Named Motor Trend magazine's first-ever Car of the Year

On November 25, 1949, the one-millionth Cadillac was built. Perhaps being named Motor Trend magazine's first-ever Car of the Year played a role in increasing sales for the brand. Cadillac's big 1949 news cen­tered on engineering with the release of a new overhead-valve V-8. Only minor appearance changes were seen, including a more massive grille with parking lights in grooved extension panels. A new dashboard featured a horizontal speedometer. Cadillac serial numbers again matched engine numbers (they were 496200000 to 496292554 for 1949 Series 62 models), and this convertible has No. 496240897 to fit right in the range. The major Series 62 upgrades were trim variations. These machines had grooved front-fender stone shields and bright rocker-panel moldings. The $3,497 con­vertible was an exclusive Series 62 offering and only 8,000 were built. A plusher interior was featured, too. Standard features included power window lifts and twin back-up lights mounted on the decklid. Its interior is upholstered in Red leather. Cadillac’s innovative overhead-valve V-8 was the most powerful engine in the automobile industry. It had heads and a block made of cast iron. With a 7.5:1 compression ratio, the 331 CI engine was developed to produce 160 HP and a robust 312 lb-ft of torque. Other notable features included a 126-inch wheelbase, an overall length measuring nearly 216 inches and a low-for-1949 height of 62 inches. A coil-spring independent front suspension as well as a live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs and hydraulic brakes with cast-iron drums at all corners were used. www.kuyothbody.com Email kuyothent@gmail.com or call 715-687-4522