1948 CADILLAC SERIES 62 SEDAN - SURVIVOR - TURN KEY - GO !

1948 Cadillac Other BASE Description

1948 Cadillac Series 62 – Survivor of the Year ! ! !

Turn key - ready to go, needs nothing...

68,387 original miles. In dry storage since 1982

When was the last time you came across a 70 year old car in original pristine immaculate condition and the clock still works ?

I have owned several vintage low mile rust free cars and fellas, this 1948 Cadillac takes home the trophy.

Vintage cars like this are highly sought after. The original patina of this Caddy is simply award winning.

This 48’ Cadillac was originally purchased by Mr. Harry Maurer in Pennsylvania who owned the car for thirty years.

Mr. Maurer took exceptional care of his Cadillac. It was always garage kept and always serviced at his local Cadillac dealership where he purchased the car.

The original brass ID plaque issued by the dealership is still mounted on the car, and the original Dupont Spray Glaze sticker is still on the wing window.

The 2nd owner owned the Cadillac for 40 years, and acquired the car back in the late 1970’s. The 2nd owner had a small collection consisting of three vintage Cadillacs and a Buick. He liked to tinker on his Cadillacs and took them out for an occasional spin with his sons on nice days. The 2nd owner also had the 48’ Cad’ refinished in the same color around 1980. It appears all the trim was removed with no overspray, refinished in acrylic enamel that was new in the era, and the paint still shines to this day with its beautiful aged-patina.

The 2nd owner’s wife finally let the car collection go some ten years after her husband’s death. The Cadillac was kept in dry storage all this time and was not driven since 1982.

I acquired the car just over two years ago and could not believe its original condition. It was as if I was looking at the car in 1970.

I began a 250 plus hour preservation of the Cadillac in which I was careful not to take away anything from its original state. Let the photos speak for themselves, this car is really fantastic…

The body is all metal and super original condition. I have found no bondo on the car and all the metal is original and rust free. With exception of a few minor pencil dings which can be easily removed by paintless dent repair, the car is as straight as when new.

The undercarriage, floor pans, trunk pans and rockers are undamaged and pin hole free. The stainless trim is shiny and all rocker trim have no dents, scrapes, or dings. The front bumper, grill, and flying lady are pristine original condition.

The rear bumper and pot metal side trim on the rear doors are starting to show its natural age and patina, but still shine.

All four doors shut like a bank vault, and the front windshield and rear glass and trims are in great condition with no dings or rock chipping.

Everything works on the car with exception of the radio and windshield washer diaphragm. All lights work, all dash gauges work, the underseat heater works, front and rear seat cigarette lighters work, and the vacuum antenna works as well as the clock ! The clock keeps accurate time which is just amazing ! The interior is all original and in great condition for 71 years old. There are a few small holes in the upholstery in the visible areas, and one small finger size hole in the headliner just above the rear door molding. There are larger holes in the upholstery in the hidden areas were the seat materials rub against each other. The door panels are original and in great condition. The door seals are starting to deteriorate from age, and I have included 100 feet of brand new door seals and adhesive with the purchase.

The car runs simply amazing.

The front end is original, and is still in good condition with just a little slop in the king pins. I drove the car on the freeway, got er’ up to 92 miles per hour and it handled just great. The car drives rock solid and quiet like new.

At highway speeds the car runs smooth, quiet and straight. The brakes are new, the car stops straight, it stops right, and the car brakes every bit as good as a new car.

The engine and transmission operate excellent, with no lower end noises, and everything works and shifts through all 4 gears as it should.

As mentioned earlier, I have 250 plus hours of work in this fine 48’ Caddy, and here is what I’ve done to preserve the car.

I did all the work myself, and it was done right !

1) Cleaned and pressure washed the undercarriage, motor and trans – twice

2) Replaced 6 volt Battery & positive cable

3) Replaced new gas tank, sending unit, cleaned the gas lines.

4) Replaced new fuel pump and added inline filter

( note: I have the NOS flex line which goes with the sale)

5) Cleaned the carburetor, replaced the leather pump rod and base gasket

6) Replaced a few wiring ends to the generator, starter and horn relay (note: the wiring is in overall excellent condition)

7) Disassembled the generator, starter, and distributor, cleaned and inspected all components, lubricated, primed, and painted the housings

8) Replaced new water pump

9) Replaced new fan bearing

10) Replaced new generator and fan belts

11) Replaced new motor and transmission mounts.

12) Completed a transmission service with new pan gasket, 13.5 qts of trans fluid, prime and paint the pan cover (note: the transmission front seal needs replaced, the rear seal does not leak)

13) Replaced 23 feet of 5/8’s water hose, both upper radiator hoses and the lower radiator hose. (note: all radiator hoses and hose clamps are era correct with exception of 5 -5/8’s clamps that are modern)

14) Replaced 26 qts of anti-freeze mix, at 60% ratio

15) Tune up with new cap, rotor, special order wire set, plugs, new condensors installed in the distributor, coil, and generator

16) Removed, cleaned, prime and paint the radiator

17) (note: the radiator is in great original condition with no leaks)

18) Replaced the oil pan gasket, cleaned, primed and painted the oil pan and inspection cover and lower section of the engine block. (note: the main rear seal and oil pan do not leak)

19) Oil change service – 6 qts 30w non-detergent, 1 qt Lucas, and 1 pint zinc additive

20) Cleaned and lubricated all window regulators, locks, door latches, door hinges, trunk and hood hinges (note: the glove box, hood release, and trunk locks work fine, both front door locks work fine, and all original keys work)

21) Complete new brake job with new master cylinder, new wheel cylinders, new brake hoses, new brake lining, new sending unit, and all drums were turned. All four backing plates and the drums were cleaned, primed, and painted. (note: after breakin, the brakes were re-bled and adjusted)

22) Replaced new front wheel bearing seals, cleaned and lubed the bearings. (note: the rear wheel bearing seals were done by the prior owner and do not leak. The rear axle nuts were tightened to 285 lbs)

23) Flushed the rearend with kerosene, replaced new 90w gear oil. (note: a slight drip coming from the pinion seal may be due to high fluid level)

24) Removed the radio, glove box, and heater controls, inspected the radio, lubricated all mechanisms under dash, replaced new vacuum lines and wiper squirter lines under dash, inspected all wiring connections, inspected all dash bulbs and gauges, cleaned and lubed the dimmer switch and speedometer cable, tightened all dash screws and bolts. (note: the dash heater, defrost and underseat heater and all dash lights, gauges and speedometer work great. The radio has small diodes that have dried out over time and need replacement)

25) Cleaned and lubricated the vacuum system components, wiper motor and vacuum antenna. (note: The vacuum wipers and vacuum antenna work excellent)

26) 3 stage buff and polish exterior finish. (note: the paint is forty years old which still shows a shine. Age spots are found on the trunk and other areas, and the patina is all natural and not fabricated)

27) Lubricated front end suspension and lever action shock absorbers, replaced two lever rubber bushings.

28) Replaced all five tires with new 225R-15 Provider 40k mile radial tires purchased at Discount Tire.

If you are looking for the best condition original vintage Cadillac then look no further…

I invite you to come and view the car in person if you like. It will put a smile on your face !

Terms of sale:

I have accurately and honestly described the condition of my 1948 Cadillac Series 62 sedan ‘as is’ at this point in time of the listing. However, the car is sold to you ‘As-Is’ with no warranties expressed or implied, in which by your purchase, you agree to these terms and conditions.

I have a clear Florida title in my name, and the vin number is easily found on the right upper engine block.

A non-refundable down payment of $500.00 via PayPal is due within 24 hours of your purchase. The remaining balance can be wire transferred and must be issued no later than 7 days from your purchase. I can store the Cadillac for up to ten days while you make your shipping arrangements.

Please feel free to call or write with any questions.

Thank you, John – 503.467.8286

The car is located in Jacksonville, Florida.

I am close to the airport. If you want to fly in, I’ll pick you up.