Top Tips for Buying a Used Cadillac (1948-58)

Given that the United States in 1929 went close to sending the whole world bankrupt, it was seriously unfair that 20 years later it was rolling in loot and producing cars that hardly anyone else could afford.

Cadillac had built its first car way back in 1903 but by 1948 under legendary GM design chief Harley Earl the brand had introduced the dramatic tail fins that became its styling trademark. A year later there was a new 5.4-litre, overhead valve V8 that began life with 160bhp (119kW) but by 1953 was delivering a heartier 157kW. 

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Throughout the 1950s, in response to customer demand and the need to move bigger and heavier cars, the Cadillac V8 grew to 5.9 and eventually 6.4 litres. When fitted with ‘dual-quad’ carburettors, Eldorado versions produced 257kW and would reach 185km/h.

Various body styles were available, with the most popular being the Sedan and Coupe de Villes. Most sat on a 3099mm wheelbase but a 3735mm chassis was used for hearses and the seven-passenger 75 Series Limousine.  

Convertibles were built on a 3200mm ’62 Series’ chassis with a powered top, masses of chromium plate and increasingly obvious tailfins.

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By 1958 the Eldorado Biarritz convertible weighed 2300kg and cost US$7500, whilst a V8 Chevrolet convertible weighed around 1660kg and cost US$2850. At the same time, Australia was struggling to repay its War Debt and the most opulent big cars on offer here were six-cylinder Pontiacs supplied in RHD from from GM’s Canadian plants.

Very few 1950s Cadillacs were imported new and most of the cars available today have arrived since the 1980s. By that time, these cars were 25-30 years old so didn’t need to endure the costly process of right-hand drive conversion.  

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Most common in the local market now are sedans and two-door Coupe de Villes. Usable cars which can be enjoyed while undergoing cosmetic restoration start at $30,000, with Fleetwood sedans $10,000 more. Those values more than double when considering cars in excellent original condition or which have undergone quality restorations. 

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Open-top Cadillacs from the 1950s are scarce and expensive, even in the US market. They’re scarcer still here in Australia where 62 Series convertibles will typically bring close to $120,000, with Eldorado convertibles and the very scarce Brougham Hardtops asking more than $200,000. Convertible Eldos in spectacular condition and with celebrity connections have reached A$300,000 in US sales. 

Things To Watch Out For, When Buying a Used Cadillac (1948-58)

• Have the chassis checked for rust, especially around body attachment points, 

• Be wary of damaged and faded brightwork which will be hugely expensive to restore

• Make sure the power top on convertibles raises and retracts easily

• The V8 engines can suffer overheating issues which can create other problems

• Ensure that the four-speed automatic changes smoothly… or be prepared for an expensive rebuild

• Cadillacs are heavy and their suspension works hard, so unless they’ve recently been replaced be prepared to spend a few quid on new suspension parts 

• Make sure all power accessories (seats, windows etc.) are working properly