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Owned Since ’61: 1958 Cadillac Convertible

Back in the 1950s, there were few production cars that came any bigger or more luxurious than a Cadillac. And if you owned one, it was a symbol to the world that you had “arrived.” The Series 62 was the most popular and – including the DeVilles – racked up the most sales for Cadillac. That includes this 1958 convertible which has been owned by the father of the seller for 60 years. While not currently running, it appears to be in decent overall condition and ready for restoring. Located in Saratoga, California, this finned warrior is available here on eBay where the bidding is currently at $31,100, meaning the potential to revive this car is certainly there.

The fifth generation of the Series 62 would run only two years, 1957-58. They used a new tubular X-frame that didn’t employ side rails that Cadillac claimed resulted in their ability to lower the body without losing usable space and provided for increased torsional strength. Whether true or not, these frames gained controversy as being potentially unsafe and other manufacturers would say that their perimeter frames were safer. Because the cars were all-new the year before, the 1958 editions received a restrained facelift, most notably different for the use of dual headlights which had become legal in all 48 U.S. states. Because ’58 was a recession year, Cadillac felt the same sales pinch as the rest of the industry and output was down by 15 precent.

Finished in what appears to be Gleneagle Green, this 1958 convertible has had only two owners and been in the hands of the seller’s father since 1961. Apparently said father is getting on in years and has a collection that needs thinning, so this Cadillac is now on the market. The car was purchased new in Saratoga and has remained there ever since. We’re told it was a daily driver throughout the ‘60s and ‘70s and began seeing less frequent use thereafter. It was parked in its current indoor location around 1990 and only started once between then and now.

At nearly 142,000 reported miles, this survivor is largely original, including paint and interior. While the finish has thinned over the years and some light surface rust is present, the body looks good. There are some small bends in the sheet metal by the driver’s side rear fin, which may be the worst of what needs fixing. We’re told there is no rust in the body panels or chassis. The huge bumpers may be a little pitted and the convertible top, which itself was replaced 50 years ago, may require some attention. Other than the upholstery on the seats being old, cracked and torn, the rest of the interior is said to be good. Especially the massive dashboard.

Back in the day, the 365 cubic inch V8 under the hood should have produced 310 hp with a 4-barrel carburetor. The seller says it and the automatic transmission have never been rebuilt or taken apart. But given the mileage, it’s likely that will be needed. Not long ago, the seller hooked up a fresh battery and was able to get the engine to crank. But he did not attempt to get it started. Other than shock absorbers, we’re told the suspension components are also what it left the factory with.

No efforts have been made to clean the Caddy up, so the buyer gets it dirt and all. One of the tires is mismatched in terms of size just so the 62 can be made to roll around. The buyer will want to change that rubber anyway and the car comes with a spare set of rims. We’re told the seller has a California “pink slip” which may be a generic term for its title or the actual small, pink-colored titles that cars used to come with. This ’58 Series 62 is one of just 7,825 sold that year, so given typical attrition over 63 years, there simply can’t be that many of them left and in restorable condition like this one.

Auctions Ending Soon

Comments

  1. Turbo

    I want it. Years ago (Bush Sr. was president) I worked at a newspaper in the Midwest and saw one of these in horrible condition (same color) on my way to work. I think they wanted 3500 then. This is a much better deal.

    Like 2
  2. Raymond

    But it’s not a Camry…..snowflakes….

    Like 8
  3. SMS

    I don’t recall ever seeing one of these in the flesh. What a car. Would love to see this floating down the road, top down with a couple of the correct age.

    Like 5
  4. george

    seems like alot of zero feedback bidders on this car and too high bids for the first 2 days. maybe the chandelier is bidding???

    Like 3
  5. local_sheriff

    IMO Caddy was one of the really fortunate designs for ’58. Always found it to be an even more sophisticated version of Pontiac and Chev this year, also two beautiful ’58 designs. And this is a very nice color too

    Like 6
  6. Bob

    Very expensive car to restore!! I’m more fond of the ’57’s!

    Like 3
  7. John

    Seen enough resale red Caddy ragtops and restomods, I really hope this goes the full restoration to original route. The color combo and interior are great on this car.

    Like 6
  8. Howard Kerr

    I disagree with the comments, so far. Even though I consider the 58 Chevy and 58 Pontiac to be better looking than the 58 Cadillac, that’s not saying much. Pretty much every American car in 1958 was ” overdecorated ” for my taste, though if forced to choose I would go with the 58 Chevrolet.
    This car looks like the stylists threw every possible design element at their disposal at this car…the Cadillacs from prior years are just so much nicer looking.

    Like 1
  9. Angel_Cadillac_Diva Angel Cadillac Diva Member

    1958 was the year GM chromed EVERYTHING!!! Look at the Impala, or a Buick. Chrome everywhere. GM cars were definitely overdone in ’58.
    The ’57 Caddy had forward tilting “fins” and the ’58 had backward flowing “fins”.
    Ever see Arnold Schwarzenegger in “The 6th Day?” He has a ’57 Cadillac that goes on a high speed chase. In one scene it’s a ’57. The next scene it’s a ’58. Then back to a ’57. I love looking for stuff like that in movies.
    Same thing with “Driving Miss Daisy.” She goes off to Alabama in her ’55 Fleetwood, with Morgan Freeman driving. Several times it becomes a ’56, then back to a ’55. Back and forth.

    Like 6
    • bone

      Me too ! Check out Moviemistakes.com . There are thousands of things like that posted on their site

      Like 1
  10. Angel_Cadillac_Diva Angel Cadillac Diva Member

    I would give my eye teeth for this car, although I hate the color green. It needs wider whites, other than that, I can’t find any faults.

    Like 1
  11. local_sheriff

    At closer inspection of the cowl tag it seems this Caddy is painted #32 Versailles Green, not Gleneagles Green as suggested in the write-up. This is how it should appear in fresh condition:
    https://car-from-uk.com/sale.php?id=525549

    The color chart I found suggests 34 colors for ’58 Caddy (14 exclusive to the Brougham though) but that’s walking the extra mile for your customers IMO, at least when you compare that to the whopping 8 colors offered for your ’21 Escalade…!

    Like 2
    • Howard Kerr

      8 colors for the ’21 Escalade, and I bet 4 or 5 of those 8 are shades of silver.

      Not quite sure about this shade of green, I think it’s because I am not a huge fan of pastels.

      Like 2

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