1962 Cadillac history

1962 Cadillac

With GM 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 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 62	...	72,877	... increased 10,451
Sedan de Ville	...	43,608	... increased 8,590
Coupe de Ville	...	25,675	... increased 5,519
Eldorado	...	1,450	... increased 0
Series 60	...	13,350	... decreased 2,150
Series 75	...	3,880	... 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 5.4 Liter 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 Motors	...	3,572,829	... increased 1,181,499
2. Ford	...	1,848,458	... increased 168,153
3. Chrysler	...	723,269	... decreased 14,101
4. Others	...	533,314	... increased 89,047

Top model year production for 1962

HISTORICAL NOTES

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