1956 Cadillac Series Sixty-Two Convertible

Cadillac was on a roll in the mid-Fifties and was a symbol of the era's progress and prosperity. Sales of the 1956 Cadillac Series Sixty-Two, for example, topped 134,000 units'a record that accounted for more than 85 percent of the brand's sales that year. This 1956 Cadillac Series Sixty-Two Convertible exudes Cadillac's Fifties' confidence from all angles and wears a comprehensive restoration. The work included new paint, a new top, refreshed chrome, a restored interior, and a rebuilt engine that's been contemporized with a throttle-body-type fuel injection system that reportedly improves starting and eliminates vapor lock. Even the Wonderbar radio was rebuilt with modern capabilities. - this Cadillac's 365-cu.in. OHV V8, which was rated at 285 horsepower (gross), is original and has approximately 1,800 miles on a rebuild. A Holley Sniper EFI system is tucked under the original air cleaner and was installed to improve starting and eliminate hot-starting/vapor lock issues that were common to the carbureted induction system. The engine reportedly starts and runs well, with no noted smoke or leaks. The Hydra-Matic four-speed automatic transmission was also rebuilt and reportedly shifts well. Additional powertrain work during the restoration reportedly included rebuilding of the generator and a re-core of the radiator, along with new hoses. The heater cores were also rebuilt, who adds the exhaust outlets were rerouted to avoid the stock exit through the rear bumpers, because that reportedly oxidizes the finish on the bumper. - an electric cooling fan was installed on the front of the radiator.- - the body on this Cadillac was stripped to bare metal prior to painting and he asserts the body is rust-free and has no filler in it. The paintwork appears in very good condition, with two small paint chips on the side of the hood the only noted blemishes. There are no reported swirl marks in the finish, but the photos show moderate orange peel. The convertible top was replaced with Mercedes-spec fabric and it is said to be in very good shape, with no reported operational issues. - the chrome on the exterior was redone during the restoration and it appears in good condition, although some trim components show apparent age-related wear and weathering. The glass and seals are said to be in excellent condition, with no cracks or scratches reported in the windshield. All the rubber was reportedly replaced during the restoration. There are no reported functional issues with the exterior lights - As with the exterior, this Caddy's cabin was reportedly restored, with a comprehensive list of new or revamped features, including new tan leather seat covers and seat padding, new carpet, new aluminum door sills, a restored steering wheel, new door panels, new sound deadening, new interior trim, and more. All are said to be in excellent condition, with no reported issues and very little apparent wear. The car also has functional power windows and the original Wonderbar radio was restored with FM and satellite radio capabilities. All the gauges are reportedly functional, too, but the fuel gauge is said to be temperamental. The photos show a few paint chips on the steel dashboard, below the right-hand side of the instrument cluster. - - the chassis, suspension, and brake elements were also restored and are in very good shape, with no reported issues or needs. The power steering system was reportedly rebuilt about 10 years ago and the shocks replaced approximately 15 years ago. The front coil springs and rear leaf springs were also replaced, along with the ball joints and tie rods. The brakes were serviced in 2022. The car is said to drive smoothly and steer straight, riding on almost new Coker vintage-appearing wide-whitewall radial tires mounted on restored and re-chromed original wheels. The wheels were also restored with new stainless-steel spokes and new center caps. DOT date codes for the tires are not visible in the photos.  Additional documentation for this 1956 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible includes receipts from the restoration. The fuel injection and electric fan upgrades for the powertrain help make the car a more reliable cruiser, while the rest of this Cadillac's restoration appears to be holding up very well. It has a super-clean body and frame and starts great with the EFI.