Our newest showroom piece at Frank Kent Cadillac of Arlington is a 1958 Cadillac Series 62, which features a rich history on its own.
The Cadillac Series 40-62, a distinguished line of automobiles from 1940 through 1964, represented a pinnacle of luxury and innovation in the automotive industry. Initially conceived as a complement to the entry-level Series 61, this notable series evolved over the years, leading up to the Cadillac Series 6200 designation in 1959, before eventually adopting the name Cadillac Calais for the 1965 model year. Throughout its history, the Series 62, alternatively known as the Sixty-Two or the Series Sixty- is a strong example of Cadillac's commitment to excellence and played a role in introducing iconic models such as the Cadillac Coupe de Ville and the Cadillac Eldorado. These models initially debuted as special appearance packages before becoming prominent parts of Cadillac's production lineup.
1958 marked an important chapter in the history of Cadillac, as the brand went through a significant facelift, inspired by the huge success of the 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham. The vehicles of this era were characterized by extravagant design cues, boasting lavish chrome embellishments that showcased an aura of grandeur. Despite the extravagant aesthetic, the production figures for the 1958 model year reflected a more subtle approach, with just over 121,000 units manufactured, marking the lowest production volume since 1954. Noteworthy enhancements include a subtle retuning of the V-8 engine, aimed at striking a balance between performance and fuel efficiency, resulting in a singular yet potent 310-bhp version offered across all models.
The exterior redesign for 1958 showcased Cadillac's forward-thinking ethos, with a revamped grille featuring multiple round "cleats" at the intersection of horizontal and vertical members, alongside lower-positioned bumper guards and newly introduced dual headlamps. The iconic tailfins, while still present, underwent a reduction in prominence, accompanied by meticulous revisions to trim attachments and the incorporation of bold Cadillac lettering on the fins of Series 62 base models, adding an unmistakable touch of sophistication to the overall design.
Furthermore, the 1958 lineup introduced notable variations, including an extended deck Series sedan, boasting an additional 8.5 inches in length compared to other base models, and a rare Eldorado Seville variant, of which only a single unit was produced, underscoring Cadillac's commitment to exclusivity and craftsmanship. Notably, the Series 62 lineup offered an unprecedented array of nine body styles, a testament to Cadillac's dedication to meeting diverse consumer preferences.
