331ci OHV V8 Engine
Single Four-Barrel Carburetor
210bhp at 4,150rpm
Hydra-Matic Transmission
Front Independent Suspension - Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes

*Offered from the John White Ramshead Collection
*Stunningly well-preserved survivor example with irresistible patina
*Just over 25,000 miles recorded on the odometer from new
*Timeless 'Americana' Harley Earl styling and design in elegant Black over Burgundy livery

THE 1953 CADILLAC

'The Cadillac is a vehicle manifestly intended to cover long distances at a high cruising speed whilst demanding the absolute minimum of effort from the driver and imposing the smallest possible distraction upon the passengers.' It is abundantly clear from the foregoing that Motor magazine found much to commend in the Series 62 Cadillac when testing Briggs Cunningham's personal car early in 1950. Indeed, a Cunningham-entered Cadillac Coupé De Ville finished 10that Le Mans that year driven -in lounge suits - by the Collier brothers.

Although the body style featuring GM styling chief Harley Earl's Lockheed P38-inspired tail fins had made its debut the preceding year, 1949 was nonetheless a landmark year for Cadillac, this season's models being the first to benefit from the company's new 331ci (5.4-liter) overhead-valve V8. Replacement for Cadillac's long-running 5.7-liter side-valve unit, the new engine was untypical in having over-square bore/stroke dimensions and, despite the overhead valve gear, managed to be both more compact and lighter than its predecessor. A maximum output of 160bhp meant that 100mph was within the reach of most models, with comfortable cruising between 80 and 90. Revisions for the succeeding few seasons were chiefly limited to styling changes. Hydraulically operated 'power' windows was a feature of the Convertible and Coupe DeVille by this time, while Hydra-Matic automatic transmission was standardized from 1950 onwards on all Series 62 models. The Series 62 was the larger of the two mainstream Cadillac model lines, being positioned between the 'small' Series 61 and the long-wheelbase Series 75 reserved for the Fleetwood-bodied limousines. The most obvious change to the '53 models was a new grille with integral bumper and 'projectile' bumper guards, surely one of the most dramatic looking front ends ever to grace an automobile.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

The most expensive model in the 1953 model-year Cadillac line-up, the Series 62 with the elegant, top-of-the-line style number 53-6267X Convertible Coupe coachwork by Fisher as offered here from the Ramshead Collection, would set you back $4,144 when new. About 8,400 examples were made, and this very example must be among the most original, best-preserved examples left. Acquired in 2010 by Mr. White in Ontario, Canada, the Cadillac has since been carefully preserved and looked after, without disturbing the impressive originality throughout. The graceful Harley Earl designed Convertible bodywork is finished in black and shows an irresistible patina with light polishing marks from decades of cleaning what quite possibly is the original, factory-applied paint. The original chrome and brightwork is in equally impressive condition, with a lovely glow of light age for the 70-year-old Cadillac. Chrome wire wheels are fitted, which naturally have been treated to new wide white wall tires. The tan canvas Convertible top shows its age and could also be the original one fitted in 1953.

Inside, the breathtakingly beautiful original burgundy leather interior displays a superb patina, one that perfectly matches the just 25,345 miles recorded on the odometer at the time the time of cataloging. The engine and luggage compartments remain largely untouched, with factory markings, decals and ID plates intact. A recent test drive revealed just how well a 25,000-mile, unrested Cadillac can run, with a tight and settled-in feeling going down the highway. A delight of a car to touch, feel, smell and drive, this remarkably well-preserved 1953 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible Coupe deserves serious consideration for collectors in the hunt for preservation class Concours trophies.