Classic Car History – The 1959 Cadillac Series 62
Posted by in Cadillac on July 13, 2011
The 1959 Cadillac was the brainchild of Designer Harley Earl, who drew on the inspiration of American space travel and rockets for his design. The 59 Cadillac was the pinnacle of the American auto design excess. With tail fins that rose a full 42 inches off the ground, rocket flare tail lights, quad headlights and massive chrome bumpers, a body length of over 20 ft, this was the ultimate Cadillac for grabbing attention. The ’59′s outrageous fins are accentuated by its very low profile, which is 3 inches lower that the ’58 model’s already low profile.
Harley Earl was directly responsible for the design of 50 million vehicles and completely changed the face of the American automobile in the 1950′s. No single man has had such an impact on the shape of American auto design and no one man has been guilty of so many design excesses. Included in his space-themed design were other images such as chrome denture like grilles, dashboards that looked like they belonged to jet fighters with dozens of switches and controls, bumpers protrusions known as “Dagmars”, hood ornaments which looked like missile launchers.
The 1959 Cadillac is an American icon. You will see this year model displayed in many 50′s styled diners and restaurants. Hard Rock cafe always has either a 1959 or 1960 Cadillac displayed in their restaurants. The 59 also starred in many films, like in the Clint Eastwood movie “Pink Cadillac”. The 59 Cadillac was a monument to American optimism in the 1950′s; it was in fact the “American Dream”. Who wouldn’t love to drive one of these today? Today you will be hard pressed to find a restored 59 convertible for less that $70,000 with many of them selling for well over 100K.
Some of the features of the 59 Series 62 Cadillac included power brakes, power steering, automatic transmission, central locking, tinted glass, and some options include headlight dimmers (autronic eye), electrically operated windows, seat adjust, and trunk. Some of the other models available included the 8 seater Fleetwood Limo, and the Eldorado Biarritz which is the most valuable ’59 Cadillac model.
Specs for 1959 Cadillac Series 62
Engine: 390 c.i. V8, cast iron head and block
Compression ratio: 10.5:1
Induction: Carter 4-barrel carburetor
Maximum Power: 325 bhp at 4800 rpm
Maximum torque: 435 lb-ft at 3400 rpm
Top Speed: 121 mph Read the rest of this entry »
BMW Old Models And New Models
Posted by in BMW on July 6, 2011
BMW as a company was created in 1927, being at first an engine producer and then a motorcycle producer. Even today, BMW is known to be a great motorcycle producer. Only after a while, BMW has become a car manufacturer. The initials stand for Bavarian Motor Works, but not many people pay attention to that, the BMW initials being more famous than anything. BMW was not acquired by other car manufacturer company, being a big company already, too big to be incorporated by others. Instead, BMW has developed into the parent company of the Rolls Royce and the MINI, and these were two very important achievements for the business.
BMW has engaged in producing limited series of models, which are the odd numbered and even numbered series. Some of these limited series models comprise the saloon sedan and the estate wagon on one hand and the coupes and cabriolets on the other. The 6 Series and the 8 Series of BMWs are just a few of the launched models of luxury cars by BMW. These are older models, classic ones, so if you are looking for something fresh and hot, you could check out the Z3 and the Z4. These models are BMW roadsters presented in two door convertible and two door coupe models. The Z3 has even stared in the James Bond movie called Golden Eye.
The 5 Series BMWs have just been launched. The 5 Series cars are mid sized luxury cars or executive cars and can be ordered in sedan and touring body styles. Even if the model is a bit older, being launched in 1972, the technicians from BMW have added a plus of new technology and glamour, making these BMW a treasure to have.
At the sports car chapter, BMW will launch the V/F3, a sports tourer.
In case you are wondering what BMW has in stock for you, here’s a hint: the Z10. This will be a better Z8, which is a two seat, two door convertible car. The Z10 is out in 2008 and will be endowed with a V10 engine of 550 horse power. Read the rest of this entry »