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.
1962 Cadillac
HISTORICAL NOTES
1962 Cadillac 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
