Cadillac history 1951

1951 CADILLAC Page two

SERIES 61

A minor facelift and small trim variations were the main Cadillac styling news this year. Minature egg crate "grilles" were set into the outboard grille extension panels below the headlights. Larger, bullet shaped style bumper guards were used. The features list included

handbrake warning lamp
key start ignition
steering column cover
Delco-Remy generator
knee-action front suspension
directionals
mechanical fuel pump
dual downdraft carburetion
slipper type pistons
rubber engine mountings
oversize brakes
Super Cushion tires
one-piece windshield
intake silencer
160 horsepower engine
oil bath air cleaner
equalized manifolding
automatic choke
luxury appointments.

On the dashboard, "idiot lights" were used to monitor oil pressure and electrical charge rate instead of gauges. The smaller body was again used on 61s and again identified by the lack of full-length chrome underscores. However, a new medallion now appeared on the rear roof pillar of these cars, above the upper beltline molding.

I. D. NUMBERS

Cadillac serial numbers again matched motor numbers and were used for all license, insurance and identification purposes.
They were located on a boss at the front righthand face of the engine block and on the right frame side member behind the motor support.
Motor serial numbers for 1951 Series 61 models began at 51610000000.
The ending number for all Cadillac series was 110340 (preceeded by applicable model year and-series code for final unit.)

Model Number	Body Style	Doors	Model	Seating	Factory Price	Shipping Weight	Production Total
51-61	6169	4-door	Sedan	5	2917	3827	2300
51-51	6137	2-door	Club Coupe	5	2810	3829	2400

ENGINE

V-8, Overhead valves.
Cast iron block.
Displacement: 331 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3-3/16 x 3-5/8 inches.
Compression ratio: 7.50:1.
Brake horsepower: 160 at 3800 rpm
Five main bearings.
Hydraulic valve lifters.
Carburetor: Carter WCD two-barrel Model 845S - also - Rochester BB two-barrel Model 7004200.

SERIES 62

Series 62 models had full-length chrome underscores on the rocker panels, rear fender skirts and lower rear quarters. The sedan had a conventional backlight (i.e., rear window) and featured rear ventipanes. A new Coupe DeVille script was seen on the rear roof pillar of this model which, like the convertible, was an exclusive Series 62 offering. The script clearly distinguished the more luxurious DeVille from the plainer club coupe, a distinction not emphasized in 1950. Hydra-Matic drive was regular equipment on all models (with a new type dial) and power windows were standard on the convertible and Coupe DeVille.

I. D. NUMBERS

Motor serial numbers 516200000 and up appeared on 1951

Model Number	Body Style	Doors	Model	Seating	Factory Price	Shipping Weight	Production Total
51-62	6219	4-door	Sedan	5	3528	4102	54,596
51-62	6219	-	Export Sedan	5	-	-	756
51-62	6237	2-door	Club Coupe	5	3436	3993	10,132
51-62	6237DX	-	Coupe DeVille	5	3843	4074	10,241
51-62	6267	-	Convertible Coupe	5	3987	4316	6,117
51-62	126	-	Chassis only	-	-	-	2

NOTE: The export sedan was shipped in completely-knocked-down (CKD) form to foreign countries.

ENGINE

V-8, Overhead valves.
Cast iron block.
Displacement: 331 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3-3/16 x 3-5/8 inches.
Compression ratio: 7.50:1.
Brake horsepower: 160 at 3800 rpm
Five main bearings.
Hydraulic valve lifters.
Carburetor: Carter WCD two-barrel Model 845S - also - Rochester BB two-barrel Model 7004200.

SERIES 60 SPECIAL FLEETWOOD

The 60 Special Fleetwood sedan was facelifted to conform with the minor changes in other models. Eight vertical chrome louvers on the foward edge of the rear fenders continued to identify this car. All 1951 Cadillacs with full wheel discs featured a new type design lacking the popular Sombrero look. Hydra-Matic and power windows were standard on Sixty Specials.

I. D. NUMBERS

Motor serial numbers 516000000 and up appeared on 1951 Series 60S models.

Model Number	Body Style	Doors	Model	Seating	Factory Price	Shipping Weight	Production Total
51-60	6019	4-door	Sedan	5	4142	4136	18,631

ENGINE

V-8, Overhead valves.
Cast iron block.
Displacement: 331 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3-3/16 x 3-5/8 inches.
Compression ratio: 7.50:1.
Brake horsepower: 160 at 3800 rpm
Five main bearings.
Hydraulic valve lifters.
Carburetor: Carter WCD two-barrel Model 845S - also - Rochester BB two-barrel Model 7004200.

SERIES 75 FLEETWOOD

The Series 75 Fleetwood models were also facelifted to conform to the minor changes seen in other lines. Jump seats were used in both the seven-passenger sedan and Imperial limousine. Hydra-Matic drive was optional and hydraulic window lifts were standard. Business sedans were built in limited numbers on a special order basis.

I. D. NUMBERS

Motor serial numbers 517500000 and up appeared on 1951 Series 75 Fleetwood models.

Model Number	Body Style	Doors	Model	Seating	Factory Price	Shipping Weight	Production Total
51-75	7523X	4-door	Sedan	8	5200	4555	1,090
51-75	7533X	4-door	Imperial Sedan	8	5405	4586	1,085
51-75	7523L	4-door	Business Sedan	8	-	-	30
51-75	86	-	Commercial chassis	-	-	-	2,960

NOTE: The commercial chassis featured a 157 inch wheelbase and was supplied to professional car makers for construction.

ENGINE

V-8, Overhead valves.
Cast iron block.
Displacement: 331 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3-3/16 x 3-5/8 inches.
Compression ratio: 7.50:1.
Brake horsepower: 160 at 3800 rpm
Five main bearings.
Hydraulic valve lifters.
Carburetor: Carter WCD two-barrel Model 845S - also - Rochester BB two-barrel Model 7004200.

CHASSIS

Model	Wheelbase	Overall Length	Front Tread	Rear Tread	Tires
Series 61	122 inches	211-7/8	59 inches	63 inches	8.00 x 15
Series 62	126 inches	225-7/8	59 inches	63 inches	8.00 x 15
Series 60S	130 inches	224-7/8	59 inches	63 inches	8.00 x 15
Series 75	146-3/4 inches	236-5/8	59 inches	63 inches	8.20 x 15

POWERTRAIN OPTIONS

None available.

CONVENIENCE OPTIONS

Hydra-Matic drive on Series 61 and 75 ($186).
Power windows (specific models).
Heating and ventilating system.
Radio and antenna.
Chrome wheel discs.
Windshield washers.
Fog lamps.
White sidewall tires (availability limited).

HISTORICAL

The Series 61 line was discontinued in the middle of the year due to lagging sales.

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May 11, 2000; March 8/03