Cadillac Series 62 Sedanette Fastback
The 1948 Cadillac Series 62 Sedanette holds a unique place in automotive history as the car that introduced tail fins to the world. Designed by Harley Earl and his team at GM Styling, the small fins on the rear fenders were inspired by the twin tail booms of the Lockheed P-38 Lightning fighter aircraft. What began as subtle styling flourishes on this car would grow into the towering fins that defined American automotive design for the next decade.
The Sedanette body style was a fastback two-door coupe with a gracefully sloping roofline that flowed into the rear deck. This was a popular body style in the immediate postwar period, though it would gradually fall out of fashion in favor of the notchback hardtop coupe. The fastback profile gave the Series 62 Sedanette a streamlined, modern appearance that contrasted with the more formal upright styling of the Series 62 sedan.
Under the hood, the 1948 model retained Cadillac's proven 346 cubic inch L-head (flathead) V8 producing 150 horsepower. This would be the final year for the L-head engine — the landmark overhead-valve V8 debuted in 1949. The Hydra-Matic four-speed automatic transmission was optional but widely ordered, as Cadillac buyers rarely chose the standard manual transmission.
The 1948 Cadillac represented the first truly new postwar GM design. While the 1946-1947 models were warmed-over prewar designs, the 1948 model featured dramatically new styling that set the template for GM's postwar design language. The combination of new styling and the introduction of tail fins makes the 1948 Cadillac one of the most historically significant postwar American cars.
The Series 62 was Cadillac's volume model, positioned below the more luxurious Series 60 Special and Series 75. The Sedanette was priced at $2,728, making it one of the more affordable Cadillacs. Production for the 1948 Series 62 Club Coupe (Sedanette) was 7,734 units.
Today, the 1948-49 Cadillac Series 62 Sedanette is appreciated by collectors for its historical significance, its attractive fastback styling, and its role as the genesis of the tail fin era. Values are moderate compared to the more dramatic finned Cadillacs of the mid-to-late 1950s, making these cars accessible entry points into postwar Cadillac collecting.
These are solid, well-built cars that have survived reasonably well. Check for rust in the usual areas: floor pans, rocker panels, trunk floor, and lower rear quarters. The L-head V8 is reliable but parts are less commonly available than for the later OHV V8. Many buyers prefer the 1949 model, which has the superior overhead-valve engine and slightly updated styling. The fastback body style is more difficult to restore than the sedan due to the complex rear window and roof structure. Interior trim and chrome are specific to the Series 62 and can be scarce. These are large cars — approximately 18 feet long — so storage and garage access should be considered.
1948 Series 62 Club Coupe (Sedanette): 7,734 units. 1949 was the first year for Cadillac's legendary OHV V8, making the 1948 the last flathead Cadillac. The 1948 redesign was the first completely new postwar Cadillac design. The Sedanette/fastback body style was discontinued after 1949 in favor of the Coupe de Ville hardtop.