In 1952, Cadillac celebrated its 50th anniversary, as part of the commemorative occasion, many Cadillac’s were customized with gold accents and emblems, and unlike traditional Cadillac’s which were embellished with chrome accents.
Other changes to the 1952 Cadillac included cosmetic exterior upgrades, for example, a higher rear deck lid, a redesigned wraparound grille, as well as wide chrome trimmed headlights. A dual exhaust system that exited through the bumper was added to the rear of all Cadillac models. Other features such as self-winding clocks, glare-proof mirrors, and an updated dual range Hydra Matic drive also became customary standards for 1952 Cadillac’s.
The year 1952 also marked the end of business sedans for Cadillac. Throughout earlier years, Cadillac had offered businesses an 8 passenger sedan in the Fleetwood 75 Series.
Although, usually custom ordered, the decline in 1952 with only a small handful ordered, inevitably caused their demise in 1952.
Perhaps the most significant factor for this year was the fact that Cadillac had installed a 331 CID with 190 horsepower V-8 engine in their 1952 Cadillac 60 Special Sedan, making it the world’s most powerful American made vehicle. However by the decades end, Cadillac would once again increase their engine size, offering Cadillac buyers a 390 CID with 325 horsepower V-8 engine. Other changes to the 60 Special included some minor exterior or cosmetic changes, for example, the Cadillac crest that appeared on the rear lid was replaced with the nameplate, “Fleetwood”.
Part of the celebration for Cadillac’s golden anniversary included gold castings of the deck emblems and deck ornamentation. For example, the 62 Series Cadillac was equipped with a Cadillac crest over a broad golden “V”. Like the Cadillac Coupe de Ville from
1951, the 1952 model also boasted script nameplates that set it apart from other Cadillac’s. As well, the 1952 Cadillac Coupe de Ville also boasted new and standard hydraulic window lifts.
Cadillac reached it’s fiftieth anniversary with an astounding record, in 1952, Cadillac announced that it had produced a total of 13 million Cadillac’s. Not only was Cadillac considered the most powerful American car, it was also a household name, making it one of the most sought after cars in the world. Throughout the decades, Cadillac had survived world wars, stock market crashes, the Great Depression, and several personal exterior and mechanical changes, still yet considered the standard for the world in automobiles.
Check out some other Cadillacs from the 1950's -
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