Rescued this one, the older gentleman who had it was considering taking it into scrap because it was so heavy! He might have just been saying that though because he still wanted a decent amount for it, more than scrap would have payed. I was glad to be there to make sure it didn't go to the crusher anyway, what a shame that would have been! I've been researching a little, I think it's a 52 based on the air conditioning option, though the taillights say 51. It has the visor and what appears to be power windows although it does have window cranks in additon to the buttons. Very complete car, it must have been really something in it's day. Any info?
Now that´s a helluva save right there, be it from the crusher or not. Sure wasn´t gonna get any better from just sitting there, either, that´s for sure! As far as Your question about the model year, I´d say at least the mesh -pattern trim pieces underneath the headlamps denote it as a ´51 to me, couldn´t You just simply decipher the exact build of date from the VIN, though?
Very cool car. The 331 was a 190 hp. The Hydromatic was near bulletproof. Just that air cleaner alone is a good find. They ride like a cloud, and once rolling were hard to catch. Please don't use a belly button 350/350. Early 70's big block Caddy and tranny would be my choice.With an aluminum intake,and tube headers they weigh only a tad more than a s/b Chevy, but with way more torque . Can be made to give decent mpg. Good luck!!
My Cadillac book says it's a 1951 series 62 sedan. The most popular model that year. So parts may be easier to find than other models. The engine in '51 was I60 hp. Real curious how you plan to build it. Pictures Please.
I don't plan to build it, I have 1 or 2 other cars set aside for possible builds, you gotta pick your battles carefully. I part out cars that are not good build candidates, this one is definately not to be parted out, it would seem a shame even though it is a 4 door. I would think someone could really do something with this, I suppose it could be a donor car for a 2dr, it certainly has some cool options. I suppose the only way I would part it out is if nobody wanted it at a fair price, although I would try to sell it for a while before I pulled that trigger.
Hey Ryan, good to hear from you. I still got the Buick, just holdin. All the best to you! It's true that 4 doors are good especially today when there is such a lack of 2 doors. My daily is a 4 door 59 Olds.
It's a '51 that was retrofitted with the AC offered in 1953 by Cadillac dealers. AC became a dealer or factory installed option (again) in that year.
The Jalopy Journal
