Pillared coupes didn't return for '54, but Eldorado did. Though more like the standard Series 62 convertible, the '54 was far less expensive -- US$4738. Buyers responded, snapping up 2150. The figure improved to 3950 units for '55, then twice as many for '56, when Eldorados doubled to include a Seville hardtop coupe priced at the same $6556 as the retitled Biarritz convertible.
The Eldorado was more distinctive again after 1954, with sharply pointed "shark" fins above round taillights. Other models retained the small taillight-and-fin motif that had become a Cadillac hallmark. The division's basic '54 look persisted through effective, if evolutionary, facelifts for 1955 and '56. The latter year saw introduction of Cadillac's first four-door hardtop Sedan de Ville, which immediately scored almost as many sales as the Coupe de Ville and standard 62 hardtop combined.
Many appearance improvements marked the 1954 Cadillacs. They included a lower, sleeker body, a new cellular grille insert, inverted gull-wing front bumpers tapered dagmar style bumper guards. Round, jet-style dual exhaust outlets were incorporated into the vertical bumper extensions and the rear bumper was entirely redesigned.
An Eldorado type wraparound windshield was seen on all models. Sedans used a distinctive type of window reveal moulding which created a built-in sun visor effect. For coupes, a smoothly curved wraparound backlight (i.e., rear window) was referred to as the "Florentine" style rear window. A wide ventilator intake now stretched across the base of the windshield on all models and the chrome visored headlamp look was emphasized.
The Series 62 chassis had a brand new, longer wheelbase. One identifying feature of this line was the lack of rear fender louvers. V-shaped ornaments and crests were used on the hood and deck and there were full-length body underscores in bright metal. Coupe DeVille scripts were seen on the rear corner pillars of the luxury hardtop, which also had wider sill mouldings.
The Eldorado (which is still considered a series 62) had golden identifying crests centered directly behind the air-slot fenderbreaks and wide, fluted beauty panels to decorate the lower rear body sides. These panels were made of extruded aluminium and also appeared on a unique, one-of-a-kind Eldorado coupe built for the president of the Reynolds aluminium Co. Also included on the production convertible were monogram plates on the doors, wire wheels, and custom interior trimmings with the Cadillac crest embossed on the seat bolsters.
Automatic windshield washers, power steering, 12-volt electrical system and aluminium alloy pistons made the long standard equipment list this year. The Series 62 four-door sedan was now seven inches shorter than other models in this range. Another one-off creation was an exclusive Sedan DeVille.
Years of Manufacture: 1954
Number Built:
Series 62: 58,024 (down 12,340 previous year)
Sedan de Ville: 1 (prototype)
Coupe de Ville: 17,170 (up 2,620 on previous year)
Eldorado: 2,150 (up 1,618 on previous year)
Series 60: 16,200 (down 3,800 on previous year)
Series 75: 3,135 (down 1,070 on previous year)
Models:
Series 62 (including the Sedan, Sedan DeVille, and Coupe DeVille)
Series 50 Special Fleetwood
Series 75 Fleetwood
Eldorado Special.
Date of Introduction:
1954
Chassis/Body:
Integral, with steel body
Wheelbase:
Series 62 Sedan: 129 inches
Series 62: 129 inches
Series 62 Eldorado: 129 inches
Series 60S: 133 inches
Series 75: 149.8 inches
Overall Length
Series 62 Sedan: 216.4 inches
Series 62: 223.4 inches
Series 62 Eldorado:223.4 inches
Series 60S: 227.4 inches
Series 75: 237.1 inche
Track (Front/Rear)
Series 62 Sedan: (F) 60 inches (R) 63.1 inches
Series 62: (F) 60 inches (R) 63.1 inches
Series 62 Eldorado: (F) 60 inches (R) 63.1 inches
Series 60S: (F) 60 inches (R) 63.1 inches
Series 75: (F) 60 inches (R) 63.1 inches
Overall Length
Series 62 Sedan:
Series 62 129 inches 223.4 inches 8.00 x 15
(opt. 8.20 x 15 whitewall -- except for 6267)
Series 62 Eldorado 129 inches 223.4 inches
8.20 x 15 whitewalls
Series 60S 133 inches 227.4 inches 8.00 x 15
(opt. 8.20 x 15 whitewall)
Series 75 149.8 inches 237.1 inches 8.20 x 15
Overall Length
Series 62 Sedan: (F) 60 inches (R) 63.1 inches 8.00
x 15 (opt. 8.20 x 15 whitewall)
Series 62 129 inches 223.4 inches 60 inches 63.1 inches 8.00 x 15
(opt. 8.20 x 15 whitewall -- except for 6267)
Series 62 Eldorado 129 inches 223.4 inches 60 inches 63.1 inches
8.20 x 15 whitewalls
Series 60S 133 inches 227.4 inches 60 inches 63.1 inches 8.00 x 15
(opt. 8.20 x 15 whitewall)
Series 75 149.8 inches 237.1 inches 60 inches 63.1 inches 8.20 x 15
Type: Conventional, watercooled four
stroke, reciprocating piston type with
8 cylinders, overhead valves, cast iron block, 5 main bearings
Configuration: Front mounted, longitudinal,
inline
Head: Overhead pushrod and rocker actuated, Hydraulic valve lifters
Fuel System: Carter WCFB four-barrel Models 2143S, 2109S and 2110S -
also - Rochester 4GC four-barrel (with Aire) Model 7006963; (without Aire)
Model 7006962
Bore and Stroke: 3-13/16 x 3-5/8 inches
Power: 230 bhp @ 4400 rpm
Compression Ratio: 8.25:1
Piston and Rings
Fitting Pistons with Scale: Pistons removed from above. Shim thickness: .002
Pounds on a Pull Scale: 11
Ring End Gap: In tapered bores, fit rings in tightest portion of ring travel
Compression: .010
Oil: .010
Clearance in Groove: Compression: .0017-0035; Oil: .0015-.003
Wristpin Diameter, Inch: 1.000
Valve Specifications:
Operating Clearance: Intake: 0 Exhaust: 0
Valve Seat Angle, degrees: 44
Valve Timing: (BTDC = before top dead center; ATDC = after top dead center)
Pressed steel disc wheels, 5 stud fixing, 5.5" wide rim
Wheel Alignment:
Caster, Degrees
Limits: 0 to -1
Desired: -1/2
Camber, Degrees
Limits: -3/8 to +3/8
Desired: 0
Toe-In, Inches: 3/16 to 1/4
Toe-Out on Turns, Degrees: (If toe-out is incorrect, when other adjustments are correct, look for bent steering arms.)
Outer wheel: 20
Inner Wheel: 23
Kingpin Angle, or Steering Axis Degrees: (If king pin or spindle support angle are incorrect, but camber is correct, look for bent suspension arms or steering knuckle support)
5-5/6 @ 04 Camber
Tyres:
Series 62 Sedan: 8.00 x 15 (opt. 8.20 x 15 whitewall)
Series 62: 8.00 x 15 (opt. 8.20 x 15 whitewall -- except for 6267)
Horizontal front seat adjuster (standard on Coupe DeVille, and
convertible)
Other standard GM options and accessories
Tune Up Specifications:
Spark Plug Make: AC 46-5
Spark Plug Gap, Inch: .035
Firing Order: 18436572 (front to rear: Right bank 2-4-6-8, left bank 1-3-5-7)
Timing Mark: "A" mark for premiurm fuel; "C" mark for regular fuel; location: Vib. Damper
Engine Idle Speed, RPM: w/automatic 400 (in drive)
Cylinder Head Torque Lbs.Ft.: 65-70
Compression Pressure & Cranking Speed: 150
Voltage & Polarity: 12 volts, negative ground
1954 Cadillac ID Numbers
Model
Number
Body Style
Seating
Factory Price
Shiping Weight
Production
54-62
6219(#)
4-door Sedan
5
$3933
4330
33,845
54-62
6219(#)
Export Sedan
5
3933
4330
408
54-62
6219S(#)
Sedan DeVille
5
-
-
1
54-62
6237(#)
2-door Coupe
5
3838
4347
17,460
54-62
6237DX
Coupe DeVille
5
4261
4409
17,170
54-62
-
Convertible Coupe
5
4404
4598
6,310
54-62
62
Chassis only
-
-
-
1
ELDORADO SPECIAL
6267SX
6267SX
Sport Convertible Coupe
5
5738
4809
2,150
Serial numbers and engine numbers were one and the same:
They appeared on the righthand of the crankcase above the water pump and on the right frame side bar behind the engine support.
The first two symbols were "54" for 1954.
The next two symbols indicated series as follows: "62", "60" or "75". The remaining digits represented the consecutive unit number and began with 00000 for each series. All series had the same ending number, which would be misinterpreted if listed.
Notes:
The export sedan was shipped in CKD form to foreign countries
The symbol # after Body Style Number with brackets indicates hydraulic window lifts optional equipment - without brackets indicates this feature is standard.
Assembly of 1954 models began January 4, 1954 after a 25 day halt for changeover to new production specifications
fibreglass-bodied Cadillac show cars appearing at the GM Motorama this year included the Park Avenue four-door sedan, El Camino coupe, and La Espada convertible
Don E. Ahrens was general manager
Charles F. Arnold was chief engineer
Edward Glowacke was chief designer (Cadillac Studio)
James M. Roche was general sales manager
Cadillacs were longer, lower, wider, with up to 230 bhp -- and the first with standard power steering