1959 Cadillac history

1959 Cadillac

No single automotive design better characterizes the industry's late Fifties flamboyance than the 1959 Cadillac, which incorporated totally new styling:

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

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

POWERTRAIN OPTIONS

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

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

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

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

I. D. NUMBERS

STYLE

ENGINE

CHASSIS

POWERTRAIN OPTIONS

CONVENIENCE OPTIONS

LOCAL OPTIONS

HISTORICAL NOTES

LITERATURE & LINKS