In 1960, you aspired to a Cadillac. Really, what else was there? A Japanese car? Ha! Those were little tin cans to most Americans in 1960, and about as desirable as an ingrown toenail. Mercedes-Benz or Jaguar? They admittedly had some real cachet, but unless you lived in Chicago, New York or Los Angeles, service could be problematic. Plus, they were really, really expensive.
Lincoln and Imperial were both valid competitors, but Cadillac Motor Division still stood head and shoulders above the FoMoCo and Ma Mopar luxury cars, at least in the hearts and minds of most.
The 1960 Cadillac is a favorite of mine. While there is no denying that the 1959 gonzo edition was the most over-the-top ’50s car ever, the 1960 toned it down, and the results were exceedingly attractive.
Every 1960 Cadillac, from Series 62 through the elusive and über-expensive Eldorado Brougham, had smooth lines, clean fins with nary a rocket in sight, and most agreeable interior environments.
If I was ordering a 1960 Cadillac and had an unlimited budget, I would have chosen a navy blue or maroon Sixty Special. The chrome rocker trim, rear quarter hash marks, Eldorado wheel covers and clean yet luxurious interior just do it for me. Extra chrome is always good!
But for those captains of industry for whom the Sixty Special was just a bit too common, there was always the Eldorado Brougham, in its final year for 1960. A 1960 Brougham cost a princely $13,075–$5674 MORE than its Eldorado Seville hardtop and Eldorado Biarritz convertible stablemates. Only 101 were built.
But for those desiring a more down-to-earth Cadillac, there was the Sixty-Two. In addition the six-window model, a four-window version with “cantilever” roofline was also catalogued.
A hardtop coupe and convertible were also offered in this series. The six-window Sixty-Two listed for $5080; 26,824 were produced.
The biggest difference between a Series Sixty-Two and the Coupe/Sedan de Villes was the plusher interiors offered by the latter. But that did not mean that the Sixty-Two was a penalty box.
Heavens no! This was still a Cadillac, and for around five grand ($2311 more than a ’60 V8-equipped Impala Sport Sedan) you got your money’s worth. Power brakes, automatic transmission, reversing lights, full wheel discs, automatic parking brake release and two-speed wipes were all standard.
And inside it was every inch a Cadillac, despite being the lowest-cost series. Just look how comfy this back seat is! You could really stretch out, relax, and watch the U.S. go by through the ample glass area.
And like all other Cadillacs, under the hood was the robust and powerful 390 CID V8 with 325 hp, with four-barrel Carter carburetion. Eldorados and Eldo Broughams added three two-barrel Rochester carbs, bumping power to 345 hp. This “Eldorado” engine was available optionally on all other Cadillacs for $134.40 extra.
The silver six-window Series Sixty-Two was photographed by your author at one of the Quad City Cruisers shows during the summer of 2013.
I was impressed by how the owner had kept it in such solid original shape. Other than clearly new–and factory correct–upholstery and door panels, this looked to be an original car with original paint.
The spectacular red and white Sixty-Two coupe was at the 2016 Des Moines Concours d’Elegance, held every September at Pappajohn Sculpture Park downtown. While it wasn’t in the show itself, a specialty car dealer adjacent to the show had brought out several of their classic cars for display, and this was one of them. The red and white interior was simply spectacular.
Yes, back in 1960 Cadillac had it all going on! Times change. Tastes change. But these classic Mid-Century Caddys will always be special!
I’ll admit, I’ve been a *very* bad boy ~
Please make me suffer in the Series Sixty Two penalty box….
-Nate
I had a barn find blue Series 62 coupe much like the red one pictured as a project car for several years. Other responsibilities kept me away from it and the issues eventually piled up to the point where I couldn’t keep up with them and I decided it would be better off with someone who could give it more love. Still would like to get back into a more finished one someday as they are undeniably beautiful and have a road presence unlike anything sold today.
All that glass and no A/C would have meant for some serious greenhouse effects on a warm day, but I greatly prefer it to the bunker look of current cars.
If you ever find yourself in Flint, stop by Coty’s Family Restaurant. There is a local Cadillac club that has a cruise there what seems like every week (Thursday nights I think) and there are some absolutely lovely examples from the 50s through the 80s.
Stop for the Cadillacs, stay for the water.
When I look at these old Cadillac ads and brochure artwork I’m almost convinced that the people that did the costumes and set styling for Mad Men just went through piles of early 60’s Cadillac brochures and ads looking to answer the question “what did rich people look like in the 60’s?”.