1948 Cadillac Series 61

1948 Cadillac Series 61

There's really nothing like assuming the helm of a late 1940's Cadillac, a car from an era where General Motors was at the tip top of their game in terms of both design and performance. Unfortunately, top-notch vintage Cadillacs that are ready to drive are becoming increasingly hard to find. The factory perfect cars are locked in padded garages and only allowed to see daylight during concours level events, and the field dwelling project cars are aging almost as fast as the cost of restoring them is going up. But every once in a while a nice, solid road-ready cruiser like this super cool 1948 Series 61 Cadillac will pull into our showroom and stop everyone dead in their tracks.

For consignment, the pinnacle of achievement trophy in the form of a 1948 Cadillac Series 61. She will need some work to bring her back to perfection but not too much to make it cost prohibitive and you are still able to enjoy and drive this big beauty in the meantime. You HAVE arrived!

ExteriorTuxedo Black is draping the miles of steel panels on this big piece of Detroit iron. On the body work there are a few areas of some previous patching that have left the body metal bumpy. Chips and scratches are all over, and for the most part the paint remains aged but still good. Extra chrome is everywhere on this body, and it is mostly in good condition with just a few areas of dulling and spot rusting, although it's minimal. Window trimmings abound and there are some of these trimmings that show rust, and the mounted glass has become de-laminated. Extra-large bumpers with vertical protectors that have Dagmars mounted to their tips are seen on front, and the rear is sans Dagmars and just the vertical bars. A visor in black metal is above the windshield, chrome visors are on each side window. On the back is the beginnings of a bump up fin that protrudes from the rear quarter top, and a taillight occupies this space on the edge of the bump up. A beautifully rounded rear fender with a skirt has chrome trimming on its leading edge and a large trim spear just above it that runs to the back of the car. Wide white wall tires are on all 4 corners, and shiny dog dish wheels with a center crown badge in a red field make up the hubcaps.

InteriorA swing of the doors and we see gray fuzzy broadcloth in the panel centers, painted uppers that have power window toggles and a shiny crank and door actuator. In the gray broadcloth is a brown vinyl armrest. The driver's door suffers from water damage and staining. The passenger door in front shows the staining as well, and the back doors are looking good. 2 long broadcloth benches with tan striped inserts and gray bolsters sit in tan broadcloth covered tubs. Extra wide gray piping is delineating the two patterns. The front bench is slightly soiled and the rear bench has water damage on the arms and seat edges. Nice dark gray carpeting floods the floors and in back under the rear bench is a black carpeting. Upfront the full metal jacket dash is painted brown and is showing some dulling and wear. A nicer arched speedometer has the steering column protruding from its bottom and the actual wheel is wood rimmed with a bullet styled center hub. A radio is in the center, and a clock in front of the passenger. The chrome on these appliances is fading and slightly pitted. The headliner is tan mohair and shows no water damage and looks nice and tight.

DrivetrainHeaving the hood which resembles a Trojan helmet we see the 346ci V8. It is original to this car and has a single 2-barrel carburetor on top. On the back is a 4-speed Hydramatic automatic transmission. Way back is a 3.36 rear axle. All clean and looking original and gracefully aged.

UndercarriageUp on the lift we see a solid frame and floor pans, but we do notice some invasive rust on the rear of the inner rockers and the rear filler panel. All else is covered in what appears to be factory undercoating and road dirt. Front independent coil spring suspension along with rear leaf springs provide the ride for this cruiser while drum brakes on all 4 corners. A single exhaust system is on as is a stock style muffler.

Drive-AbilityThis car fired right up and off to the test track I floated. Here is put post smooth power, rode like a dream and handled well for a mass of steel that it is. The wipers did not operate nor did the horn, but all else is working.

Here we have a fine example of a big Caddy from 1948 with most of its original equipment on it. Some TLC for the cosmetic aspect will be eventually required to make it perfect, and a good cleaning will go a long way for the interior.

VIN DECODE48612592748-194861-Series 61125927-Sequential Unit Number

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.