The Time of the Big Fins
For Sale: 1958 Cadillac Series 62
The 1958 Cadillac Series 62 stands as a symbol of American automotive excess and design talent during the height of the Jet Age era. The car featured sculpted body lines, impossibly large tail fins, and quad headlamps that became a hallmark of late-1950s luxury design.
For 1958, Cadillac significantly revised the Series 62 design, introducing more aggressive styling that reflected the era’s obsession with space-age and aeronautical themes. The car was powered by a 365 cubic-inch (5.9-liter) V8 engine, which produced an impressive 335 horsepower in its most powerful Eldorado-specification configuration with triple Carter two-barrel carburetors. This powertrain represented the cutting edge of automotive engineering at the time, providing both luxury and performance.
The model lineup included several body styles. Standard features were comprehensive for the era, including power steering, power brakes, luxurious interior trim, and optional air conditioning. The 1958 model year was unique in Cadillac’s history, marking the peak of the massive fin era, with chrome and stainless-steel trim reaching almost extravagant levels of ornamentation.
The car’s exterior featured massive ‘bat wing’ tail fins, extensive chrome detailing, a distinctive quad headlight arrangement, and a wide, imposing stance. Production numbers were significant, with Cadillac producing approximately 52,000 Series 62 models in 1958, though fewer than 10,000 were convertibles, making them highly sought after by collectors today.
Restoration of these vehicles presents substantial challenges. The intricate chrome work, complex electrical systems, and sheer size of the body panels make full restorations both expensive and technically demanding. As a result, pristine examples can fetch well over $100,000 at top-tier automotive auctions, reflecting the car’s historical significance and collector appeal.
The 1958 model year was the last year before more restrained styling began to take hold.
A five-year sales history can be seen at Classic.com. Valuation tables can be seen at Caaarguide.com. Current values can also be seen at Collectorcarmarket.com. Production data can be seen at Conceptcarz.com. In-depth production specifications and data can be viewed at Automobile-catalog.com. Additional specs can be seen at Classiccardatabase.com. Production numbers and prices can be found at Oldride.com.
Nadaguides.com – Average price: $12,650
Image credit – Wikimedia.org
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