 325 hp. Brought back to like-new condition, this drop-top could be worth $30-40,000 according to Hagerty.
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Comments
Here’s another my old man had about the same car – from 67 thru 71 or so. A pretty light green paint with white top. Green leather interior.
Ironically his other car was a 67 beetle.
Could have bought a lot of appliances if he just had the Beetle and kept up with the Kremplers.!
The Barn Find of a gold Cadillac convertable is a 1963. The writer seams to not be sure of the year. I know my Cadillacs and this is a 1963. The 1964 was different as well as the 1962.
Nearly 60 years old, in rough shape, and still bringing MSRP. Not a bad investment.
Those ARE original 63 Oregon plates, and since it seldom snows, and we don’t use salt, the undercarriage SHOULD be in good shape. Rust, as seen on cars from much of the rest of the country, is not a concern for a car here, especially if it’s been inside.
I’m always partial to a ’63 Caddy since my first project car was a ’63 Fleetwood. The dash brings back lots of memories, and is pretty in this lighter color than the dark blue I had. There was a ’63 convertible at the car show I attended two weeks ago and I had forgotten how incredibly long they were. I hope someone can get this car back on the road and restored properly.