My passion for Cadillacs started in 1979 when as an exchange-student living for a year in Albuquerque, NM I was impressed by these big and excessive cars, so different from the little cars which I was accustomed to see here in Italy. A few years ago I decided to go for one of those big cars which, possibly, could to take me back to my youth. So I bought a ’76 Calais Sedan.
Starting from then my tastes in Cadillacs changed a little. Probably due to the fact I was getting older, I was more attracted by older cars like those of the 50’s. I thought about importing one from the US, like many people in Italy do but, as you may understand, this is not cheap at all. So I was calmly waiting for the right time to start such an operation. But
Some months ago, almost casually, I got onto the website of a sport cars dealer in the north of Italy, because a friend told me he was selling something I could be interested in, and I saw her: a 1949 Series 62 Sedan, VIN 496204825. Not in good condition, because she was abandoned for some years, but almost everything was there. What can I say? I saw the beautiful huge split windshield, the 40’s body lines and I realized that in some ways the 50’s cars were even too modern for me with their excessive Cadillac lines that came in the fifties and sixties. Instead this one was, at least for me, much classier and in some ways “severe”. After talking with the dealer we came to an agreement and the car was delivered to me a few months ago.
I knew she was in need of complete restoration but didn’t expect that even the engine was not in good working order, with seized rings and some valves not closing correctly. In a few days the engine will be taken out of the car and rebuilt. Inside, the car looks original, besides some dash painting which I am not sure is correct, along with lots of things that have to be verified. The car came in Cypress Green Poly, although during her life she had been repainted. There are some parts still in the original color like the firewall and wheels which, compared to the color data sheet, look brighter in color.
At this point you may think “wouldn’t it be cheaper buying a car in better condition from the United States?” Surely, this car will cost me more money in restoration, but what would have been the fate of the old lady if I didn’t rescue her? Are there many people willing to spend a fortune restoring it? I think she would have had a sad end. I hear of many people “fond of old cars” thinking with their wallet instead of the heart. A car can be an economic massacre for you by restoring it, but when you see something which moves your feelings so much, well, any consideration of money will fail. So it was for me.
Anyway, it looks like if this car has a quite interesting history. I obtained its build sheet from GM Heritage and was able to get in touch with a couple of previous owners. When new, the car was shipped to Ecuador. There is some darkness until 1976, when she was imported in Italy. I think that’s all for now. Will keep you updated as restoration will proceed.
