1958 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible
Quad headlamps and a restyled grille featuring round “cleats” at intersecting horizontal and vertical members distinguished Cadillac’s chrome-laden 1958 models.
The Series 62 Convertible rode on a 129.5-inch wheelbase with distinctive tailfins bearing block-letter Cadillac script. Five horizontal windsplits ahead of unskirted rear wheel housings characterized the bodyside treatment.
The 365 cubic inch overhead-valve V-8 produced 310 horsepower in standard tune, with output rising to 335 horsepower when equipped with the optional tri-power setup using three two-barrel carburetors.
A four-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission drove a live rear axle, with conventional coil spring rear suspension rather than semi-elliptical leaf springs, and power-assisted drum brakes handled stopping at all four corners.
The convertible shared its basic platform and overall body with Coupe DeVille and Sedan DeVille, but was distinguished (along with the Series 62 2-door hardtop) by its solid metal trim on the lower “rocket” or conical projectile rear quarters, where lesser models carried only thin ridge moldings, and factory air conditioning remained an uncommon extra on open cars.
Cadillac built 7,825 Series 62 Convertibles for 1958, a figure held back by that year’s recessionary climate that softened demand across the luxury market.
Source
