Cadillac Series 62 Models & History 1957

For1957, Cadillac adopted a tubular X-frame, without side rails, on all models. This resulted in greater structural rigidity and provided for lower body lines without loss of useable space. New front end styling was marked by rubber bumper guard tips and dual, circular parking lamps set into the lower bumper section. Side trim was revised and a dual taillight theme was used throughout the line. By utilizing different center frame sections the wheelbases and overall lengths of specific body styles was altered. In the 62 lineup, including the Eldorado sub-series, three different overall measurements appeared on cars with matching wheelbases. The Sedan DeVille was bigger than “standard” models and the Eldorado Coupe Seville and Biarritz convertible were larger still. Identifying the “standard” 62 models were

1957 Coupe DeVille

  • vertical bright metal moldings, just forward of the rear wheel openings, highlighted by seven horizontal windsplits.
  • At the upper end this fenderbreak trim joined a horizontal molding that ran along a conical flare extending forward from the taillamps.
  • A crest medallion was seen on the forward angled rear fins.
  • Coupe DeVilles and Sedan DeVilles had special nameplates on the front fenders.
  • Eldorados were further distinguished by the model name above a V-shaped rear deck ornament and on the front fenders.
  • The rear fender and deck contour was sleekly rounded and the wheel housing was trimmed with broad, sculptured stainless steel beauty panels.
  • Also seen were pointed, “shark” style fins pointing towards the back of the cars.
  • A three-section built-in front bumper was another exclusive trait of the two luxury cars, which came with a long list of standard accessories.

I. D. NUMBERS

  • Serial numbers and engine numbers were the same again.
  • They appeared
    • on a boss on the front right-hand face of the engine block;
    • on the lubrication plate on the left front door pillar (1953-1957)
    • and on the right frame side member behind the motor support.
  • The first pair of symbols were “57” to designate the model year.
  • The next two symbols indicated series as follows:
    • “62” = Series 62 including Eldorado Specials
    • “60” = Series 60 Fleetwood
    • “70” = Series 70 Eldorado Brougham
    • “75” = Series 75 Fleetwood
  • The immediately following numbers, beginning at 00000 for each series, indicated the production sequence in consecutive order.
  • Ending numbers were the same for all series since the engines were installed in mixed production fashion.

STYLE

Model Number Body Style Doors Model Seat Price Weight Production Total
57-62 6239(X) 4-door Hardtop Sedan 6 $4713 2089 kg 32,342
57-62 6239(X) 4-door Export Sedan 6 $4713 2089 kg 384
57-62 6239DX 4-door DeVille Hardtop 6 $5188 2116 kg 23,808
57-62 6237(X) 2-door Hardtop Coupe 6 $4609 2075 kg 25,120
57-62 6237DX 2-door Coupe DeVille 6 $5048 2100 kg 23,813
57-62 6267X Convertible Coupe 6 $5225 2150 kg 9,000
57-62 62 Chassis only 1

NOTES:

  • The export sedan was shipped in CKD form to foreign countries.
  • The symbol “X” after Body Style Number in brackets indicates power windows optional
  • without brackets indicates this feature standard

SERIES 62 ENGINE

Type V-8, Overhead valves.
Block Cast iron block.
Displacement 5.972 Liters
Bore and stroke 101.6mm x 92.1mm
Compression ratio 10.0:1.
Brake horsepower 300 hp @ 4800 rpm
Power 224 kW @ 4800 rpm
Bearings Five main bearings.
Valve Lifters Hydraulic valve lifters.
Carburetor Rochester four-barrel Model 7015701.

CHASSIS

Feature Series 62 Sedans Series 62 Coupes & Convertibles
Wheelbase 3289mm 3289mm
Overall Length 5484mm 5611mm
Front Tread 1549mm 1549mm
Rear Tread 1549mm 1549mm
Tires 8.00 x 15 blackwall 8.00 x 15 blackwall
Exhaust Standard dual exhausts Standard dual exhausts

CONVENIENCE ACCESSORIES

Hydra-Matic drive, power steering and power brakes were standard in all Cadillacs
Many models (designated by non-bracketed “X” suffix in charts above) also had standard power window lifts
Fore-and-Aft power seats were standard on the same models
Six-Way power seats were regularly featured on Eldorados and Sixty Specials
Air-conditioning, radios, heaters, etc. were optional on most other models (standard in Brougham) along with regular GM factory and dealer installed extras

PHOTOS

1957 Coupe DeVille

1957 Coupe DeVille

1957 Coupe DeVille

1957 Coupe DeVille

1957 Coupe DeVille

1957 Sedan DeVille

1957 Sedan DeVille

1957 Sedan DeVille

1957 Sedan DeVille

1957 Sedan DeVille

1957 Convertible