Lot 244

Hershey 2013

1950 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible

Offered from the Estate of Jim Miller

{{lr.item.text}}

$126,500 USD | Sold

United States | Hershey, Pennsylvania

{{internetCurrentBid}}

{{internetTimeLeft}}


language
Chassis No.
506244280
  • Offered from the Estate of Jim Miller
  • Formerly owned by Len Immke and Charles Cawley
  • A quality cosmetic restoration of an excellent original car
  • Attractive and unusual colors

160 bhp, 331 cu. in. OHV V-8 engine, four-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, coil-spring independent front suspension, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 126 in.

In 1950, Cadillac finally surpassed Packard in sales for good, resulting in them virtually owning the American luxury market for several generations. The same year, Cadillac also boosted its performance image when Briggs Cunningham entered a new, stock-appearing 1950 Cadillac Coupe in the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in France and finished 10th overall—a performance unmatched by any other production luxury car—tearing down the Mulsanne Straight at around 120 mph and averaging 81.5 mph for the entire event.

In 1950, the entry-level Cadillac was the Series 61, which was available as a four-door sedan or a club coupe. If one wanted a Coupe deVille hardtop or a convertible, it was necessary to order the upscale Series 62, and most customers did, although only 6,986 opted for the soft-top version.

The Series 62 Convertible Coupe offered here was formerly part of the noted collection of Len Immke, who is known for his eye for excellent original cars. It was one of Mr. Immke’s prized possessions, and it took some time for Mr. Miller to pry it away for his own collection. Later, it was traded away to another respected collector, Charles Cawley, before Mr. Miller missed the car and bought it back. Befitting the “Standard of the World,” it is laden with options and accessories, including a Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, power windows, an AM radio, a heater, a driver’s spotlight, rear fender skirts, stainless steel hubcaps, and wide whitewall tires.

Beginning with what was obviously an excellent original car, it was cosmetically restored some time ago in its original color of French Grey, with body panels that are straight, true, and properly fitted throughout. All exterior stainless and chrome trim is described as excellent. The interior is upholstered in tan leather with only very minor creasing, which is accented by a dashboard with clear, crisp gauges, an uncracked steering wheel, and proper carpets. A black cloth top, piped in maroon, remains in very good condition. Under the hood, as well as underneath the car, has been detailed and is very clean, and it remains original and unrestored. The engine appears to have been rebuilt, and it has proper wiring, hoses, and clamps, as would be expected.

As one of the nicest of drivers, this Cadillac, which is ideal for local showing, elegantly recalls a time when the Standard of the World really did set the standard, on both the road and track.