Cadillac's distinctive catalog was big news in 1949. Foremost of those much-acclaimed developments was the release of a

new overhead-valve V-8 engine. The marque's engineering prowess now combined with their popular, streamlined styling--the perfect prelude to the all-out space age styling of the fifties.

This was unquestionably the dominant American automobile of the late 1940s, and its 331-cubic-inc, 160-horsepower high-compression overhead-valve V-8 established industry standards that would prevail for decades. The styling, executed by Frank Hershey and Harley Earl, implemented design cues like tailfins and “jewel” grills which quickly became de rigeur features across the industry for the next 15 years.

The distinctive Club Coupe fastback design was often referred to as a “Sedanette.” It represented an aerodynamically efficient body with graceful, fluid, and subtle lines that was married to the singularly responsive new powerplant, making the 1949 Cadillac a true road-going machine. Driving became the kind of exhilarating experience that one did not normally associate with a large automobile. They were considered to be a fine blend of typical Cadillac luxury and everyday motoring practicalities. Each was distinguished by the coachwork expected of Fisher at that time; the handsome interiors were designed and styled by Fleetwood.

According to an accompanying copy of its factory build record, this handsome 1949 Sedanette was completed by the factory on 13 June and subsequently shipped to its ordering dealer. The microfiche scan is not perfectly legible, though nearly $550 in optional accessories are clearly noted. The car presents today wearing many desirable pieces of optional equipment including the Hydramatic automatic transmission, dash clock, backup lights, license plate frames, push-button radio, heater, front and rear bumper guards, and driver’s side mirror. Furthermore, the chrome hubcaps and wide whitewall tires befit a factory-correct aesthetic, which is certainly improved by the presence of rear fender skirts.

Though this Sedanette was originally provided in a Black exterior over a dual gray cord and broadcloth interior, the exterior has been refinished in the period-correct shade of Metallic Silver. The interior has been refitted with green carpets and trim, though the cloth is believed to that originally provided by the factory. This supremely presentable 1949 Series 61 Club Coupe shows just under 34,000 actual miles at the time of cataloguing. It is accompanied by a copy of its factory build record, 1949 Cadillac literature, jack, chock, and spare tire.