1949 Cadillac Custom

1949 Cadillac Custom Coupe

The third generation Cadillac 62 was produced between 1948 and 1953 and is one of the most iconic American cars of the era. Straight off the showroom floor, these cars had unparalleled presence and with their large chrome bumpers and grilles and sloping rear roofline, there was nothing on the road that better told other drivers you truly made it. Although it was without a doubt stunning in standard form, it was the perfect vehicle for customization and could be turned into something even more spectacular, if you had the vision, time and money to do it.

This 1949 Cadillac fastback coupe is the perfect example of what can be done when some of the best hot rod builders in the country set out to make a truly one of a kind custom car. Thanks to the customizing experts at Hulst Customs in Merlin, OR, when you look at this Cadillac, you immediately know what it is based on, but the proportions are even better than the original. This is thanks to a shortened wheelbase, as well as a chop on the roof that gives it a much more dramatic roofline, as well as shaving all the exterior handles, giving the car a crisp clean look down the side. After all of this bodywork was completed, the car was painstakingly blocked and sanded, making every panel laser-straight, before it was sprayed in an elegant deep maroon called Wild Berry Pearl.

Sitting on a set of wire wheels with wide white wall tires, this Cadillac is fitted with an air-ride system that will slam the car to the ground at a show, and at the push of a button, raise it back up so you can drive home after. Getting under the car and the entire undercarriage has been finished to match the top side of the car, with the rear axle, underfloor, frame rails and cross members painted in the same stunning Wild Berry Pearl color that you see on top.

Of course, the modifications didnt stop with the exterior, move inside and you are surrounded by stunning tan European leather on nearly every surface including the uniquely sculpted headliner. The front seats are out of a 1996 Cadillac Eldorado and feature 6-way adjustment, but unlike many hot rods from this era, they further customized the seats so they arent identifiable as something from a late-model vehicle. The console, interior lighting and integrated stereo system are all custom installs and give the car an exceptionally clean, unified look with more of the Wild Berry Pearl paint on some components tying the interior to the exterior. A Vintage Air climate control system fits the car with ice cold A/C, and the trunk is upholstered to match the interior with sculptured tan leather to match the headliner inside, and dark red carpeting.

Pop the hood and you are met with a unique custom cowling with a Cadillac badge on it that is painted to match the exterior - but underneath is a really thrilling powerplant. A 512 ci Cadillac V8 that has been balanced and blueprinted and is now putting out 437 horsepower. This engine has been upgraded with Sanderson Headers, an Edelbrock manifold and 850 CFM carburetor and a Griffin Radiator to keep it all cool. This is backed by a 700R4 automatic gearbox with an external transmission cooler to keep the car dependable. A rack and pinion steering system has been installed with power steering, and the wiring has been replaced with a Ron Francis harness. The suspension features a custom fabricated front end with bespoke upper and lower control arms, Chrysler spindles and an A. Peterman sway bar. At the rear, a Ford 9-Inch Rear end is upgraded with an Andy Peterman Handling kit and NASCAR-style Trailing arm with a Panhard bar. When this suspension is combined with the Air Ride system, you get a car that handles remarkably well, but is also comfortable on the road and would be a perfect touring hot-rod.

Seeing this car in person, it will be no surprise that it comes with a host of trophies and awards to its name, including a feature in the December 2002 Hot Rod Magazine as one of the Top 10 Rods of the Year. After its completion in the early 2000s, this car made the rounds on the west coast hot-rod show circuit, where it racked up a number of First in Class and Best of Show awards, as well as quite a few Best Interior awards.

Saying that this car is finished to a stunningly high level is almost underselling it. Any keen-eyed car enthusiasts can spend hours getting lost in the details of what has been done to this car which, even more than 20 years after it was built, still looks fresh and exciting. If you want a car to start taking to shows to fill your own trophy case, or if youre just looking for a car that can be an outstanding conversation starter at your local cruise night, this is the car for you.

Key Features

Exterior Modifications

Shortened Wheelbase
Shaved Exterior
New Chrome Bumpers/Grille/Trim
Chopped Roof

Wild Berry Pearl Paint
Tan European Leather Interior

Sculpted Leather Headliner
Sculpted Leather Trunk Trim

Air Ride System
512 ci Cadillac V8

Balanced and Blueprinted
437 Horsepower

700R4 Automatic Transmission

External Cooler

Ford 9-Inch Rear End


Additional Information

Build Binder With Restoration Photos
Some Trophies
Custom Show Signage


For more information on this 1949 Cadillac Custom Coupe or any of our High-Performance, Luxury, and Special Interest cars always in stock, contact one of our friendly and knowledgeable sales consultants or always feel free to drop by our 40,000+ sq ft of Indoor Showrooms in Bellevue, WA - Home of an Exciting Inventory of Luxury, High Performance, Classic, and Collectible Automobiles. Nobody Has What We Have!