Drivetrain
Chassis
Body
After World War II, most manufacturers needed time to retool equipment for new automotive features coming from the design department. At Cadillac, the first major redesign came about in 1948 when both the Series 61 and Series 62 shared the same C-body platform with 126-inch wheelbase. A new feature inspired by the Lockhead P-38 Lightning fighter plane introduced the subtle rear tailfins that housed the taillights. As with years past, Cadillac used the tried-and-true 346ci L-Head V8 across their entire model lineup as the powerplant. Still optional, but gaining traction amongst consumers, was the General Motors Hydra-Matic transmission first introduced in 1941. Advertised as the “The Gentle Art of Motoring” for providing effortless acceleration and smooth shifting from the automatic transmission. Inside the passenger compartment, the 1948 Cadillac featured a one year only rainbow dash instrumentation cluster. A design that still captivates the eye of everyone who sits behind the steering wheel!
We are delighted to offer this beautifully restored 1948 Cadillac Series 61 Club Coupe, also referred to as the Sedanette Fastback by enthusiasts, finished in gorgeous high gloss Black over Tan dual cord broadcloth! Still powered by its original, factory issued 346ci V8 producing 150 horsepower and 283 ft lobs of torque through a Hydra-Matic transmission and 3.77:1 rear axle gearing. Features and accessories include working AM pushbutton radio, heater/defrost, working electric dash clock, rear assist handles, courtesy map light, carpeted front floor mats, cigar lighter, day/night Glareproof mirror, windshield washer system, locking glovebox, reverse light, fender skirts, stainless fender guards, full chrome wheel covers, Auburn Deluxe 8.20R15 tubeless radial wide whitewall tires, and engine oil filtration system.
This stunning example has been in the same family estate since 1963, having been carefully restored during their ownership! We purchased it from the son who remembers riding home with his father after they purchased it when he was only 10 years of age! The restoration had begun in approximately 1983 and find completion in 1989, this show-quality Cadillac earned Best in Show honors at its very first event! It has seen a meticulous cosmetic repaint that included 8 coats of hand-rubbed lacquer and mechanical overhaul worthy of high point honors. The visual quality is instantly seen with the feel of being transported to a Cadillac showroom in 1948 for the first time. Turn the key and depress the starter button, the engine jumps to life and quietly purrs. All the instrumentation is perfectly functional, including the radio operation, dash clock, all lighting, and locking glovebox. A real time capsule that also receives rave reviews once out on the road. A well balanced and smooth road car in every respect!
A remarkable Cadillac that will easily provide its next lucky owner years of enjoyment! Included in the sale will be several boxed take-off components, or replacement spares collected, along with an owner's manual, Hydra-matic sales brochure, and a storage car cover. The new Auburn Deluxe Radial tires were installed on this vehicle in 2019, along with a carburetor rebuild, new engine oil/filter, transmission mount, and front wheel bearing tightened in 2024. This special purchase opportunity represents one of only 3,521 Series 61 Club Coupes built for the 1948 model year. With many one-year only features, the last year of the durable flathead engine, and remarkable restoration, it should make for a terrific investment! Please feel free to contact us with any questions or to schedule a chance to review it in person! Thanks as always for looking!
![Sold](/assets/stlouis/sold-tag-4505da406680eb2c2ffb35ffe658138a.png)
1948 Cadillac
Series 61 Club Coupe
Quick Specs
Highlights
- One family owned for the last 61 years!
- Gorgeous frame-on restoration between 1983-1989!
- Multiple show winner earning hundreds of trophies over the years!
- All original drivetrain showing just 54,000 actual miles!
- Recently serviced with new radial tires in 2019 and carb overhaul in 2024!
Description
After World War II, most manufacturers needed time to retool equipment for new automotive features coming from the design department. At Cadillac, the first major redesign came about in 1948 when both the Series 61 and Series 62 shared the same C-body platform with 126-inch wheelbase. A new feature inspired by the Lockhead P-38 Lightning fighter plane introduced the subtle rear tailfins that housed the taillights. As with years past, Cadillac used the tried-and-true 346ci L-Head V8 across their entire model lineup as the powerplant. Still optional, but gaining traction amongst consumers, was the General Motors Hydra-Matic transmission first introduced in 1941. Advertised as the “The Gentle Art of Motoring” for providing effortless acceleration and smooth shifting from the automatic transmission. Inside the passenger compartment, the 1948 Cadillac featured a one year only rainbow dash instrumentation cluster. A design that still captivates the eye of everyone who sits behind the steering wheel!
We are delighted to offer this beautifully restored 1948 Cadillac Series 61 Club Coupe, also referred to as the Sedanette Fastback by enthusiasts, finished in gorgeous high gloss Black over Tan dual cord broadcloth! Still powered by its original, factory issued 346ci V8 producing 150 horsepower and 283 ft lobs of torque through a Hydra-Matic transmission and 3.77:1 rear axle gearing. Features and accessories include working AM pushbutton radio, heater/defrost, working electric dash clock, rear assist handles, courtesy map light, carpeted front floor mats, cigar lighter, day/night Glareproof mirror, windshield washer system, locking glovebox, reverse light, fender skirts, stainless fender guards, full chrome wheel covers, Auburn Deluxe 8.20R15 tubeless radial wide whitewall tires, and engine oil filtration system.
This stunning example has been in the same family estate since 1963, having been carefully restored during their ownership! We purchased it from the son who remembers riding home with his father after they purchased it when he was only 10 years of age! The restoration had begun in approximately 1983 and find completion in 1989, this show-quality Cadillac earned Best in Show honors at its very first event! It has seen a meticulous cosmetic repaint that included 8 coats of hand-rubbed lacquer and mechanical overhaul worthy of high point honors. The visual quality is instantly seen with the feel of being transported to a Cadillac showroom in 1948 for the first time. Turn the key and depress the starter button, the engine jumps to life and quietly purrs. All the instrumentation is perfectly functional, including the radio operation, dash clock, all lighting, and locking glovebox. A real time capsule that also receives rave reviews once out on the road. A well balanced and smooth road car in every respect!
A remarkable Cadillac that will easily provide its next lucky owner years of enjoyment! Included in the sale will be several boxed take-off components, or replacement spares collected, along with an owner's manual, Hydra-matic sales brochure, and a storage car cover. The new Auburn Deluxe Radial tires were installed on this vehicle in 2019, along with a carburetor rebuild, new engine oil/filter, transmission mount, and front wheel bearing tightened in 2024. This special purchase opportunity represents one of only 3,521 Series 61 Club Coupes built for the 1948 model year. With many one-year only features, the last year of the durable flathead engine, and remarkable restoration, it should make for a terrific investment! Please feel free to contact us with any questions or to schedule a chance to review it in person! Thanks as always for looking!