1948 CADILLAC
Page three
Major design changes marked the short wheelbase Cadillacs (series 61) for 1948.
- They featured General Motors first all-new postwar body with styling advances including tailfins
inspired by the Lockheed P-38 fighter plane.
- There was also an attractive egg crate grille which was higher in the middle than on the sides.
- The front of the car was protected by a heavier and more massive bumper bar which curved around the
fenders.
- The Cadillac crest was centered low in a 'V' above the radiator grille.
- Chrome headlamp rims were used.
- Cars in the 61 series lacked bright metal front fender shields and under-taillight trim.
- A new dashboard with "rainbow" style instrument cluster and leather grained panels extending to the carpets
was seen only this year.
I. D. NUMBERS
| Cadillac serial numbers again matched motor numbers and were used for all license, insurance and identification purposes. |
| They were placed in the same locations as before. |
| Motor serial numbers 48100001 to 486148663 appeared on 1948 Series 61 models. |
STYLE
| Model Number | Body Style | Doors | Model | Seating | Factory
Price | Shipping Weight | Production Total |
|---|
| 48-61 | 6169 | 4-door | Sedan
| 5 | 2833 | 4150 | 5,081 |
|---|
| 48-61 | 6107 | 2-door | Club
Coupe | 5 | 2728 | 4068 | 3,521 |
|---|
| 48-61 | - | - | Chassis only | - | - | - | 1 |
|---|
ENGINE
| Type | V-8 L-head. |
| Block | Cast iron block. |
| Displacement | 346 cubic inches. |
| Bore and stroke | 3-1/2 x 4-1/2 inches. |
| Compression ratio | 7.25:1. |
| Brake horsepower | 150 at 3400 rpm |
| Bearings | Three main bearings. |
| Valve lifters | Hydraulic valve lifters. |
| Carburetor | Carter WCD two-barrel (models 595S or 595SA) or Stromberg AAV-26 two-barrel (models 380154 or 380871). |
SERIES 62
The Series 62 was now on the same wheelbase as the lowest priced line making the club coupe and sedan
practically identical to similar models in the Series 61 range, except for trim and appointments. Distinguishing
features included grooved, bright metal front fender gravel guards, rocker panel brightwork, chevron style
chrome slashes below taillights and slightly richer interior trim. The convertible coupe was an exclusive offering
in this line.
I. D. NUMBERS
| Motor serial numbers 486200001 to 486252704 appeared on 1948 Series 62 models. |
STYLE
| Model Number | Body Style | Doors | Model | Seating | Factory
Price | Shipping Weight | Production Total |
|---|
| 48-62 | 6269 | 4-door | Sedan
| 5 | 2996 | 4179 | 23,997 |
|---|
| 48-62 | 6207 | 2-door | Club
Coupe | 5 | 2912 | 4125 | 4,764 |
|---|
| 48-62 | 6267 | - | Convertible
Coupe | 5 | 3442 | 4449 | 5,450 |
|---|
| 48-62 | - | - | Chassis only | - | - | - | 2 |
|---|
ENGINE
| Type | V-8 L-head. |
| Block | Cast iron block. |
| Displacement | 346 cubic inches. |
| Bore and stroke | 3-1/2 x 4-1/2 inches. |
| Compression ratio | 7.25:1. |
| Brake horsepower | 150 at 3400 rpm |
| Bearings | Three main bearings. |
| Valve lifters | Hydraulic valve lifters. |
| Carburetor | Carter WCD two-barrel (models 595S or 595SA) or Stromberg AAV-26 two-barrel (models 380154 or 380871). |
Series 60 Special Fleetwood
The Series 60 Special Fleetwood sedan was again based on an extended General Motors C-Body shell with
two-inch wider front and rear doors. The tailfins, built-in rear bumper design and egg crate grille seen on the
lower-priced lines were used. Appearing again, on the rear roof pillar, were four slanting chrome slashes. Instead
of the standard wide stone shields, the 60 Special had a thinner type which curved upwards along the forward
contour of the rear fender and incorporated an attractive ribbed insert panel. At the rear of the car, a band of
chrome extended across the bottom of the fender skirts and quarter panels. Standard equipment included cloth
and leather upholstery combinations and leather-grained doors and instrument panel.
I. D. NUMBERS
| Motor serial numbers 486000001 to 486052706 appeared on 1948 Series 60S Fleetwood models. |
STYLE
| Model Number | Body Style | Doors | Model | Seating | Factory
Price | Shipping Weight | Production Total |
|---|
| 48-60S | 6069 | 4-door | Sedan
| 6 | 3820 | 4356 | 6,561 |
|---|
ENGINE
| Type | V-8 L-head. |
| Block | Cast iron block. |
| Displacement | 346 cubic inches. |
| Bore and stroke | 3-1/2 x 4-1/2 inches. |
| Compression ratio | 7.25:1. |
| Brake horsepower | 150 at 3400 rpm |
| Bearings | Three main bearings. |
| Valve Lifters | Hydraulic valve lifters. |
| Carburetor | Carter WCD two-barrel (models 595S or 595SA) or Stromberg AAV-26 two-barrel (models 380154 or 380871). |
Series 75 Fleetwood
On the Series 75 Fleetwood, consideration was given to the deletion of the
long-wheelbase line this year, but competitive pressures from Packard in the luxury
class market dictated the retention of these models. Again, they featured General
Motors' old fashioned "Turret Top" styling, a throwback to the pre-war years. Minor
revisions on the outside of the cars included a new background for the V-shaped hood
emblem and Cadillac scripts -- replacing block lettering -- low on the fenders behind
the front wheel opening. Buyers ordering fog lamps got rectangular parking lamps in
place of the smaller round style. Stainless steel runningboards were seen once more
and the 75s also had the new dashboard treatment, but with burled leather trim.
I. D. NUMBERS
| Motor serial numbers 487500001 to 487546088 appeared on 1948 Series 75 Fleetwood models. |
STYLE
| Model Number | Body Style | Doors | Model | Seating | Factory
Price | Shipping Weight | Production Total |
|---|
| 48-75 | 7519X | 4-door | Sedan | 5 | 4779 | 4875 |
225 |
|---|
| 48-75 | 7523X | 4-door | Sedan
| 7 | 4999 | 4878 | 499 |
|---|
| 48-75 | 7523L | 4-door | Business
Sedan | 9 | 4679 | 4780 | 90 |
|---|
| 48-75 | 7533X | 4-door | Imperial
Sedan | 7 | 5199 | 4959 | 382 |
|---|
| 48-75 | 7533L | 4-door | Business
Imperial | 9 | 4868 | 4839 | 64 |
|---|
| 48-75 | - | - | Chassis only | - | - | - | 2 |
|---|
NOTE: The commercial chassis featured a 163 inch wheelbase.
ENGINE
| Type | V-8 L-head. |
| Block | Cast iron block. |
| Displacement | 346 cubic inches. |
| Bore and stroke | 3-1/2 x 4-1/2 inches. |
| Compression ratio | 7.25:1. |
| Brake horsepower | 150 at 3400 rpm |
| Bearings | Three main bearings. |
| Valve lifters | Hydraulic valve lifters. |
| Carburetor | Carter WCD two-barrel (models 595S or 595SA) or Stromberg AAV-26 two-barrel (models 380154 or 380871). |
CHASSIS
| Model | Wheelbase | Overall length | Front Tread | Rear
Tread | Tires |
|---|
| Series 61 and 62 | 126 inches | 214 inches | 59 inches | 63
inches | 8.20 x 15 |
|---|
| Series 60S | 133 inches | 226 inches | 59 inches | 63 inches | 8.20
x 15 |
|---|
| Series 75 | 136 inches | 226 inches | 59 inches | 63 inches | 7.50
x 16 |
|---|
POWER TRAIN OPTIONS
CONVENIENCE OPTIONS
| Hydra-Matic transmission | $174 |
| Whitewall tires | |
| Radio and antenna. | |
| Fog lamps. | |
| Safety spotlight. | |
| Rear window defroster. | |
| And more. | |
HISTORICAL NOTES
- Division windows between front and rear seats were available on some Fleetwood models for limousine
use.
- Commercial and business chassis were supplied to professional carmakers.
- The Classic Car Club of American recognizes all 1948 Series 75 models as Classic Cars.
- The following models are recognized as Milestones by the Milestone Car Society:
- Series 61 coupe (sedanette);
- Series 62 coupe (sedanette);
- Series 62 convertible;
- Series 60S Fleetwood Special sedan.
LITERATURE & LINKS
