Pride in the Possession: 1961 and 1962 Cadillac

Ryan’s post on Nads amazing ’61 Caddy Factory Custom find reminded just how much I love one of my favorite Cadillac eras of all time: The ’61 and ’62 models. 1961 models were a completely different car than the year before. First of all it had a lower chassis, now with coil springs (and no troublesome air suspension) and a shorter wheelbase, but the big news was the understated body design with smaller fins including the lower “skeg” fins, less trim, cleaner chrome, and very conservative styling compared to 1960. It was this smaller, stealthier Cadillac that divided the GM Styling Department and frankly, made Bill Mitchell mad. He hated the smaller fins, the very clean and simple grille, and absence of brightwork on the luxury flagship of the General. Maybe that’s why I like these cars so much- Understated, leaner, and lower to the ground. There’s still no doubting it’s a Cadillac; it just doesn’t need 20 feet of flash and pomp to prove it. After all, the pride is in the possession…