The 1959 Cadillac was the brainchild of designer Harley Earl, who drew inspiration from space travel and American rocketry for his design. The ’59 Cadillac was the pinnacle of American automobile design excess. With tail fins that rose 42 inches off the ground, rocket-shaped taillights, quad headlights and massive chrome bumpers, a body over 20 feet long, this was the ultimate Cadillac to turn heads. The ’59’s outrageous ends are accentuated by its very low profile, which is 3 inches lower than the ’58 model’s already low profile.
Harley Earl was directly responsible for the design of 50 million vehicles and completely changed the face of the American automobile in the 1950s. No man has had such an impact on the shape of American automobile design and no man has been guilty of so much excess. of design. Other imagery was included in its space-themed design, such as chrome grille-like dentures, dashboards that looked like they belonged on fighter jets with dozens of switches and controls, bumper protrusions known as “Dagmars,” hood ornaments that looked like missile launchers.
The 1959 Cadillac is an American icon. You’ll see this year’s model on display in many 50’s style diners and restaurants. Hard Rock cafe always has a 1959 or 1960 Cadillac on display in their restaurants. ’59 also starred in many movies, including in the Clint Eastwood movie “Pink Cadillac.” The ’59 Cadillac was a monument to American optimism in the 1950s; in fact, it was the “American dream.” Who wouldn’t love to drive one of these today? Today it will be difficult to find a restored 59 convertible for less than $70,000 and many of them sell for more than 100,000.
Some of the features of the Cadillac 59 Series 62 included power brakes, power steering, automatic transmission, central locking, tinted windows, and some options included headlight dimmers (auto eye), power windows, seat and trunk adjustment. Some of the other models available included the 8-seater Fleetwood Limo and the Eldorado Biarritz, which is the most valuable ’59 Cadillac model.
Specifications for 1959 Cadillac Series 62
Engine: 390 ci V8, cast iron head and block
Compression ratio: 10.5:1
Induction: Carter 4-barrel carburetor
Maximum power: 325 hp at 4,800 rpm
Peak Torque: 435 lb-ft at 3,400 rpm
Top speed: 121mph
0-60mph: 11 seconds
Transmission: GM Turbo Hydramatic Automatic
Body/Chassis: Steel body on steel X-frame chassis
Direction: Ball Recirculation
Wheels and Tires: Steel discs, 15-inch diameter
Brakes: drums, 12-inch diameter. (front and back)
Front suspension: Wishbones with coil springs and telescopic shock absorbers
Rear suspension: live axle with coil springs and telescopic shock absorbers
Wheelbase: 130 inches
Height: 55.9 inches
Weight: 4885 pounds
Quarter mile performance – who cares?
Yield: 11,130
Price: $5,000 for Series 62, $7,400 for Eldorado