Stored 25 Years: 1962 Cadillac Convertible
From the ran and drove great when it was parked in the shop 25 years ago department comes this 1962 Cadillac convertible, which recently emerged from a quarter-century hibernation and is now looking for a new place to call home. The Series 62 got a major redesign in ’61, including some undercarriage upgrades that eliminated the somewhat problematic air suspension found on the previous model, and in its place utilized rubberized coil springs in both the front and rear. Most of it carried over to the following year, although the car did receive a minor facelift and a few other cosmetic changes for ’62. If you’ve been in the market for a luxurious drop-top to take on as a project, this 1962 Cadillac Convertible might be worth a look. It can be found here on Craigslist in Grants Pass, Oregon, with an asking price of $18,500.
We’d like to give Barn Finds reader Dano a big thank you for finding this one and bringing it to our attention! Other than the fact that it has sat in limbo for 25 years, we get very little information about the Caddy’s past, and no reason is given as to why a great running and driving classic would just be taken off the road suddenly and put into storage for such a long period of time. Maybe a previous owner passed away, or maybe a complete restoration was in the works that just never got finished, maybe both or perhaps neither. In any event, the seller believes it’s a great candidate for restoration and claims that the rust issues are minimal. It does look like at some point a few sections of the lower body were cut away, presumably to be patched, and I can’t really tell if the exposed areas underneath just have surface rust or if it’s a more serious decay issue, but hopefully the former. The convertible top is said to be in great shape.
The standard engine in 1962 was a 390 cubic-inch V8 equipped with a 4-Barrel carburetor, and it gave you 325 horsepower right from the factory. The seller says that he started the car back in July from a separate fuel tank, so he’s sure it still runs, but after a 25-year hiatus, I’m guessing it’s going to need at least some attention. Other than the brakes needing to be bled, nothing else is mentioned regarding the rest of the mechanics, and no word about the underside of the car.
The leather buckets are showing some considerable cracking, but the interior does appear to be mostly complete, and though most of it could use some refreshing the top of the dash actually looks to be in nice condition. It’s also a factory A/C car, so that’s a plus. To turn this one into a museum piece would take quite a bit of effort, but just to make a decent driver out of it seems as though it could be reasonably attainable. What are your thoughts on this 1962 Cadillac Convertible?
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Comments
61&62 GM was on a roll. The styling across all the divisions was trimmed and they all look good, at least this old guy thinks so. This Caddy is no exception. Some conditioner and dye on that leather may bring back a presentable look to those hides. Some basic mechanical work. Some paint prep and a decent two stage paint job and cruise to your hearts delight.
I do love the 61’s and 62’s. The seller is correct. it is a nice candidate for a total restoration. Even has bucket seats.
Nice weld patches. What is that? Skirts are gonna be hard to source unless he has em. Looks like it’s out in Butchers Holler. Maybe 1/3 the ask but no 18K
These cars do get my attention. I’ve been a fan since they were new. From what we can see this appears to be a simple refurbish of brakes and tune up and probably new tires. A nice winter job for those who prefer winter repairs and summer driving. I agree the price is quite ambitious but then start high and accept best offer.
God Bless America
My Dad had this in a white hard top coupe with red leather interior. I always admired the very symetrical balance of the top fins with the lower body fins.
A perfect Caddy for it’s day.
I would love to restore this old gal with a specific interest in modifying the front end and steering system. This year had the super soft driving experience with what felt like marshmellows between the steering wheel and the road. I remember my Dad letting me drive his pride and joy after my passing the drivers test for obtaining a license when I was 17. It had a great ride, but wow, what a chore it was for me to track straight down the highway with little or no feedback from the suspension. I hope someone great gets this, in my opinion, one of the greatest Cadillac designs of all time!
“Ran when stored,” that’s like saying, “had no rust when stored.”
Laugh
When I graduated HS in 69 I was going to gift myself either a 62 caddy convertible or a 64 VW bus. I often wonder who I would be today if I had chosen the Cadillac.
One of the best design details of this year Cadillac is how the dashboard mimics the front grill. I agree, GM had their act together for this one.
Out of all the Cadillacs produced I like these the least. 1960 was huge. 1963 was huge but these were shrunk down to Lincoln size of the early 60s. Do any of you know there were actually two sizes of ’62 Cadillac? There was the regular size, and then there was one with a trunk (rear end) 2″ or 3″ shorter. I read that in one of the books I have.
But at least in 1963 they got bigger again.
I bought a white 62 Fleetwood earlier this year…62 is one of my favorite years for Cadillac. Had a white 62 Sedan de Ville briefly back in the early 80s when I was in the Navy. Unfortunately the Fleetwood was a bad choice when it comes to finding parts. Mine is missing the rear window trim and I can’t find a replacement anywhere.
Potentially a beautiful ride . Certain a unique design compared to the more sedate ‘64, ‘65 and ‘66 that followed . The market perplexes me. 18 large for an unknown quantity basically that needs everything . Maybe Angel Caddie Diva or anyone can chime in on the current market.
You really want my opinion? Here goes. I understand inflation. Prices go up, technically wages are supposed to go up, but in reality not as much as inflation.
Now, the way I see the market. It’s asking 10,000$ for a car that belongs in a junkyard. 18,000$ for a car that just came out if the junkyard (like this Caddy). 30,000$ for a car that needs work and paint,, but is still a driver.. you get the idea.. a really nice finish example, 100,000$
Do I agree with this?? No. Inflation and greed have pushed the market into the stratosphere. Mostly greed.
In my opinion, and it is my opinion, this ’62 Caddy shouldn’t be any more than 5000$, and that’s only because of inflation.
Do you agree with me? Probably not. But you asked for my opinion and I gave it.
This is a good 1962 Cadilac convertible candidate for restoration. Though the removal of portions of the rockers do give pause about what lies underneath. This is a way better choice than the “rebodied” 62 coupe last week was. Save your money and headache and buy a covertible that was designed to be one. I’d rather pay $10-$12k than $18k, but at least everything is here. Good find
Well if you chose the VW bus, hopefully it was a 21 or 23 window and you still have it to enjoy the huge upside in your investment!
By the time I finished with it nothing matched the title. I swapped engine, transaxle and body. Ended up cutting into pieces to scrap!
Angel Cadillac Diva,
You make an excellent point, but there are certain things that might trigger a special interest in something that albeit not inherently valuable, perhaps emotionally valuable. Maybe their father or grandfather had one they drove when the first got their learners permit, (like me and my Dad).
Think of art I have seen people spend tens if not hundreds of thousands to have something just because although they appreciated it, the value was also an investment.
I’m not saying that this 62 Vert would be any way a great rturn on an investment to get it to concourse. But, the fact is that these are becoming rarer and rarer and to that unique person’s emotional experience getting harder to find, much less that they may be running out of time on this planet to achieve this 62 Caddy goal. So although we common folk don’t see this as a great investment, that one person probably doesn’t either,;just a way to satisfy that special itch for something that will probably never made again, much like there will be no new art coming from Michael Angelo, so there is inherent value in what still exists.
And remember; There is a ____ for every seat!