LAST OF THE SKY-HIGH FINS: This 1960 Cadillac Series 62 Merges the Best of Two Models
May 24, 2017
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
Written by independent automotive journalist Steve Magnante
This Pompeian Red 1960 Cadillac Series 62 convertible (Lot #728) will be heading across the block at the 2017 Barrett-Jackson Northeast Auction.
The 1960s brought a changing of the guard in the Cadillac styling department. The jet-age dream car aesthetic of Harley Earl gave way to the more refined sensibilities of Bill Mitchell. Though Mitchell and his underlings rendered design successes like the Corvette Sting Ray and Buick Riviera (in other GM divisions), their “taming” of all Cadillac models in 1961 put a distinct end to the excesses of the ’50s.
Though the Pompeian Red convertible featured here (Lot #728) is a 1960 model, its sky-high fins and radical wrap-around windshield are closer in theme to 1959 than 1961 by a huge margin. Mitchell totally reworked the ’61 Caddy line, trimming the tops of the fins and adding lower fins ‒ called “skegs” among Caddy collectors – and eliminating the wrap-around windscreen. Among “fans of fins,” 1960 marks the end of an era.
Originally built as a loaded Series 62 convertible, the featured car has been treated to a full mechanical and cosmetic restoration with Eldorado lower-body chrome and emblems added for extra eye appeal. The panel fitment and gaps are as good as new and ready for showing at the highest level. Inside, the leather seats are refurbished and the color-matched floor carpeting is fresh. Factory power-assist features include power drum brakes, power steering, power windows, power front seat and power-operated convertible top.
And while that’s a generous level of standard power equipment, in true big-fin Cadillac fashion, this gorgeous drop-top goes even further with power-operated front vent windows, a $73 upcharge on Series 62 models. And to answer the inevitable question, “Is that a ray-gun on top of the dash?” Nope, it’s the Autronic Eye. First offered by Oldsmobile and Cadillac in 1952, the rifle-scope-looking unit affixed to the center of the dash pad encloses a photo-sensitive tube. It dims the high beams whenever it detects oncoming traffic at night so the driver doesn’t have to. A $46 option in 1960, it’s interesting to note the 2005 Cadillac CTS unveiled Intellibeam, a 21st-century version of the same idea.
Naturally this wonderful land yacht is equipped with factory-installed air conditioning, not a modern reproduction. As luxurious as Cadillac was, the division couldn’t afford to give air conditioning away and charged a heady $474 for this highly desirable convenience and comfort item. Fully charged and ready for the heat of summer, this Frigid-Air unit lives up to its name.
The 1961 models also marked a change of attitude beneath all Cadillac hoods. When Cadillac unveiled the first post-WWII overhead valve (OHV) V8 in 1949, the rest of Detroit scrambled to keep up. Soon a veritable horsepower race ensued. While Cadillac always maintained a dignified veneer, shunning hood scoops and other boy-racer effects, beginning in 1954, every Cadillac sprouted twin exhaust tips, often integrated into the rear bumper design. But in 1961 the exhaust tract on all offerings was changed to a single system. The new focus was on ridding the passenger compartment of all engine noise. Because twin exhaust outlets rumbled, burbled and resonated at certain speeds, they had to go.
Thus, this 1960 is the last of the factory-installed “twice pipes” Caddys. Though not seen on this car, 1960 was also the final year for the Eldorado triple-carburetor 3×2 induction option, another sign of the carmaker’s refocus from performance to luxury. What’s more, from 1961 until well into the 1980s, Cadillacs were all fitted with single-exhaust plumbing. That said, to keep from choking the big 472 V8 of 1968, Cadillac devised some of the quietest yet best-flowing mufflers of the day. They were so effective, street racers like Detroit’s legendary Jimmy Addison (owner of the “Silver Bullet” 1967 HEMI GTX), cobbled together exhaust systems made up of four Caddy mufflers to tame the noise level during late-night exploits. But we digress …
Under the hood of our featured Series 62, the original 390ci V8 has been refurbished and is ready for daily use. With a single 4-barrel carburetor, it is all original including the Cadillac script valve covers and single-snorkel air cleaner unit. With 325 horsepower, it has plenty of grunt for stoplight getaways and open-road motoring.
Fully documented with its original Build Sheet and all restoration receipts, this gorgeous example of Harley Earl’s final influence at Cadillac is sure to attract plenty of interest – and not just when it crosses the Barrett-Jackson auction block at No Reserve at the Northeast Auction. The winning bidder can be assured of admiring glances, smiles and waves anytime it leaves the garage.
For up-to-date information on this vehicle, click HERE.
To view the Northeast Auction docket, click HERE.