1952 Cadillac Fleetwood 60 Special-survivor--at/documtd. Low Miles! on 2040-cars
Pleasanton, California, United States
Engine:330 V8
Body Type:Sedan
Vehicle Title:Clear
Exterior Color: Burgundy
Make: Cadillac
Interior Color: Tan
Model: Fleetwood
Number of Cylinders: 8
Trim: 4 Door
Drive Type: RWD
Mileage: 60,775
Warranty: Vehicle does NOT have an existing warranty
Sub Model: Fleetwood
Cadillac began to use a production V-8 engine with the 1915 models. Since that time, the design had evolved into the new-for-1949 short-stroke 331-cu.in. V-8, which featured a 3.812 x 3.625-inch bore and stroke. In its first incarnation --with a 7.5:1 compression ratio--the output measured 160hp and 312-lbs.ft. of torque. Along with a Carter, and later a Carter or Rochester two-barrel carb-uretor, this configuration was under the hood of every Cadillac up to, and including, the 1951 model year.For 1952, engineers made several changes to the block to help increase power to move the ever-increasing weight of the Series 62 (and others). A new four-barrel intake manifold utilized either a Carter or Rochester carburetor. In the cylinder head, while the 1.75-inch diameter intake valves were retained, exhaust valve diameters were increased from 1.437 to 1.562 inches. As a result, horsepower increased to 190 with 322-lbs.ft. of torque.There were more changes in store for the 1953 models. Compression was finally increased to 8.25:1, which, along with an upgraded four-barrel by the same brands, boosted horsepower to 210 and torque to 330-lbs.ft. Complicating things only slightly, two different Carters and two different Rochesters were utilized during this model year, depending upon transmission, which we'll cover in a moment. Of more significance was the decision to construct all 1953 models with a more reliable and effective 12-volt electrical system.From the get-go, it was not unusual to hear of Cadillac's 331-cu.in. V-8 being able to push the car to 100 mph, and thus those proficient in speed competition and hot rodding began to insert this engine into their creations. Ed Cholakian, who has 40 years of Cadillac experience as the owner and founder of All Cadillacs, tells us that the one weak point is the cylinder heads. "They just crack--plain and simple. We get calls all the time for heads from 1949 right up through 1955. If we receive used heads, we Magniflux them first before offering them for sale," Ed said.
TRANSMISSIONS
Moving from the option chart to the list of Series 62 standard equipment for 1950 was the Hydra-Matic. By now, the growing pains of new equipment--Hydra-Matic first hit Cadillac's option chart in 1941--had been eradicated, offering consumers trouble-free performance when properly maintained.An upgrade to the Hydra-Matic finally appeared in 1952: Dual-Range. It gave drivers the ability to retain manual control over third and fourth gears when deemed necessary, as well as providing a "hold" of third for those who spent considerable time in city driving or mountainous terrain. The Dual-Range Hydra-Matic was retained for the 1953 model year, but a fire at the factory forced Cadillac to install Buick's Dynaflow transmission in a number of Cadillacs, Series 62 included. Finding a Dynaflow unit installed, while unusual, is not unheard of.It's no secret that having the transmission rebuilt by experienced specialists is considerably easier than doing the job yourself, although rebuild kits are readily available and very affordable. Sourcing a functioning unit is not impossible, either, as several transmission specialists sell exchange units.
DIFFERENTIAL
Rather than a torque tube system, Cadillac continued to use the Hotchkiss drive system, with semi-floating rear axles and hypoid gears. From 1950-'52, the standard final drive ratio was 3.36:1; however, to balance the increased 1953 engine output, the standard ratio was 3.07:1. It is possible to find a Series 62 with an optional ratio.No mater the gear ratio, the differential is very durable and long-lasting; only rarely do they need to be rebuilt. Elsa Mauer Nicodemus of Cadillac specialist FEN Enterprises in Wappingers Falls, New York, cautioned that a leaking seal could lead to problems down the road; periodic observations should always be considered.
SUSPENSION
Nothing fancy here--just your basic independent front suspension and rear semi-elliptic leaf spring configuration. Along with A-arms, coil springs and tubular shocks, Cadillac still employed kingpins for the 1950 model year run, rather than a later ball-joint system. A link-type anti-roll bar was fitted up front to help minimize body roll.As is often said, multi-year parts usage has its advantages; such is the case with suspension components for the Series 62. Required rebuild parts can be obtained from several suppliers within the hobby, and in some cases, the parts store in your town. As an example, leaf springs cost $600 per pair, while coil springs are $205 each. Upper kingpins are substantially less, costing $58 each. As with any moving part, simple maintenance means you'll have a lifetime of enjoyment once worn items are replaced.
BRAKES
Four-wheel hydraulic drums were standard equipment all four model years. There are variations during this span, and it's something to keep in mind when ordering parts. The finned, cast-iron brake drums measure 11 inches in diameter front and rear for 1950-'51. The 1952 models were fitted with 12-inch front drums while retaining 11-inch drums for the rear. For 1953, 12-inch drums were used front and rear. At the time, power brakes were not offered.Replacement brake parts are easily obtainable. A master cylinder costs $125 and wheel cylinders cost $37 each; both can also be resleeved and rebuilt. Brake shoes can either be bought new or fitted with new linings. No matter the year, though, the actual drums are not currently being reproduced. According to Ed, owners are forced to look for used drums that can be turned, or that have not been turned beyond their safe zone.
BODY/FRAME
Some might consider the phrase "extensive restyling" a perfect choice of words when describing the new 1950 Cadillac. Gone was the fastback body style. Each Series 62 model--four-door sedan, Club Coupe, Coupe de Ville (hardtop), and convertible--retained the basic design of the P-38-inspired fins and the eye-catching eggcrate grille. However, the rear deck was lengthened, the hood protruded further forward, and the body sat lower.Adding to the exterior opulence were sweeping front fenders and the use of a one-piece curved windshield. Perhaps the most intriguing piece of trim are the faux air slots running vertically on each rear quarter or sedan rear door; a trim element that would remain on Cadillacs, in some form, through the 1957 model year.Sitting on a 126-inch wheelbase ladder frame (X-braced on convertible models), little changed on the exterior during the following three years. There were minute changes to the front trim--and occasionally on the rear--each model year, so a peek at the data tag on the cowl under the hood is a quick means of identifying model years for the inexperienced. An easier identifier of 1953 models is the use of a one-piece rear window.Though several companies, including All Cadillacs, sell used body panels, Ed tells us that no matter the body style, he has not witnessed any major issues regarding body or frame corrosion--unless, of course, a car has been pulled from years of sitting directly on damp dirt. Trim is also not an issue, with the exception of the simulated air vents on the quarters/rear doors. Ed stated that "They are incredibly hard to locate, and can be extremely expensive to restore."
1952 Cadillac 60 Special |
4 Door Sedan |
| Research another classic car |
Values
| Original MSRP | Low Retail | Average Retail | High Retail | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base Price | $4,323 | $10,950 | $18,500 | $26,300 |
| TOTAL PRICE: | $4,323 | $10,950 | $18,500 | $26,300 |
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