1961 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible (LHD)

Description

Freshly restyled for 1961, Cadillac continued the trend towards cleaner, less fussy styling, but there was still plenty of glitz and glamour about the latest model line-up. Notable features included a new-look full-width grille, boldly sculptured side moldings and smaller rear fins. The A-pillars slanted forwards for a more streamlined look, accentuated by the angular rear deck and pillars on sedans and hardtops. The Series 6200 and DeVille Series 6300 shared the same platform, now with rubberized front and rear coil springs in place of the somewhat unreliable air suspension system used on previous models. All 1961 Cadillacs rode on a 129.5-inch wheelbase chassis with just one powertrain option, the 390-cid V8 combined with GM’s sophisticated Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. Rated at 325 horsepower and fed by a four-barrel Rochester carburettor, the big V8 offered plenty of lazy performance, while power brakes were also standard across the range, retaining the finned rear drums and vacuum-operated parking brake release system introduced the previous season. Four different body styles were available in the Series 6200 model range, the most popular being the six-window sedan, followed by the hardtop coupe, stylish convertible and four-window sedan. The Series 6200 convertible was priced at $5,455 and Cadillac produced 16,005 for the year, from total annual production of 138,379 units. Lavishly equipped, standard equipment included power steering, an external rear vision mirror, vanity mirror, dual-speed wipers and a choice of no less than eight interior colour combinations including black, blue, sandalwood, saddle, green, red and white (with either black or metallic red bolsters), all trimmed in Florentine leather. Popular options included power windows, air conditioning, cruise control, power door locking system and six-way power seats. More American aspired to own a Cadillac than any other car back in the 1960s and having one parked in the driveway was confirmation you had made it.