1950-1959

There are no translations available.

1955 Cadillac Fleetwood

 

 

 
SERIES SIXTY SPECIAL FLEETWOOD
 This model now had 12 vertical louvers at the rear lower side of the back fenders and continued with a Fleetwood script on the rear deck. The special "glamour" upholstery used in the 60S was similar to the metallic thread fabric with genuine leather trim combination used in the Series 62 Coupe DeVille. Standard equipment included
  • directional signals
  • backup lights
  • oil bath air cleaner
  • automatic choke
  • full-pressure lubrication
  • 12-volt electrical system
  • knee-action front suspension
  • hypoid semi-floating rear axle
  • wheel discs
  • pushbutton automatic windshield washers.
 
SERIES SIXTY SPECIAL FLEETWOOD
 
Model NumberBody StyleDoorsModelSeatingFactory PriceShipping WeightProduction Total
55-606019X4-doorSedan 64728454518,300


SERIES SIXTY SPECIAL FLEETWOOD ENGINE
  • V-8: Overhead valves
  • Cast iron block
  • Displacement: 331 cubic inches
  • Bore and stroke: 3.81 x 3.63 inches
  • Compression ratio: 9.0:1
  • Brake horsepower: 250 @ 4600 rpm
  • Five main bearings
  • Hydraulic valve lifters
  • Carburetors: Carter WCFB four-barrel, Models 2355S, 2354S, 2185S, 2186S, 2266S, 2267S, and 2255 - also - Rochester 4GC four-barrel, (Less air conditioning) Model 7007970; (With air conditioning) Model 7007971.
SERIES 75 FLEETWOOD

The trim on Fleetwood long-wheelbase models was distinctive from other lines. A horizontal rub molding ran from the front parking light housings to the trailing edge of the front door and stopped. A full-length vertical air-slot style fender break molding was placed directly behind the rear gap of the back doors. The two moldings did not meet at right angles. Other styling alterations, such as grille design changes, conformed to the new 1955 themes. A Fleetwood scripts appeared on the deck lid. The high headroom appearance was seen again. Both models continued to feature auxiliary seats for extra passenger carrying capacity and the Imperial sedan-limousine had an hydraulically operated glass driver's partition.

SERIES 75 FLEETWOOD
 
55-757523X4-doorSedan 7618750201,075
55-757533X4-doorImperial Sedan864025113841
55-868680S-Commercial chassis---1,975

NOTE: The commercial chassis featured a 158 inch wheelbase and was provided to makers of professional cars for construction of funeral cars and ambulances, etc.

SERIES 75 FLEETWOOD ENGINE

The Eldorado engine was optional in Series 75 Fleetwood models at extra cost. 
FeatureStandard EngineOptional Engine
TypeV-8: Overhead valves
BlockCast iron block
Displacement331 cubic inches
Bore and stroke3.81 x 3.63 inches
Compression ratio9.0:19.1:1
Brake horsepower250 @ 4600 rpm270 @ 4600 rpm
Main bearingsFive
Valve liftersHydraulic
CarburetorsCarter WCFB four-barre], Models 2355S, 2354S, 2185S, 2186S, 2266S, 2267S, and 2255 - also - Rochester 4GC four-barrel, (Less air conditioning) Model 7007970; (With air conditioning) Model 7007971.Two (2) Rochester 4GC four-barrels
front: Model 7007240
rear, without air conditioning: Model 7007240
rear, with air conditioning: Model 7007241
 
FeatureSeries 60 FleetwoodSeries 75 Fleetwood
Wheelbase133 inches149.8 inches
Overall Length227.3 inches237.1 inches
Front Tread60 inches60 inches
Rear Tread63.1 inches63.1 inches
Tires8.00 x 158.20 x 15 six-ply
ExhaustsStandard dual exhausts
Standard Rear axle ratio3.36:1
Optional Rear axle ratio3.07:1

POWER TRAIN OPTIONS
  • The 270 horsepower Eldorado engine was available as an optional "Power Package" in other models for $161 extra.
CONVENIENCE OPTIONS
 
  • Radio and antenna ($132)
  • Heating and ventilation system ($129)
  • Power brakes ($48)
  • Four-way adjustable power seat ($70)
  • Vertically adjustable power seat ($54)
  • Power windows ($1O8)
  • Air conditioning ($620)
  • White sidewall tires
  • E-Z-Eye safety glass
  • Autronic Eye automatic headlamp dimmer
  • Other standard GM options and accessories available
 
HISTORICAL
 
  • Total 1955 output of all models reached 140,777 units, a new record high for Cadillac Division.

 

There are no translations available.

1955 Cadillac Eldorado

 

1955 Cadillac EldoradoIf you were glued to your television set on Jan. 20, 1953, that's where you  would catch your first glimpse of the gorgeous new Cadillac that we'd all been reading about: the original Eldorado.

The occasion was the inauguration of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. As the inaugural parade made its way down Pennsylvania Avenue, we beheld the popular new leader of the Free World, riding -- top down -- in the back seat of this sporty, yet elegant automobile.

1955 Cadillac EldoradoThink about that for a moment, by the way. Nineteen fifty-three wasn't all that long ago. Yet here was the President of the United States riding in an open car. No armor plate. No bullet- proof glass. No effective protection, really -- and none of us thought anything about it. America had not yet lost its innocence.

Patterned after a 1952 "concept" car, the '53 Eldorado was the first of GM's "dream" machines to be put into production -- albeit on a limited basis. Standing three inches lower than that year's Series 62 convertible, it featured a panoramic "wraparound" windshield, the industry's first. The cut-down doors were distinguished by a stylish dip, and a sparkling set of chromed wires added a further touch of class. The interior was upholstered in the finest leathers, while the list of standard equipment included virtually all of the amenities with the exception of air conditioning, a $620 option.

1955 Cadillac EldoradoThe car was well named. Eldorado means, in proper Spanish, El Dorado, "the gilded one." In the lore of the ancients the term referred to a mythical kingdom of fabulous riches. This time it stood for an automobile designed to underscore Cadillac's hard-won status as America's premier luxury car -- and its most conspicuous status symbol.

1955 Cadillac EldoradoProduction, as we've indicated, was limited. Only 532 examples were built during the 1953 model run; and no wonder. The price -- $7750 at the factory -- though it may sound reasonable enough by today's standards, was an astronomical figure in those times. For that kind of money, in fact, the buyer could have purchased three cars: a Cadillac 62 convertible, a Pontiac sedan and a Chevrolet business coupe.

1955 Cadillac EldoradoBut of course there's no money to be made on a production of 532 cars, so for 1954 the formula was revised. The entire Cadillac line was completely restyled that year. Overall length was unchanged, but the wheelbase was stretched from 126 to 129 inches, and the cars were heavier and more massive-looking. There was, for the first time, an integrated bumper/grille incorporating two enormous chrome bullets which quickly became known as "Dagmars," in honor of a generously-endowed actress of the day. And the Eldorado's wraparound windshield was extended to the entire Cadillac family.

In contrast to the first edition, this time the Eldorado used the same body shell as the 62 convertible, though it was distinguished by its chromed wire wheels and a number of decorative touches including ribbed bright metal panels on the lower rear fenders. The impressive list of standard equipment remained, yet the price was sharply cut -- to $5,738, a difference of 26 percent. Not surprisingly, Eldorado sales increased fourfold, to 2,150 units, despite a somewhat abbreviated model year.

1955 Cadillac Eldorado

During its first two seasons, the Eldorado employed the standard Cadillac engine, the familiar and still highly advanced 331-cubic inch overhead-valve V-8. For 1954 it was rated at 230 horsepower, a 20 bhp increase that had been accomplished by the stroke of a pen. Truthfully, the 1953 and 1954 engines were identical, the former having been deliberately underrated.


The 1954 Eldorado was perceived -- correctly, no doubt -- as an outstanding value. But in the eyes of many observers it wasn't distinctive enough. It was altogether too easy for all but the most knowledgeable to mistake it for a dressed-up Series 62.

That situation was rectified for 1955. Rocketship tailfins topped the rear fenders, providing the Eldorado with a point of instant identification. Fender skirts were eliminated and wheel cutouts were enlarged, the better to show off the flashy new "Sabre-spoke" wheels. Destined to be retained through the 1958 model year, these gorgeous wheels were exclusive to the Eldorado. Add on the dashboard of each one of these fine automobiles was a small brass plate on which the owner's name was engraved.

1955 Cadillac EngineEven the engine was different. Bore and stroke remained the same; but the compression ratio for all Cadillacs was raised that year from 8.25:1 to 9.10:1, boosting the standard horsepower to 250. But the use of dual four-barrel carburetors gave the Eldorado an additional dose of vitamins, nudging the advertised horsepower to 270 -- a figure topped only by the 275-hp Packard Caribbean. According to Motor Life magazine, this provided the Eldo with a theoretical top speed of 117 miles an hour, which spells F-A-S-T in any language.

Remarkably enough, Cadillac very nearly held the line on the price of this fine automobile. At $5,814 it was only $76 more costly than the much less distinctive (and less powerful) 1954 version. Of course, production surged ahead once more, to 3,950 units this time. That figure would prove to be the all-time high for the Eldorado ragtop.

1955 Cadillac Eldorado Wheel

A hardtop version of Eldorado, known initially as the Seville, was added in 1956. The glamorous $13,000 Eldorado Brougham joined the line the following year. But then from 1961 until production of the rear-drive Eldorado was discontinued in 1966, the Eldos were exclusively ragtops. By that time the engine displacement had grown to 429 cubic inches and horsepower had reached 340. But the price, remarkably enough, was still more than a thousand dollars lower than that of the original, 1953 car.

The 1955 body style number remained as 6267SX. Standard equipment on the Eldorado special sport convertible included customized interior and rear body styling: 270 horsepower dual four-barrel inducted V-8; radio and antenna; heater; power brakes; power seat; power windows; whitewall tires; metal tonneau cover; custom trim and ornamentation; individual circular tail and rear directional lights and saber-spoke wheels. The 1955 Eldorado is a certified Milestone Car.

1955 Cadillac Eldorado

A whole new chapter in Cadillac history began with the 1967 introduction of the front-wheel-drive Eldorado. A popular model even today, it was destined to shatter all previous sales records for the Eldo. For that story, read about the Eldorados for 1967

1955 Cadillac Eldorado

ENGINE
 
  • V-8: Overhead valves
  • Cast iron block
  • Displacement: 331 cubic inches
  • Bore and stroke: 3.81 x 3.63 inches
  • Compression ratio: 9.0:1
  • Brake horsepower: 270 @ 4600 rpm
  • Five main bearings
  • Hydraulic valve lifters
  • Carburetors: Two (2) Rochester 4GC four-barrels
    • front: Model 7007240
    • rear, without air conditioning: Model 7007240
    • rear, with air conditioning: Model 7007241.
 
FeatureSeries 62 Eldorado
Wheelbase129 inches
Overall Length223.2 inches
Front Tread60 inches
Rear Tread63.1 inches
Tires8.20 x 15 four-ply whitewalls
ExhaustsStandard dual exhausts
Standard Rear axle ratio3.36:1
Optional Rear axle ratio3.07:1
 
CONVENIENCE OPTIONS
 
  • Vertically adjustable power seat ($54)
  • Air conditioning ($620)
  • E-Z-Eye safety glass
  • Autronic Eye automatic headlamp dimmer
  • Other standard GM options and accessories available


HISTORICAL
 
  • Standard equipment on the Eldorado special sport convertible included
    • customized interior and rear body styling
    • 270 horsepower dual four-barrel inducted V-8
    • radio and antenna
    • heater
    • power brakes
    • power seat
    • power windows
    • whitewall tires
    • metal tonneau cover
    • custom trim and ornamentation
    • individual circular tail and rear directional lights
    • saber-spoke wheels
  • The 1955 Eldorado is a certified Milestone Car.
  • The Park Avenue sedan, a futuristic show car which became the predecessor to the Eldorado Brougham, appeared at the New York Motorama on Jaunary 19. 1955.
  • It was built in less than 74 days!
  • Another show car seen this year was the Celebrity hardtop coupe.
  • Total 1955 output of all models reached 140,777 units, a new record high for Cadillac Division.
There are no translations available.

1955 Cadillac Series 62

 

1955 Cadillac

SERIES 62


While no major appearance changes were seen on Cadillac’s this year, a number of refinements were apparent.

  • The grille was redesigned with wider spaces between the blades
  • the parking lamps were repositioned directly below the headlights.
  • On the sides of the body the rub-rail moldings formed a right angle with the vertical trim on the rear doors or fenders of Series 62 and 60S models.
  • This accentuated a character line in the sheetmetal. 1955 Cadillac
  • The Florentine curve rear window treatment was adopted for sedans.
  • Three chrome moldings bordered the rear license plate on either side and deck lid decorations consisted of a V-shaped ornament and a Cadillac crest
  • The Coupe DeVille had a golden script nameplate at the upper body belt just forward of the rear window pillar.
  • The Eldorado sport convertible featured extras such as
    • wide chrome body belt moldings
    • a distinctive rear fender design with twin round taillights halfway up the fenders and flatter, pointed tailfins.
  • Tubeless tires were a new feature throughout the line.

Cadillac horsepower seemed to climb right along with sales. For 1955 it reached 250 standard via higher compression (9.0:1) and improved manifolding; Eldorado now boasted 270 bhp courtesy of dual four-barrel carburetors, optional for other models.

1955 Cadillac

I. D. NUMBERS

  • Serial numbers and engine numbers were the same again
  • They were found in the same locations as previous year.
  • The first two symbols were "55" to designate 1955 model production.
  • The next two symbols indicated the series as follows:
    • "62" = Series 62 and Eldorado
    • "60" = Series Special Fleetwood
    • "75" = Series 75 Fleetwood
  • The remaining digits represented the consecutive unit number and began at 00000 for each series.
  • All series had the same ending number, which would be misinterpreted if listed.

 

Model Number

Body StyleDoorsModelSeatingFactory PriceShipping WeightProduction Total
55-626219(X)4-doorSedan 63977437544,904
55-626219(X)-Export sedan639774375396
55-626237(X)-Hardtop Coupe63882436427,879
55-626237DX-Coupe DeVille64305442833,300
55-626267X-Convertible Coupe6444846318,150
55-6262-Chassis only---7
ELDORADO SPECIAL
55-626267SX-Sport Convertible Coupe5628648093,950

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


ENGINE

 
  • V-8: Overhead valves
  • Cast iron block
  • Displacement: 331 cubic inches
  • Bore and stroke: 3.81 x 3.63 inches
  • Compression ratio: 9.0:1
  • Brake horsepower: 250 @ 4600 rpm
  • Five main bearings
  • Hydraulic valve lifters
  • Carburetors: Carter WCFB four-barre], Models 2355S, 2354S, 2185S, 2186S, 2266S, 2267S, and 2255 - also - Rochester 4GC four-barrel, (Less air conditioning) Model 7007970; (With air conditioning) Model 7007971.

1955 Cadillac1955 Cadillac1955 Cadillac

 

 

Feature

Series 62 SedanOther Series 62
Wheelbase129 inches129 inches
Overall Length216.3 inches223.2 inches
Front Tread60 inches60 inches
Rear Tread63.1 inches63.1 inches
Tires8.00 x 158.00 x 15
ExhaustsStandard dual exhausts
Standard Rear axle ratio3.36:1
Optional Rear axle ratio3.07:1


  • The 270 horsepower Eldorado engine was available as an optional "Power Package" in other models for $161 extra.

CONVENIENCE OPTIONS

 
  • Radio and antenna ($132)
  • Heating and ventilation system ($129)
  • Power brakes ($48)
  • Four-way adjustable power seat ($70)
  • Vertically adjustable power seat ($54)
  • Power windows ($1O8)
  • Air conditioning ($620)
  • White sidewall tires
  • E-Z-Eye safety glass
  • Autronic Eye automatic headlamp dimmer
  • Other standard GM options and accessories available


HISTORICAL

 
  • Motor Trend magazine reported fuel consumption figures of 12.9 miles per gallon (stop-and-go) for a Series 62 sedan with the standard 250 horsepower V-8.
  • Total 1955 output for all models reached 140,777 units, a new record high for Cadillac Division.

1955 Cadillac Coupe Deville

There are no translations available.

1954 Cadillac Fleetwood

 

 
SERIES SIXTY SPECIAL FLEETWOOD

The Sixty Special sedan had luxurious Fleetwood style interior appointments. Identifiers included the traditional fender louvers, V-shaped ornaments on the hood and rear deck and a Fleetwood script in the latter location. Wheelbase measurements returned to 133 inches for the first time since 1949. Also seen were a panoramic (wraparound) windshield, new grille, longer more sweeping fenders and all other 1954-style appearance innovations. The newly expanded equipment list appeared on the 60S sedan, too. 
 

Model NumberBody StyleDoorsModelSeatingFactory PriceShipping WeightProduction Total
54-606019X4-doorSedan 54683449016,200


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.
 
SERIES 75 FLEETWOOD

The big Fleetwood "high headroom" job came as an eight-passenger limousine with driver's partition or eight-passenger sedan without, both having jump seats. V-shaped ornaments appeared on the hood and deck with a Fleetwood script in the latter location. Wheelbase increased to 149.8 inches. Styling changes conformed with those seen on other lines.

Model NumberBody StyleDoorsModelSeatingFactory PriceShipping WeightProduction Total
54-757523X4-doorSedan 558755031889
54-757533X4-doorImperial Sedan860905093611
54-868680-Commercial chassis---1,635

NOTE: The commercial chassis featured a 158 inch wheelbase and was provided to professional car makers for construction of funeral cars, ambulances, etc.
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
 
ModelWheelbaseOverall LengthFront TreadRear TreadTires
Series 60S133 inches227.4 inches60 inches63.1 inches8.00 x 15 (opt. 8.20 x 15 whitewall)
Series 75149.8 inches237.1 inches60 inches63.1 inches8.20 x 15
ExhaustDual 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 Series 60S and Series 75).
  • 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.
There are no translations available.

1954 Cadillac Eldorado

 

1954 Cadillac EldoradoYet only a year later, the division evidently felt it had sufficiently made that point. It was time for a new kind of Eldorado, one that could be sold in significant numbers and thus turn a substantial profit. Accordingly, the 1954 model was of a different breed -- and it sold for a different price: $5738, more than $2000 less than the '53.

Cadillac styling was heavier and more massive for '54. The new models outweighed their 1953 counterparts by something like 140 pounds, due in part to three-inch longer wheelbases across the line. Whether their more slab-sided appearance made them better-looking may be open to question, but they were nevertheless well received. Power was still supplied by the division's milestone 331-cubic-inch overhead-valve V-8 that had first appeared for 1949. Though rated horsepower now rose from 210 to 230, there were no engine changes from the previous year. In fact, the '53 figure had been deliberately understated in order to facilitate this corporate sleight of hand.

1954 Cadillac Eldorado 

The Eldorado still carried the basic Cadillac engine and its predecessor's impressive list of standard features, but it now used the exact same bodyshell as the Series 62 convertible, with no sheetmetal modifications as on the '53. Although the '54 could be readily identified by ribbed bright metal on the lower rear fenders and gold Cadillac crests on the door uppers, it was much less distinctive than the original. Still, the price was right, even if it was now "only" $1300 higher than the 62's. Despite a somewhat abbreviated model year, the Eldorado found 2150 buyers, a dramatic four-fold increase.

1954 Cadillac

The Eldorado 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. The body style was designated: 6267SX

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

WheelbaseOverall LengthFront TreadRear TreadTires
Series 62 Eldorado129 inches223.4 inches60 inches63.1 inches8.20 x 15 whitewalls
ExhaustDual 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 Eldorado)
  • 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.
There are no translations available.

1954 Cadillac Series 62

 

1954 CadillacPillared coupes didn't return for '54, but Eldorado did. Though more like the standard Series 62 convertible, the '54 was far less expensive -- $4738. Buyers responded, snapping up 2150. The figure improved to 3950 units for '55, then twice as many for '56, when Eldorado’s doubled to include a Seville hardtop coupe priced at the same $6556 as the re-titled Biarritz convertible.

1954 CadillacEldorado’s 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.

1954 Cadillac

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 fender breaks 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 right hand 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 StyleDoorsModelSeatingFactory PriceShipping WeightProduction Total
54-626219(X)4-doorSedan 53933433033,845
54-626219(X)-Export Sedan539334330408
54-626219SX-Sedan DeVille5--1
54-626237(X)2-doorCoupe 53838434717,460
54-626237DX-Coupe DeVille54261440917,170
54-626267X-Convertible Coupe5440445986,310
54-6262-Chassis only---1
ELDORADO SPECIAL
54-626267SX-Sport Convertible Coupe5573848092,150


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

WheelbaseOverall LengthFront TreadRear TreadTires
Series 62 Sedan129 inches216.4 inches60 inches63.1 inches8.00 x 15 (opt. 8.20 x 15 whitewall)
Series 62129 inches223.4 inches60 inches63.1 inches8.00 x 15 (opt. 8.20 x 15 whitewall -- except for 6267)
Series 62 Eldorado129 inches223.4 inches60 inches63.1 inches8.20 x 15 whitewalls
Series 60S133 inches227.4 inches60 inches63.1 inches8.00 x 15 (opt. 8.20 x 15 whitewall)
Series 75149.8 inches237.1 inches60 inches63.1 inches8.20 x 15
ExhaustDual exhaust system standard
Rear axle ratio(Standard) 3.07: 1; (Standard with air conditioning; optional without) 3.36:1


CHASSIS

 

Model

WheelbaseOverall LengthFront TreadRear TreadTires
Series 62 Sedan129 inches216.4 inches60 inches63.1 inches8.00 x 15 (opt. 8.20 x 15 whitewall)
Series 62129 inches223.4 inches60 inches63.1 inches8.00 x 15 (opt. 8.20 x 15 whitewall -- except for 6267)
ExhaustDual 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.