1947 Cadillac Series 62: 150-hp V-8 engine

While many of Rob Robison’s high school classmates were drawn to muscle cars of their era, Robison recalls he was attracted to the more economical British-built Triumphs.

Following graduation, Robison’s income grew, as did his taste in antique automobiles. Years later, in 1992 he saw a 1947 Cadillac Series 62 convertible for sale.

Records indicate the Belden Blue convertible had been sold to a Brooklyn, N.Y., physician who had purchased the new car at a Cadillac dealership in Philadelphia. Only 6,755 such models were manufactured, each with a base price of $2,902.

Robison couldn’t let the gorgeous Cadillac escape, so he bought the car in June 1992 and took it home to Yorklyn, Del., with 44,000 miles showing on the odometer.

A careful inspection revealed dangerous frayed wiring, so Robison sent his Cadillac to a restoration shop for what ultimately became a five-year rehabilitation. He explains that his Series 62 convertible now appears as it did when it was completely original.

The powerful 346-cubic-inch V-8 engine develops 150 horsepower, more than sufficient to easily propel the 4,455-pound convertible. The speedometer can register speeds up to 120 mph.

Power is delivered to the rear wheels via the Hydramatic transmission, which has no “Park” position. From left to right the gear selection is: Neutral-Drive-Lo-Reverse.

Directly behind the two-piece windshield is the dashboard, which Robison had restored to match the original. His research led him to select a two-tone dashboard with the upper portion painted a dark blue and the low portion painted a beach beige. A stylish chrome horn ring covers only the bottom half of the three-spoke, shoulder-wide steering wheel.

The seat cushions are covered in a dark blue leather while the seat backs and door panels are upholstered in a beige fabric. A glass window is mounted in the rear of the tan convertible top.

A hydro-electric system operates the windows, front seat, and convertible top. The radio antenna on the left front fender is vacuum operated. The radio receives only AM signals. Robison declares that the fog lamps are optional. Of course, Cadillac hides the gasoline filler pipe under the left taillight.

Beneath the front seat, an upscale deluxe heater blows warm air both forward and rearward for the comfort of all the passengers.

While the previous owners made a few personal alterations to the car, Robison has put his Cadillac Series 62 car back into the condition it was in when it left the factory. When he acquired the Cadillac it was equipped with two reverse lights, which is one more than it had in 1947, so Robison removed the extra light.

In the center of the dashboard, Robison noted four drill holes. He learned that the original owner, a doctor, used the car to make house calls. The doctor fabricated a small wooden desk, bolting it to the dashboard through the aforementioned holes, but now the dashboard has been returned to like-new condition.

The 7.00×15-inch tires are dressed up with large “sombrero” style wheel covers. The Cadillac, rolling on a 129-inch wheelbase, provides a luxurious ride.

Several years have passed since the restoration was completed, but the Cadillac has not stayed tucked away in a garage.

“You can have so much fun in this car,” Robison reports.

The odometer now has registered 52,000 miles, all while delivering 12 miles per gallon. On a recent driving tour through the Adirondack mountains in New York, a pleased Robison proudly says, “I got by with only one flat tire.”

“I like to enjoy it the way it was,” Robison says.

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