Chrome. Everywhere. If you want to understand why the 1950 Cadillac 62 Series basically defined the American dream for a decade, you have to look at the bumpers. They weren't just safety equipment; they were statements of intent.
By 1950, the world was shaking off the literal and figurative dust of the 1940s. Cadillac wasn't just selling a car. They were selling the idea that you’d finally made it. Honestly, it worked. The 1950 Series 62 wasn't the fastest thing on the road, and it certainly wasn't the most nimble, but it had a presence that made everything else look like a toy. It was the year Cadillac hit a massive milestone—producing over 100,000 vehicles—and the Series 62 was the heavy lifter of that achievement.
People often confuse the '49 and the '50. I get it. They look similar at a glance. But 1950 was where the "Series 62" really found its feet with that heavy, lower-profile look and the introduction of the wraparound windshield on some models. It was the birth of the modern luxury silhouette.
The Engine That Changed the Game
You can't talk about this car without talking about the overhead valve V8. While other manufacturers were still messing around with clunky, heavy flatheads, Cadillac had already dropped their high-compression 331 cubic inch V8 the year prior. For 1950, it was the heart of the beast.
It produced 160 horsepower.
That might sound like a joke in a world where a base-model sedan has 250, but in 1950? That was serious muscle. The 331 was lighter and more efficient than the engines it replaced. It gave the 1950 Cadillac 62 Series a sense of effortless power. You didn't "drive" it so much as you steered a private cloud down the highway.
The compression ratio was 7.5:1. This was cutting-edge stuff back then. It allowed for a smoother idle and better throttle response. If you've ever sat in one of these that’s been well-maintained, you’ll notice the lack of vibration. It’s eerie. You turn the key, and there’s just this muted hum. It’s polite.
Why the Coupe de Ville Mattered
Within the Series 62 lineup, the Coupe de Ville was the star. It was the "pillarless" hardtop. This meant when you rolled all the windows down, there was no metal post in the middle. It created this wide-open, airy feeling that felt like a convertible without the structural floppiness or the leaky roof.
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It was expensive. It was flashy. It was exactly what the burgeoning middle class lusted after.
Design Cues Borrowed from the Skies
Harley Earl, the legendary GM design chief, was obsessed with the Lockheed P-38 Lightning fighter plane. You can see it in the tailfins.
They were small in 1950. Subtle. Just a little flick of metal at the back of the rear fenders. But those fins on the 1950 Cadillac 62 Series started an arms race that ended with the massive spikes of 1959. In 1950, they were tasteful. They housed the taillights in a way that felt futuristic and fast, even when the car was parked at a grocery store.
The grille also got wider. It stretched across the front, heavy with chrome "teeth." If you look at the 1950 model next to a 1949, the 1950 looks "heavier." The rocker panels—those strips of chrome along the bottom—became more prominent. Cadillac was leaning into the "more is more" philosophy.
Basically, if it could be plated in chrome, it was.
Living with a 75-Year-Old Luxury Car
If you’re thinking about buying a 1950 Cadillac 62 Series today, you need a reality check. It’s a boat. A very, very heavy boat.
The Hydra-Matic automatic transmission was standard on most of these, and it’s surprisingly robust. It’s a four-speed unit, which was revolutionary for the time. Most cars were still rocking three-speed manuals on the column. But don't expect "snappy" shifts. It’s a deliberate process. The car thinks about shifting, then it does it with a gentle nudge.
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Braking is where things get dicey for modern drivers. You’re dealing with four-wheel drum brakes.
Stopping 4,000 pounds of steel with drums requires planning. You don't "panic brake" in a '50 Caddy; you negotiate with the laws of physics. Many collectors today end up swapping in disc brakes for safety, though purists will scream about it.
- Fuel Economy: Don't ask. You're looking at maybe 10-12 mpg if you're lucky.
- Turning Radius: Think "ocean liner."
- Comfort: Better than your living room sofa.
- Attention: You will be stopped at every gas station.
Common Issues to Watch For
Rust is the enemy. Specifically in the floorboards and the lower quarters. Because these cars were so heavy and used so much lead filler from the factory, sometimes body work can hide nightmares.
The vacuum-operated window systems (if equipped) are also notoriously finicky. They use a system of pumps and hoses that would make a plumber cry. If they work, they’re magic. When they fail, it’s an expensive headache. Most Series 62s had manual cranks, which are much more reliable, but the high-end trims went for the power options.
The Cultural Weight of the Series 62
There's a reason why, when you picture a "classic Cadillac," your brain likely defaults to this era. It was the car of the Hollywood elite and the local bank manager alike.
It represented a specific moment in American history where we believed things would just keep getting bigger and better forever. The 1950 Cadillac 62 Series didn't have to worry about oil crises or emissions standards. It was pure, unadulterated optimism expressed in steel.
The interior was a sea of wool, leather, and chrome. The dashboard looked like a jukebox. Everything felt substantial. Even the door handles had a weight to them that made modern cars feel like they're made of recycled soda cans.
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Practical Steps for Potential Owners
If you're looking to put one of these in your garage, do not buy the first one you see on an auction site.
First, verify the VIN. It’s located on the driver’s side door pillar and on the engine block. Matching numbers matter immensely for the resale value of a 1950 Cadillac 62 Series.
Second, check the chrome. Replating the sheer amount of trim on a Series 62 can cost more than the car itself. You want a car with "good brightwork," even if the paint is a bit dull.
Third, join the Cadillac & LaSalle Club. The experts there have forgotten more about the 331 V8 than most mechanics will ever know. They are the best resource for finding those weird, one-year-only parts that you'll inevitably need.
Lastly, drive it. These cars hate sitting. The seals dry out, the gas gums up, and the brakes seize. A Cadillac is meant to move. Even if it's just a slow crawl to the local diner on a Sunday morning, keep that V8 rotating.
Owning a 1950 Cadillac 62 Series isn't about transportation. It's about stewardship. You're looking after a piece of industrial art that happens to have a tailpipe. Treat it with a bit of respect, and it’ll still be turning heads when it’s 100 years old.