Cadillac Introduction Models & History 1962
WithGM settling into a styling groove, Cadillac’s ’62s were basically toned-down ’61s. Highlights included still-lower fins, front-fender cornering lights as a new option, a somewhat tamer grille, and backup/turn/stop lights combined behind a single white lens. Four-window sedans received more orthodox rooflines but still included a pair of short-deck variants, which were now named Series 62 Town Sedan and DeVille Park Avenue. A new braking system with dual master cylinder and separate front and rear hydraulic lines appeared, a portent of the future. Model-year output rose to nearly 161,000, up some 23,000 over ’61.
HISTORICAL NOTES
1962 Cadillac Fin
- This was the 60th anniversary year for Cadillac.
- The automaker produced 160,840 Cadillacs during the year, all equipped with the new dual-safety braking system.
- 59 percent sold with air conditioning.
- Cadillac makes dual-braking system standard
- Cadillac features optional front-fender cornering lights
- Harold G. Warner was general manager
- Charles F. Arnold was chief engineer
- Charles Jordan was chief designer (Cadillac Studio) until August
- Stanley Parker became chief designer (Cadillac Studio) in August
- Fred H. Murray was general sales manager until September
- L. N. Mays became general sales manager in September
- Cadillac production figures
Series 6272,877 (increased 10,451) Sedan de Ville43,608 (increased 8,590) Coupe de Ville25,675 (increased 5,519) Eldorado1,450 (increased 0) Series 6013,350 (decreased 2,150) Series 753,880 (increased 51)
1962 Automotive Notes
- New models include Chevy II, Ford Fairlane, Mercury Meteor, Pontiac Grand Prix, Studebaker Gran Turismo Hawk
- At mid-year more new models: Buick Wildcat hardtop and Skylark convertible, Corvair Monza convertible and Spyder, Dodge Custom, and Ford Galaxie 500 & XL, Mercury S-55, Oldsmobile Jetfire, and Plymouth Sport Fury
- George Romney leaves Rambler
- About 30% of cars are hardtops (i.e., no B-pillar)
- In 1957, the AMA baned factory-sponsored racing in order to eliminate speed from auto advertising. In 1962 Ford withdraws support of that resolution
- A stock Plymouth Fury reaches 305.89 km/h at the Bonneville Salt Flats — the fastest ever for a stock-body production car
- American Motors joins Cadillac in offering dual-braking system as standard equipment
- American Motors features installed seat belts for both front and rear seats
- All cars have anchoring fixtures for optional seat belts
- Studebaker drops the Packard name from the corporate title
- Studebaker buys Paxton Products, a supercharger manufacturer
- Chevy II (406,521 units) competes with Ford Falcon (396,109 units)
- Corvair adds a station wagon, Monza convertible, and turbocharged Spyder
- Corvette’s 327-cid (5.4 Litre) with fuel injection produces 360 hp
- Chrysler’s 300-H can produce 405 hp
- Ford Fairlane and Mercury Meteor are the new intermediate size
- Last year for the Metropolitan — a car size 40 years ahead of its time
- Rambler offers its “E-Stick” transmission with manual shifting and automatic clutch, Honda would copy it in early Civics
- Shelby-American begins production of the AC Cobra roadster
- John F. Gordon was president of GM
- Frederic G. Donner was chairman of the board at GM
- Top American Automobile Corporations for 1962
1. General Motors3,572,829 (increased 1,181,499) 2. Ford1,848,458 (increased 168,153) 3. Chrysler723,269 (decreased 14,101) 4. Others533,314 (increased 89,047)
- Top model year production for 1962
Chevrolet1,754,615 Ford1,398,020 Pontiac521,933 Rambler442,346 Oldsmobile428,853 Buick399,526 Special153,743 LeSabre127,198 Invicta55,997 Electra 22562,468 Mercury341,366 Plymouth339,527 Corvair292,531 Dodge240,484 Cadillac160,840 Series 6270,277 DeVille71,883 Eldorado1,450 Series 60 Special13,350 Series 753,880 Chrysler128,921 Studebaker89,318 Thunderbird78,011 Lincoln31,061 Corvette14,531 Imperial14,337 Checker8,173 Metropolitan420
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