Cadillac history 1948

1948 CADILLAC

Major design changes marked the short wheelbase Cadillacs (series 61) for 1948.

They featured General Motors first all-new postwar body with styling advances including tailfins inspired by the Lockheed P-38 fighter plane.
There was also an attractive egg crate grille which was higher in the middle than on the sides.
The front of the car was protected by a heavier and more massive bumper bar which curved around the fenders.
The Cadillac crest was centered low in a 'V' above the radiator grille.
Chrome headlamp rims were used.
Cars in the 61 series lacked bright metal front fender shields and under-taillight trim.
A new dashboard with "rainbow" style instrument cluster and leather grained panels extending to the carpets was seen only this year.

I. D. NUMBERS

Cadillac serial numbers again matched motor numbers and were used for all license, insurance and identification purposes.
They were placed in the same locations as before.
Motor serial numbers 48100001 to 486148663 appeared on 1948 Series 61 models.

Model Number	Body Style	Doors	Model	Seating	Factory Price	Shipping Weight	Production Total
48-61	6169	4-door	Sedan	5	2833	4150	5,081
48-61	6107	2-door	Club Coupe	5	2728	4068	3,521
48-61	-	-	Chassis only	-	-	-	1

ENGINE

V-8 L-head.
Cast iron block.
Displacement: 346 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3-1/2 x 4-1/2 inches.
Compression ratio: 7.25:1.
Brake horsepower: 150 at 3400 rpm
Three main bearings.
Hydraulic valve lifters.
Carburetor: Carter WCD two-barrel (models 595S or 595SA) or Stromberg AAV-26 two-barrel (models 380154 or 380871).

The Series 62 was now on the same wheelbase as the lowest priced line making the club coupe and sedan practically identical to similar models in the Series 61 range, except for trim and appointments. Distinguishing features included grooved, bright metal front fender gravel guards, rocker panel brightwork, chevron style chrome slashes below taillights and slightly richer interior trim. The convertible coupe was an exclusive offering in this line.

I. D. NUMBERS

Motor serial numbers 486200001 to 486252704 appeared on 1948 Series 62 models.

Model Number	Body Style	Doors	Model	Seating	Factory Price	Shipping Weight	Production Total
48-62	6269	4-door	Sedan	5	2996	4179	23,997
48-62	6207	2-door	Club Coupe	5	2912	4125	4,764
48-62	6267	-	Convertible Coupe	5	3442	4449	5,450
48-62	-	-	Chassis only	-	-	-	2

ENGINE

V-8 L-head.
Cast iron block.
Displacement: 346 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3-1/2 x 4-1/2 inches.
Compression ratio: 7.25:1.
Brake horsepower: 150 at 3400 rpm
Three main bearings.
Hydraulic valve lifters.
Carburetor: Carter WCD two-barrel (models 595S or 595SA) or Stromberg AAV-26 two-barrel (models 380154 or 380871).

The Series 60 Special Fleetwood sedan was again based on an extended General Motors C-Body shell with two-inch wider front and rear doors. The tailfins, built-in rear bumper design and egg crate grille seen on the lower-priced lines were used. Appearing again, on the rear roof pillar, were four slanting chrome slashes. Instead of the standard wide stone shields, the 60 Special had a thinner type which curved upwards along the forward contour of the rear fender and incorporated an attractive ribbed insert panel. At the rear of the car, a band of chrome extended across the bottom of the fender skirts and quarter panels. Standard equipment included cloth and leather upholstery combinations and leather-grained doors and instrument panel.

I. D. NUMBERS

Motor serial numbers 486000001 to 486052706 appeared on 1948 Series 60S Fleetwood models.

Model Number	Body Style	Doors	Model	Seating	Factory Price	Shipping Weight	Production Total
48-60S	6069	4-door	Sedan	6	3820	4356	6,561

ENGINE

V-8 L-head.
Cast iron block.
Displacement: 346 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3-1/2 x 4-1/2 inches.
Compression ratio: 7.25:1.
Brake horsepower: 150 at 3400 rpm
Three main bearings.
Hydraulic valve lifters.
Carburetor: Carter WCD two-barrel (models 595S or 595SA) or Stromberg AAV-26 two-barrel (models 380154 or 380871).

On the Series 75 Fleetwood, consideration was given to the deletion of the long-wheelbase line this year, but competitive pressures from Packard in the luxury class market dictated the retention of these models. Again, they featured General Motors' old fashioned "Turret Top" styling, a throwback to the pre-war years. Minor revisions on the outside of the cars included a new background for the V-shaped hood emblem and Cadillac scripts -- replacing block lettering -- low on the fenders behind the front wheel opening. Buyers ordering fog lamps got rectangular parking lamps in place of the smaller round style. Stainless steel runningboards were seen once more and the 75s also had the new dashboard treatment, but with burled leather trim.

I. D. NUMBERS

Motor serial numbers 487500001 to 487546088 appeared on 1948 Series 75 Fleetwood models.

Model Number	Body Style	Doors	Model	Seating	Factory Price	Shipping Weight	Production Total
48-75	7519X	4-door	Sedan	5	4779	4875	225
48-75	7523X	4-door	Sedan	7	4999	4878	499
48-75	7523L	4-door	Business Sedan	9	4679	4780	90
48-75	7533X	4-door	Imperial Sedan	7	5199	4959	382
48-75	7533L	4-door	Business Imperial	9	4868	4839	64
48-75	-	-	Chassis only	-	-	-	2

NOTE: The commercial chassis featured a 163 inch wheelbase.

ENGINE

V-8 L-head.
Cast iron block.
Displacement: 346 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3-1/2 x 4-1/2 inches.
Compression ratio: 7.25:1.
Brake horsepower: 150 at 3400 rpm
Three main bearings.
Hydraulic valve lifters.
Carburetor: Carter WCD two-barrel (models 595S or 595SA) or Stromberg AAV-26 two-barrel (models 380154 or 380871).

CHASSIS

Model	Wheelbase	Overall length	Front Tread	Rear Tread	Tires
Series 61 and 62	126 inches	214 inches	59 inches	63 inches	8.20 x 15
Series 60S	133 inches	226 inches	59 inches	63 inches	8.20 x 15
Series 75	136 inches	226 inches	59 inches	63 inches	7.50 x 16

POWER TRAIN OPTIONS

None available.

CONVENIENCE OPTIONS

Hydra-Matic transmission ($174).
Whitewall tires
Radio and antenna.
Fog lamps.
Safety spotlight.
Rear window defroster.
And more.

HISTORICAL

Division windows between front and rear seats were available on some Fleetwood models for limousine use.
Commercial and business chassis were supplied to professional carmakers.
The Classic Car Club of American recognizes all 1948 Series 75 models as Classic Cars.
The following models are recognized as Milestones by the Milestone Car Society:
- Series 61 coupe (sedanette);
- Series 62 coupe (sedanette);
- Series 62 convertible;
- Series 60S Fleetwood Special sedan.

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May 11, 2000; March 8/03