Sunday, January 12, 2014

1963 Cadillac Series Sixty One Coupe

Another stab at creating an entry level Cadillac for the 1960s, this time a 1963 coupe. Cadillac was soaring high in the '60s and in no way needed a reprise of its 1940s and '50s Series 61 line, but I like to think of what they may have looked like. "61s" were the least expensive and a bit more "youthful" perhaps, with a slightly sprier look than its more expensive siblings, replacing the LaSalle after 1940.

Above, the coupe. For this year I've spelled out "Series Sixty One" on the bodysides and trunklid, and given this example optional two-toning. The rear fascia has been simplified, deleting the expensive to produce chromed upper bumper "grille" trim and adding a simple sheet metal extension to the trunk lid. The look works perfectly with the already simple and elegant side trim.
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8 comments:

  1. AnonymousSunday, January 12, 2014 at 2:41:00 PM EST

    gorgeous!

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  2. AnonymousMonday, January 13, 2014 at 9:53:00 AM EST

    I know the Series 61 was dropped after 1951, but once the DeVille appeared as a series, the series 62 seemed to me to be demoted to the place occupied previously by the 61. And then, of course, we have the Calais -- cranked widnows, breathable vinyl upholstery and so forth! That said, I like your roofline better than the real one -- I never cared for the coupes, either 62 or DeVille, in 63 and 64. They looked cheap compared to the 62s and the 65s.

    Paul, NYC

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    Replies
    1. Casey ShainMonday, January 13, 2014 at 10:23:00 AM EST

      Hi Paul! There probably wasn't any room for the Series 61 anymore by the 1960s. And the Calais was pretty basic! I keep building the cars they won't, lol. I think this roofline works so well with the rest of the car I have to think the severely formal roof was a late minute addition!

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    2. AnonymousMonday, January 13, 2014 at 12:10:00 PM EST

      The roof as used ont he 63/64 coupes was modeled on the 61-64 roof of the 60 Special, on which it looked fabulous. To my eyes, it just didn't work in the shorter version as used on the coupes. Your iteration suits the sharp lines of the 63 much better. The 62 roof would have looked fine -- it worked on the C body Buicks and Oldsmobiles!

      Paul, NYC

      Delete
  3. AnonymousMonday, January 13, 2014 at 2:06:00 PM EST

    Elegant perfection!

    Bobf

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  4. AnonymousTuesday, January 14, 2014 at 11:45:00 AM EST

    I love old Cadillacs. Judging by the number of chops you have done, so do you. Please consider this idea for future projects-Eldorados. There was a time when some Eldorados were very different. Fenders, trim wheels, interiors were often precursors of styling trends for future Cadillacs. Pick a year and create a vintage Eldorado that Cadillac never made. New rooflines, new fenders, new grills, taillights . . . It's all up to you. Almost complete design freedom with just a nod towards design heritage. Please consider it for some future projects.

    Bobf

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