For the 1950 model year Cadillac surpassed Packard in sales and for decades following would have a firm grasp on the American luxury car market.
That same year, Cadillac also boosted its performance image when Briggs Cunningham entered a new, stock-appearing 1950 Cadillac Coupe in the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in France and finished 10th overall—a performance unmatched by any other production luxury car—tearing down the Mulsanne Straight at around 120 mph and averaging 81.5 mph for the entire event.
While the entry-level Series 61 could be had only in four-door sedan or coupe body styles, customers seeking an open-top Cadillac had to spring for the upscale Series 62. For the 1950 model year, only 6,986 convertibles were built.
Seldom seen in continental Europe, 1950s Cadillacs are representative of post-war American growth. These cars were a symbol of success for those lucky enough to own and drive them, and Cadillac ownership truly became engraved in automotive culture as the embodiment of the American dream. For cruising Route 66 or just driving down to the local diner, in 1950 there was no better option.