Cadillac Models & History 1959

single automotive design better characterizes the industry’s late Fifties flamboyance than the 1959 Cadillac, which incorporated totally new styling:

1959 Cadillac

  • Large tailfins
  • twin bullet taillamps
  • two distinctive rooflines and roof pillar configurations
  • new jewel-like grille patterns
  • matching deck latch lid beauty panels.

1959 Cadillac

The former 62 line was now commonly called the 6200 Series and was actually comprised of three sub-series all with similar wheelbases and lengths. Each will be treated individually here. The five base models were identifiable by their straight body rub moldings running from front wheel openings to back bumpers with crest medallions below the tip of the spear. A one-deck jeweled rear grille insert was seen. Standard equipment included

  • power brakes
  • power steering
  • automatic transmission
  • dual backup lamps
  • windshield washers and two-speed wipers
  • wheel discs
  • outside rear view mirror
  • vanity mirror
  • oil filter

The convertible also had power windows and Two-Way power seat. Plain fender skirts covered rear wheels and sedans were available in four window (4W) and six-window (6W) configurations.

I. D. NUMBERS

  • The motor serial number system adopted in 1958 was used again with numbers in the same physical locations
  • The first pair of symbols changed to “59” to designate model year
  • The third symbol (a letter listed as a Body Style Number suffix in charts below) identified model and series
  • Consecutive unit numbers began at 000001 and up

STYLE

Model Number Body Style Model Seat Price Weight Production Total
59-62 6229K

Supersize
4-door 6 Window Sedan

6 $5080 2198 kg 23,461
59-62 6229K 6 Window Export Sedan 6 $5080 2198 kg 60
59-62 6239A

Supersize
4-door 4 Window Sedan

6 $5080 2168 kg 14,138
59-62 6237G

Supersize
2-door Hardtop Coupe

6 $4892 2132 kg 21,947
59-62 6267F

Supersize
2-door Convertible Coupe

6 $5455 2207 kg 11,130

NOTE: The Export Sedan was shipped in CKD form to foreign countries.

1959 Cadillac

1959 Cadillac

ENGINE

Type V-8 Overhead valves
Block Cast iron block
Displacement 6.384 Liters
Bore and stroke 101.6mm x 98.4mm
Compression ratio 10.5:1
Brake horsepower 325 hp @ 4800 rpm
Power 242 kW @ 4800 rpm
Bearings Five main bearings
Valve Lifters Hydraulic valve lifters
Carburetor Carter AFB four-barrel Model 2814S

CHASSIS

Wheelbase 3302mm
Overall Length 5715mm
Tires 8.00 x 15
Dual exhausts standard
Rear axle ratios 2.94:1 standard; 3.21:1 optional or mandatory with air conditioning

POWERTRAIN OPTIONS

The 345 horsepower Eldorado V-8 was optional on all other Cadillacs at $134.30 extra

CONVENIENCE OPTIONS

Radio with rear speaker $165
Radio with rear speaker and remote control $247
Automatic heating system on Series 75 $179
Automatic heating system on other models $129
Six-Way power seat on 6200s except convertible $189
Six-Way power seat on 60-6306-6400 and 6200 convertible $89
Power window regulators $73
Power vent regulators $73
Air conditioning on Series 75 $624
Air conditioning on other models $474
Air suspension $215
Autronic Eye $55
Cruise Control $97
Electric door locks on two-doors $46
Electric door locks on four-doors $70
E-Z-Eye glass $52
Fog lamps $46
White sidewall tires 8.20 x 15 four-ply $57 exchange
8.20 x 15 six-ply $65 exchange
Door guards on four doors $7
Door guards on two doors $4
Remote control trunk lock $59
License Plate frame $8

LOCAL OPTIONS

Utility kit $15
Monogram $12
Acryllic Lustre finish $20
Undercoating $25
Radio foot switch $10
Gas cap lock $4
Pair of rugs for front $8
Pair of rugs for rear $5

HISTORICAL NOTES

  • Assembly of 142,272 units was counted for the 1959 model year.
  • This was the next to last season for selling the Brougham.
  • Flat-top roof styling was used on four-window sedans
  • Six-window jobs had sloping rooflines with rear vent panes.
  • Power steering and shock absorbers were improved this year.
  • Charles E. Arnold was chief engineer