Cadillac Coupe Deville

This model has the distinction of being the one-millionth Cadillac built, but it is a subject of interest in its own right. The 1949 Coupe de Ville sported a modern engine with overhead valves, and it was the first Cadillac V8 to attain 160 horsepower. This Cadillac was not a convertible; however it featured a roof and window configuration that was to define the landscape of hardtops. On closer inspection, one can notice that this Cadillac is devoid of a B Pillar, or window door frame. This was to become a feature of hardtop convertibles, and offered better visibility. The 1949 Cadillac Coupe de Ville cost $3,496 and could achieve a speed of 100 mph.

Work on a from-scratch overhead-valve V-8, led by then-Cadillac chief engineer Ernest Seaholm, began prior to Pearl Harbor, but the engine's development was halted for obvious reasons. The job recommenced after the war, now under the stewardship of Harry Barr, John Gordon, and Edward Cole (who also fathered the Small Block Chevy V-8 that came along in 1955, and later became GM president). The new Caddy V-8 was finished in time for the '49 models. Only modest changes were required to the rest of the package, as it was new the year before.