Original Survivor: 1949 Cadillac Coupe de Ville
When Cadillac introduced its Third Generation of its Series 62, it provided the first hints of a trend that would dominate American vehicle design in the latter half of the 1950s. It was the first Cadillac to feature tailfins, although these were tiny compared to those that graced later Cadillacs. Our feature car is a 1949 Cadillac Coupe de Ville, an original and unmolested survivor. It presents well for its age, and the buyer could choose to leave it untouched or treat it to a light cosmetic refresh. It appears to be mechanically sound, meaning that it is ready to hit the road immediately. The Cadillac is located in Independence, Oregon, and is listed for sale here on eBay. The vehicle hasn’t reached its reserve, but spirited bidding has still pushed the price to $21,649.
This Coupe de Ville presents well for an original and unrestored survivor with seventy-two years under its belt. Its Corinth Blue paint isn’t perfect, but it still produces a lovely shine. There are the usual chips and marks that you might expect, but these are acceptable for a survivor-grade classic. The panels are remarkably straight, but the best slice of news revolves around the subject of rust. There is none visible externally, and the owner doesn’t mention any hidden issues in his listing. The exterior trim is, if anything, in better shape than the paint. It glows warmly, with no signs of corrosion or other deterioration. The glass appears flawless, while the wide whitewall tires look right at home on this Caddy. There’s no doubt that this classic will ignite debate about the benefits of retaining it as a survivor versus treating it to some form of restoration.
Mechanically, the 1949 model year was significant for Cadillac’s Series 62. The company’s 346ci flathead V8 was consigned to the bin, and the new offerings rolled off the line equipped with an OHV 331ci motor. While this new motor only provided a 10hp power increase (from 150hp to 160hp) over its predecessor, it brought a significant weight advantage. The old flathead was a boat anchor, with the new V8 shaving an impressive 200lbs from the vehicle’s weight. Our feature car is equipped with its original 331, backed by a four-speed Hydramatic transmission. If the owner pointed this Caddy at a ¼ mile, the journey would be over in 20.3 seconds. That may not sound that impressive, but it represented an improvement of around 1.4 seconds compared to the 1948 Club Coupe. The car’s engine bay presents well for a vehicle of this vintage, and it doesn’t flatter to deceive. The owner says that it runs and drives beautifully, suggesting that there will be nothing for the buyer to do but slip behind the wheel and relish the classic car ownership experience.
The Coupe de Ville’s interior sends mixed messages to potential buyers, but it still presents okay for its age. The door trims appear warped and dirty, but there are no apparent rips or tears. I believe that the cloth may respond to a deep clean, but that leaves the issue of warping. An upholsterer may be able to produce new panels using the originals as templates. They could then transfer the upholstery onto these new cards, eliminating the worst of its problems. What can be seen of the seats looks promising, while the same is true of the carpet and dash. One of the great surprises is the lack of wear and cracking on the wheel. It is an item that can be prone to deterioration, but this one looks fine. The car isn’t what we would consider loaded by today’s standards, but it features functioning hydraulic windows, a pushbutton AM radio, and a clock.
The new owner of this 1949 Cadillac Coupe de Ville will face some decisions. There’s no doubt that it would benefit from a light cosmetic refresh, although it currently carries its survivor badge with pride. It is a car that leaves me torn because while I would love to see it shining like a new penny, it is hard to resist the vehicle in its current form. If you were to buy this classic, would you restore it or leave it as-is?
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Comments
Of course, I’d take this thing to the nearest track and test out its 1/4-mile performance, because that makes sense.
As I was motovatin over the hill,I saw Maybelleen in a Coupe De Ville:-)
Harvey, hers was a `55.
Nothin’ could outrun my v8 Ford.
Nothing could outrun my Hot Rod Lincoln. Style is everything in my book.
This, or the more recent black rust bucket. A no-brainer…
As is. Being so original and obviously cared for since 1949 makes it special. Restoring it would lose it’s charm and make it just another restored car.
My 1949 Fleetwood sedan had hydraulic power windows.
It developed a leak. Woops, brake fluid was used back then. Ate the sill paint.
Converted to trans fluid. Aw betta
As did my ’51, Joe! Did it ever stink. I think the power seats were also brake-fluid, too.
But boy, what a low gear….left many a traffic light duel partner in the dust!
Wow. A 72 year old built when Cadillac meant something. Certainly better looking and better built than the junk Cadillac sells today. For instance, their $100,000 Suburban, ooops Escalade. A Chevy with Caddy badges and an extra piece of plastic wood trim and idiots who feel compelled to impress their neighbors spend 30 large more. Stupid.
That’s why I laughed when my neighbor bought as Escalade. They have to have Caddy’s to impress everyone.
The only thing I would buy made by GM would be a Corvette and it would be used. Everything else that GM makes today is Junk.
Consumer Reports lists GM low in the rankings, because of its reliability problems.
The Equinox has had 16 recalls since its 2005 introduction.
GMC Acadia: Engine And Transmission Underpowered Base Engine.
The fifth generation Camaro (2010-2015) seems to be the worst offender, with customers reporting stuck ignition keys, premature belt wear and air bag light indicators as the top three problems.
This is just a few of GM’s problems. I owned 10 GM cars from 1977 to 1996 models. They all made it well past 100,000 miles, with very few problems. My 96 Buick Roadmaster made it 210,000.
Jeffery, you’re painting a wide swath with your brush with your disdain for current GM vehicles. I’ve owned GM most of my life and haven’t found them any more deficient than other brands. Currently have a ’22 XT6 Caddy, love it!
JIM Z – Consumer Reports rating very bad for GM. Let me know how your XT6 is at 100,000 plus miles. I bet you it won’t need just a few starters alternators and water pumps in 210,000 miles like my 1996 Buick.
Been like that since Obama sold GM to China, look at the new Caddies underneath they are just rust buckets in two or three years. My dad and I were always “GM”. The only GM now is my Corvettes. The rest is Ford, Dodge and Subaru.
Independence, Oregon, Why does it have a Pennsylvania plate on it then. I’d be putting it on a lift and checking it for the road salt rust. Was it trucked from coast to coast or was it driven? Look it over good.
Nice find, Adam! I’ve actually logged a number of hours working on a ’49 Cadillac two-door, except it’s a Series 62 Sedanette (fastback) with a Buick 455. I love the grille and the band of (originally painted wood finish) that wraps around the interior. Despite the mockery about the car’s racing potential, I also saw a similar car when I had the privilege of doing some “parade laps” at Road America.
This was Road America but I believe this car has competed in La Carerra Panamericana as well. That would be something to behold!
I would just drive it and do basic cosmetics a little at a time. I would not take it far enough apart to the point it was not drive able.
Seller states once owned by Mina gompels [sic]. Couldn’t find any reference to her. Most likely that the name was Minna Gombell.https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0326809/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_1
For just this one year – 1949 – the most beautiful Cadillac ever produced. For my money, they totally screwed it up in 1950, when they turned that beautiful curve at the fronts of the rear fenders into a vertical fake air scoop. Yes it was the same body shell as all GM cars, but the first-generation Caddy fins add an aura of gracefulness that the others lacked. ’49 Pontiacs also fared somewhat exceptionally in my view. Previous post-war Cadillacs, like all warmed-over prewar GM designs were dowdy at best.
But, oh the ‘49s! Be still my heart.
BTW: A ’49 Cadillac in any color but black is a travesty. ;-)
With sombrero hubcaps. Cadillac caps were the king of the customs until the advent of the “spinners”. Those three piece backlight with the chrome was a popular style late ’40’s-early ’50’s. The Hollywood Hudson also had them.
What years and models did Briggs Cunningham race at LeMans??
I love this car.My Grandfather had one like this.
Everything about these cars was great! 331 overhead valve motor mated to the firm shifting 4 spd Hydramatic Transmission. We loved ours.
These ’49 (and later) Caddy fins were at the epicenter of the aftermarket world for at least a dozen years. I remember you could buy Caddy fins to fit anything – from your Schwinn bike to your ’29 Studebaker.
Remember how they were imitated on the modest Henry J?
My dad had a 48 – same basic body style except a 4 door and of course flathead . Yes the hydrolic windows were a constant headache – nothing but trouble. Dad bought this car in 1952 to replace his 1935 Cadillac 4 door convertible .
I saw one of these turn into the intersection in front of me yesterday. Unrestored, fading paint, but all the lights worked. What a presence on the road.
Madlad, rules say no politics! By stating that Obama sold GM to China you are trying to stir up a political argument. I ask the admin to delete that comment.
Our government does some stupid stuff. GM paid all the billons back with interest. But, the government purchased GM stocks and sold them at a loss. Proof the government is a poor money manager.
Another political response. Not allowed. If you don’t like something, keep it to yourself. Why be negative?
Thank you, Jim.
Jim Ayres, nobody’s appointed you the “comment police”. (At least not that I know of)
In my opinion, Jeffery’s post and comment was totally factual and worth remembering.
These comments add nothing to the original post about the ’49 Cadillac.
No appointment needed. I will continue to speak out when people break the rules.