1959 Cadillac Series 62

VIN: 59J110735; Coupe; Wood Rose Metallic / Rose; 390 V8 / Automatic; Mileage: 94,802; Numbers matching 390ci 4bbl V8, Hydramatic 4-speed automatic, barn find, iconic 50s car, ready for restoration

1959 Cadillac Series 62 Coupe DeVille

For auction, a 1959 Cadillac Series 62 Coupe Deville showing 94,802 miles, but the true miles are unknown. Here's an American icon that, according to our consignor, ran when parked. But that was 40 years ago for this sleeping giant and we can't help thinking this non runner would make a fantastic restoration project. This car has its number matching engine.

Exterior
One of the most recognizable land yachts of the 20th century, the Couple Deville features over the top styling with massive rear fins, torpedo shaped tail lights, and a rear grille and extractor like lights that may have inspired the U.S. Air Force, instead of the other way around! Huge panels are topped by a jet age canopy over the wrap around windshield and broad greenhouse barely interrupted by the narrow pillars. Gleaming Wood Rose Metallic paint and reflective chrome seem like an orbital polisher away, but that's probably wishful thinking, especially when you note the amount of surface rust breaking through cracking paint. This is particularly evident on the roof and trunk surround where the rust is deeper than the surface. It's also evident at the side body molding trim where fluid likely accumulated and caused slow but significant degradation. There are rusted chunks missing off lower panels and in some of the chrome of the bumpers and it wouldn't be a barn find without some crumbling body filler.Â

Interior
A coordinated interior retains the rose coloration and while the driver's door panel is relegated to the trunk, the passenger's is weathered but intact, giving us a glimpse of the implied opulence Cadillac spilled into the interior. We're happy to report the leather and button tufted cloth of the seats is mostly intact, though seriously aged and discolored, but if you need reference for a restoration, it's all there. Much of the steering wheel rim suffers from corrosion while other parts, including the horn ring, are relatively clean. The dashboard seems to have wings which fold in and provide the electric window switches in a unique design configuration while the instrument cluster is contained in a metal lined cove. From there, a clock protrudes in the center and an AM radio is closer to the passenger in the ribbed trim panel of the sweeping dash. The carpet is mostly gone from the front but the headliner is in place and intact and the trunk is barren and weathered but holding some parts like the door panels and the air cleaner.Â

Drivetrain
Here, in barn find condition, is the numbers matching 390ci V8, rated at 325 horsepower and fueled with the use of a 4-barrel carburetor. A Hydramatic 4-speed automatic is mated to the engine and routes power to 2.94 gears in the rear axle.Â

Undercarriage
Rusty and crusty is how we'd describe it with plenty of advanced surface rust, some invasive holes, and areas of flaking and very few components are spared. This car came with four wheel power drum brakes, dual exhaust with stock style mufflers, and coil spring suspension with a 4 link in back. Â

Drive-ability
The engine cranks but does not start and the brake pedal goes to the floor. Also the left rear wheel is locked up.

Despite the condition, there's some potential here, and there are certainly parts worth saving on this wildly iconic piece of Detroit history.