Pillared coupes didn't return for '54, but

Eldorado was more distinctive again after '54, with sharply pointed "shark" fins above round taillights. Other models retained the small taillight-and-fin motif that had become a Cadillac hallmark. The division's basic '54 look persisted through effective, if evolutionary, facelifts for 1955 and '56. The latter year saw introduction of Cadillac's first four-door hardtop Sedan de Ville, which immediately scored almost as many sales as the Coupe de Ville and standard 62 hardtop combined.

Many appearance improvements marked the 1954 Cadillacs. They included

• a lower, sleeker body,
• a new cellular grille insert,
• inverted gull-wing front bumpers
• tapered dagmar style bumper guards.

Round, jet-style dual exhaust outlets were incorporated into the vertical bumper extensions and the rear bumper was entirely redesigned. An Eldorado type wraparound windshield was seen on all models. Sedans used a distinctive type of window reveal molding which created a built-in sun visor effect. For coupes, a smoothly curved wraparound backlight (i.e., rear window) was referred to as the "Florentine" style rear window. A wide ventilator intake now stretched across the base of the windshield on all models and the chrome visored headlamp look was emphasized.

The Series 62 chassis had a brand new, longer wheelbase. One identifying feature of this line was the lack of rear fender louvers. V-shaped ornaments and crests were used on the hood and deck and there were full-length body underscores in bright metal. Coupe DeVille scripts were seen on the rear corner pillars of the luxury hardtop, which also had wider sill moldings. The Eldorado (which is still considered a series 62) had golden identifying crests centered directly behind the air-slot fenderbreaks and wide, fluted beauty panels to decorate the lower rear body sides. These panels were made of extruded aluminum and also appeared on a unique, one-of-a-kind Eldorado coupe built for the president of the Reynolds Aluminum Co. Also included on the production convertible were monogram plates on the doors, wire wheels, and custom interior trimmings with the Cadillac crest embossed on the seat bolsters. Automatic windshield washers, power steering, 12-volt electrical system and aluminum alloy pistons made the long standard equipment list this year. The Series 62 four-door sedan was now seven inches shorter than other models in this range. Another one-off creation was an exclusive Sedan DeVille.

I. D. NUMBERS

• Serial numbers and engine numbers were again one and the same.
• They appeared on the righthand of the crankcase above the water pump and on the right frame side bar behind the engine support.
• The first two symbols were "54" for 1954.
• The next two symbols indicated series as follows: "62", "60" or "75". The remaining digits represented the consecutive unit number and began with 00000 for each series. All series had the same ending number, which would be misinterpreted if listed.

Model Number	Body Style	Doors	Model	Seating	Factory Price	Shipping Weight	Production Total
54-62	6219(X)	4-door	Sedan	5	3933	4330	33,845
54-62	6219(X)	-	Export Sedan	5	3933	4330	408
54-62	6219SX	-	Sedan DeVille	5	-	-	1
54-62	6237(X)	2-door	Coupe	5	3838	4347	17,460
54-62	6237DX	-	Coupe DeVille	5	4261	4409	17,170
54-62	6267X	-	Convertible Coupe	5	4404	4598	6,310
54-62	62	-	Chassis only	-	-	-	1
ELDORADO SPECIAL
54-62	6267SX	-	Sport Convertible Coupe	5	5738	4809	2,150

NOTES:

• The export sedan was shipped in CKD form to foreign countries.
• The symbol X after Body Style Number with brackets indicates hydraulic window lifts optional equipment
• without brackets indicates this feature is standard.

ENGINE

• V-8 Overhead valves.
• Cast iron block.
• Displacement: 331 cubic inches.
• Bore and stroke: 3-13/16 x 3-5/8 inches.
• Compression ratio: 8.25:1.
• Brake horsepower: 230 at 4400 rpm
• Five main bearings.
• Hydraulic valve lifters.
• Carburetors: Carter WCFB four-barrel Models 2143S, 2109S and 2110S - also - Rochester 4GC four-barrel (with Aire) Model 7006963; (without Aire) Model 7006962.

CHASSIS

Model	Wheelbase	Overall Length	Front Tread	Rear Tread	Tires
Series 62 Sedan	129 inches	216.4 inches	60 inches	63.1 inches	8.00 x 15 (opt. 8.20 x 15 whitewall)
Series 62	129 inches	223.4 inches	60 inches	63.1 inches	8.00 x 15 (opt. 8.20 x 15 whitewall -- except for 6267)
Series 62 Eldorado	129 inches	223.4 inches	60 inches	63.1 inches	8.20 x 15 whitewalls
Series 60S	133 inches	227.4 inches	60 inches	63.1 inches	8.00 x 15 (opt. 8.20 x 15 whitewall)
Series 75	149.8 inches	237.1 inches	60 inches	63.1 inches	8.20 x 15
Exhaust	Dual exhaust system standard
Rear axle ratio	(Standard) 3.07: 1; (Standard with air conditioning; optional without) 3.36:1

CHASSIS

Model	Wheelbase	Overall Length	Front Tread	Rear Tread	Tires
Series 62 Sedan	129 inches	216.4 inches	60 inches	63.1 inches	8.00 x 15 (opt. 8.20 x 15 whitewall)
Series 62	129 inches	223.4 inches	60 inches	63.1 inches	8.00 x 15 (opt. 8.20 x 15 whitewall -- except for 6267)
Exhaust	Dual exhaust system standard
Rear axle ratio	(Standard) 3.07: 1; (Standard with air conditioning; optional without) 3.36:1

POWER TRAIN OPTIONS

• None available

CONVENIENCE OPTIONS

• Hydra-Matic drive on Series 75 ($186).
• Power brakes ($48).
• Radio ($120).
• Heater ($129).
• Air-conditioning ($620).
• Power ol>erated window and seat ($124).
• Chrome wire wheels ($325).
• White sidewall tires ($49 exchange).
• E-Z-Eye tinted glass.
• Autronic Eye automatic headlamp dimmer.
• Vertical front seat adjuster.
• Horizontal front seat adjuster (standard on Coupe DeVille, and convertible).
• Other standard GM options and accessories.

HISTORICAL

• Assembly of 1954 models began January 4, 1954 after a 25 day halt for changeover to new production specifications.
• Fiberglass-bodied Cadillac show cars appearing at the GM Motorama this year included the Park Avenue four-door sedan, El Camino coupe, and La Espada convertible.

PREVIOUS: History of the 1953 Cadillac NEXT: History of the 1954 Cadillac Eldorado NEXT: History of the 1954 Cadillac Fleetwood NEXT: History of the 1955 Cadillac

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