1949 Cadillac Series 61 Sedanet Fastback Coupe

Lot details
Registration No: Un-Reg
Chassis No: 496192346
Mot Expiry: None

The iconic '48 / '49 Cadillacs' clean fastback styling, by Frank Hershey under the direction of GM style czar Harley Earl, rival the Bentley S1 Continental for elegance, the delicate tail fins said to have been inspired by the twin-boom Lockheed P38 Lightning fighter plane. Yet the big news for the '49 centred on its engineering, with the release of the new OHV 331ci V8, packed with modern features such as hydraulic valve lifters. Its oversquare cylinder dimensions, along with compact reciprocating parts and excellent balance, allowed it to rev smoothly, for power - 160bhp - and durability, and it weighed nearly 200lb less than the old L-head. In November, Motor Trend magazine named the '49 its very first Car of the Year.
This Cadillac, one of the very last 49-61 series built, 206 cars from the end of the run and one of only 6409 Series 61 coupes made that year, was extensively restored in 2005. As well as a bare metal respray and all new chrome that together cost more than the estimate, the interior was retrimmed in grey cloth to original specifications, a new dashboard was fitted and the engine and transmission were overhauled. It was also fitted with sportier 1953 Eldorado wire wheels and a new set of whitewall tyres, and converted to 12 volts for easier starting. The vendor describes the Cadillac as being in "very good overall" condition, while he also adds that "This car looks perfect and runs and drives as new".