1951 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible Coupe
Harley Earl’s design team drew inspiration from the Lockheed P-38 Lightning when developing the Series 62’s distinctive tail fins, which debuted on the 1948 models and set a styling trend that would define American automotive design for the next decade.
The Series 62 Convertible represented Cadillac’s entry-level offering, though “entry-level” in this context still meant a luxurious automobile with advanced engineering.
The 1949 model year introduced General Motors’ new 331 cubic-inch overhead-valve V-8, producing 160 horsepower. Power was most often delivered through the Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, which helped the Series 62 achieve a top speed near 100 mph with comfortable cruising speeds between 80 and 90 mph.
Briggs Cunningham demonstrated the model’s versatility by entering two Cadillacs in the 1950 24 Hours of Le Mans. A Series 62 Coupe De Ville driven by Sam and Miles Collier finished 10th overall in essentially stock form, while the more heavily modified Series 61 known as “Le Monstre” drew international attention.
The 1951 Series 62 Convertible Coupe carried this proven formula forward with minor refinements, continuing Cadillac’s blend of performance, prestige, and cutting-edge styling.
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