The 1959 Cadillac 62 series, the luxury car of the wealthy and upwardly mobile youth, was ultimate in Jet Plane look with huge tailfins and massive chrome front and back bumpers.

The designers in the absence of Harley Earl, head of GM styling and founder of the 62 series, who were fascinated with the Jet Plane were not only trying to outfin the Chrysler but designed Jet Plane style features into the 1959 Cadillac 62 series.

The 62 series from 1948 on emphasized tailfins, but with each year the tailfins grew until in 1959 they were enormous. The fins were variously called "rocket fins," "spectacular 'zap' fins," "towering fins," "soaring tailfins," "monster fins," and "flamboyant fins."

The era and the 1959 Caddy are described in various ways and related to the fins: "The 1959 Cadillac Series 62's soaring tailfins were either the literal height of period excess or a canopy icon for Happy Days exuberance." The massive fins reflect the height of American optimism, a sculptured representation of the opulence of an era." "By the late 1950's they had reached ludicrous proportions..." "ultimate symbol of success, impressive and yet - controversial." "Cadillacs at their wildest look."

STANDARD FEATURES

Standard equipment for the 1959 Cadillac Series 62 was power brakes and steering, automatic transmission, dual backup lamps, windshield washers and two-speed wipers, wheel discs, outside rearview mirror, vanity mirror, and an oil filter.

OPTIONAL FEATURES

Optional features included a radio with rear speakers ($165), and with remote control ($247); automatic heating system ($129); Six-Way power seat; power window and vent regulators ($73ea); air conditioning ($474); air suspension ($215); Autronic eye ($55); Cruise Control ($97); electric door locks; E-Z-Eye glass (52); Fog lamps ($46); white sidewall tires 8l20x15 four-ply ($65); remote control trunk lock; license plate frame; utility kit ($15); Monogram ($12); Acrylic luster finish; undercoating; radio foot switch; gas cap lock; rugs for front and rear; and Bucket seats.

SPECIFICATIONS

The engine was a V-8 with displacement of 390 cubic inch. Horsepower was 325hp @ 4800rpm and Torque was 430 ft-lbs @ 3000rpm. The hp to wt ratio was 14.9lb/hp; hp/liter was 50.8bhp/liter with a compression ratio of 10.5:1.

There was a Carter AFB four barrel carburetor with a 12-volt electrical system. Transmission was 4-gear automatic - Hydra-Matic planetary gearset.

Wheelbase was 130in with a width of 81.1in, front and rear tread: 61/61in; and overall length of 225in.

Chassis/Drivetrain frame consisted of a tubular-center X-type Rear axle; optional front suspension - independent, direct-action, coil springs, torsion-rod stabilizer; and rear suspension - helical-coil springs Steering; and Power steering.

There were four models: 4 door hardtop Sedan with 4 windows (wrap around rear window and flat roof called the flat top) or 6 windows (small fixed window with sloping roof) ($5,080); 2 door hardtop Coupe ($4,892); and the Convertible ($5,455)

Look for the Cadillac crest under the mid-body spear on the front fender.

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