PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CAR IS CURRENTLY BEING SOLD ON THE "HEMMINGS" AUCTION WEBSITE & THERE IS A LINK TO THE AUCTION ON OUR "AUCTIONS" PAGE.
Features styling by noted designers Frank Hershey and Harley Earl
Stunning and rare original matching numbers example refinished in period-correct Metallic Silver over a Gray Dual Cord and Gray Plain Broadcloth interior with green carpets and trim
Restored only as required over the years with an absolutely beautiful repaint and all new chrome. No rust or accident history.
Desirably equipped from the factory with optional Hydramatic automatic transmission, dash clock, backup lights, license plate frames, push-button radio, heater, front and rear bumper guards, and drivers side mirror
Showing just under 34,000 miles at time of cataloguing
Accompanied by a copy of its factory build record, 1949 Cadillac literature, jack, chock, and spare tire
West Coast Classics are proud to present an exceptional and great daily driving and extraordinarily rare virtually all original specification and completely rust free and restored only as required over the years example of this 1949 Cadillac Series 61 2 Door 6 Passenger Club Coupe, otherwise and more commonly known as the 'Fastback Sedanet', which has the aura and look of the classic 'boattail' look about it, with its all original 'Dual Tone Cord' interior, matching numbers 331CID Overhead Valve 160HP V8 engine matched to the optional 'Hydra-Matic' automatic transmission ($200), original radio & antenna; heater under seat & defroster; full floor carpeting, chrome rear fender gravel guards, rear fender skirts, directional signals, small hubcaps - 1 of only 6,409 series 61 2 Door Club Coupe's built in 1949 with very few remaining anywhere, let alone on the road driving and in this exemplary condition!
Recently purchased from a collection and obviously always garaged with a reportedly rebuilt engine and transmission and with a very striking repaint in a 'Silver Blue Metallic' color and boasting it's original factory specification 'Dual Tone Cord Broadcloth' interior. The floor boards, trunk and all the typical rust-prone areas are completely original, solid and rust-free and the car has no signs of any accidents - obviously an always primarily cherished 'Garage Queen'. The 331 CID V8 engine runs extraordinarily well and this particular car drives absolutely magnificently - must be driven to be fully appreciated - does not miss a beat and purrs like a kitten - drives straight as an arrow - a truly remarkable daily driver considering it's age! The transmission shifts smoothly through the gears and the car is an absolute pleasure to drive!
After a 3 year gap due to World War II, Cadillac returned to resuming car production in late 1945. To get the assembly lines moving as quickly as possible the 1942 models were put back into production with only minor changes. The 1947 Cadillac again brought very little change to the Cadillac line. Like other GM divisions, Cadillac was struggling to meet the demand created by the wartime halt of manufacturing, so not much time or energy was spent on updates. Demand outpaced supply as owning a Cadillac was the ultimate new symbol of success. The Series 62 was the most desirable automobile in a car hungry nation although out of reach for all but the very few and due to postwar shortages of materials, only some 6,409 2 Dr Club Coupe 'Fastback Sedanet' were built in '49, for which demand far outpaced supply. But still 1947 saw an all new grille with five horizontal bars while still utilizing the familiar egg crate design. Since chrome plating materials were becoming more plentiful the rear fender gravel shield was now of chrome plated stainless steel. Steering wheels changed to an Ivory color and upholstery weaves were changed on some models but otherwise were Cadillac familiar. The powertrains and the model line continued as in 1946.
The Series 61 Sedanet of 1948-49 was slightly detrimmed (no front splash guard for instance) from the parallel Series 62 line and was priced only $200 lower. The 61 Sedanet had the same fine styling attributes of its 62 cousin and it carries rare 'Milestone Car Status'. Under the hood the 346 CID V8 flathead V8 engine was replaced in 1949 with the all new 331 CID overhead valve high compression engine, which was both more powerful, and which probably more importantly in it's day, provided better mileage. This new V8 made Cadillac one of the fastest cars in America.
These are elegant and beautiful Cadillacs, part of the first all new postwar redesigns and amongst the most graceful and handsome cars of the era with the first tailfins. These tailfins were inspired by the vertical stabilizers of the Lockheed P-38 Lightning fighter planes. At first tailfins were just small bumps in the rear fenders but they would grow to great heights by the end of the fifties. Fins not only became a long standing Cadillac hallmark that was copied world wide. The 1948-49 fastback sedanet - also known as the Club Coupe - had the aura of the "boattail" about it and is widely considered one of the most handsome American fastbacks of all time. The 1949 model boasted a bigger grille treatment with grooved extension panels housing the front parking lights.
This is a rare opportunity to own a superb mostly all original and unrestored survivor example of a simply terrific daily driving example of a very original 1949 Cadillac Series 61 2 Door Club Coupe 'Fastback Sedanet'! Highly sought after model and widely coveted both at home in the U.S. and internationally.
