210bhp, 331 cu. in. overhead valve V-8 engine, GM Hydra-Matic transmission, independent front suspension, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, four-wheel vacuum-assisted hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 126" (3,200mm)
The American demand for immediate automobile production after World War II left no time for new concepts and designs. Instead, all efforts were focused on returning pre-war models to showroom floors with minor fine-tuning and stylistic tweaking. By the end of the decade, however, new models abounded, supply had caught up to demand, and competition returned to the car market. Former GIs were starting families and contributing to a thriving economy and a seemingly insatiable demand for all products, particularly automobiles. Such prosperity was further fueled by a growing, futuristic design trend that caught the public’s imagination and manifested itself in the most exciting era of automotive excess. At the heart of it all was General Motor’s Motorama, a travelling motor show that exposed the buying public to the latest in GM’s ‘idea cars’ and the newest, chrome-trimmed products from Harley Earl’s Art & Colour Department.
1949 was the dawn of a new era for Cadillac as the most luxurious American cars on the market were now fitted with one of the most significant engines ever designed. It was quite a revolutionary turn for the entire automotive industry and especially for General Motors. The new 331 cubic inch overhead valve V8 produced 160 brake horsepower and was engineered with five main bearings, hydraulic valve lifters and breathed through a Carter WCD two-barrel carburetter. It set new standards in almost every way, becoming the most powerful and lightest weight engine Cadillac – or any other American carmaker – had ever built, and it would live on, practically unchanged for a half century to follow.
1953 marked Buick’s 50th anniversary and GM celebrated with the introduction of the Buick Skylark, Oldsmobile Fiesta, and Cadillac Eldorado. While the Eldorado now assumed the highest position in Cadillac’s formidable model line, the Series 62 represented the core of Cadillac sales, style and popularity, while encompassing all forms of body styles including the desirable convertible. Both of these models represented the epitome of Harley Earl’s fifties style design, and are considered by many to be Cadillac’s best balance of classic lines with modern extravagance.
Performance was also increased for 1953, with the Series 62 Cadillac achieving over 200 horsepower for the first time. Power was delivered consistently with the assistance of four-barrel carburetion and the Hydra-Matic transmission that made every shift smooth and precise.
The stately Series 62 Convertible offered here was ordered new for the Royal House of Belgium. King Baudouin owned three Cadillacs at the time, but it was chassis no. 5562377947 that was preferred for state functions. It was this car that was fitted with the unique ‘Bubble Roof’; a specially-designed fully removable Plexiglas roof which allowed the King to be both covered and in full view while on parade. The roof was constructed in such a way that the centre section could be removed as a three-position Landaulet.
This graceful automobile was first used on July 2nd, 1959 in Brussels, for the wedding of Prince Albert II and The Princess Paola. It was then used for various important functions, such as visits of other heads of state to Belgium such as Queen Elizabeth II and President Eisenhower.
This rather regal Cadillac then went on to be used for the King’s wedding to Queen Fabiola in December, 1960 as supported by extensive period photography and film footage. King Baudouin assumed the throne in 1951, following his father’s abdication, and would hold his position until his passing in 1993, which was met with great mourning in Belgium. Succeeded by his younger brother, King Albert II, Baudouin is considered by many to have left a legacy of greater stability between the Dutch-speaking Flanders and the French-speaking people of Wallonia.
This car was purchased by the current vendor in early 2003 in Paris, France. The current vendor then had the car sent to a Cadillac specialist in Belgium at which point it was decided to sympathetically restore the car; engine transmission and brakes were all overhauled and a new rear axle was shipped from the United States and fitted to the vehicle.
Given the historical importance of this car, it was decided not to restore the interior nor the body, remaining as it was when it was used by the Belgian Royal family. King Baudouin’s car is therefore largely original, as well as reliable, very usable and very nicely presented. Stately and elegant, it benefits from royal provenance and all the luxury and presence of America’s foremost luxury marque of the era.
Documents:
Belgian Carte Gris
History File
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