Although Cadillac had invented the tailfin in 1948, by the late 1950s, others were offering their own take on the theme. In fact, the 1959 Cadillac fins were a response by Cadillac to the 1957 Chrysler line, which had borrowed Cadillac’s own idea and took it one step further. According to the late David Holls, former design director at GM, the famous fins of 1959 were the result of a directive from management that Cadillac would not be outdone by Chrysler products.

There was little danger of that, as the 1959 Cadillac was a modern classic that truly represented the high point of the era of fins and flash. It was huge yet remarkably docile to drive, thanks to abundant power, a first-rate automatic transmission, and excellent power steering and brakes.

No other car captured the essence of the Jet Age quite like the 1959 Cadillac. In addition to sharply swept and dramatically pointed fins, surface development was a series of curves, nacelles, and character lines that could have come from one of the new jet fighters of the time. Wheel covers carried a turbine wheel motif, and there were even vestigial ventral fins at the lower edge of each rear side, passing through the fender skirts to merge into the massive rear bumper.

The Series 62 Convertible offered here was the recipient of a body-up restoration in the iconic color of Seminole Red with a matching interior and white vinyl top. In true 1959 Cadillac fashion, it has numerous options and accessories, including the Hydra-Matic transmission; power steering, brakes, windows, and top; and the standard bench seat that provides traditional comfort for up to three adult passengers across the front. The body is straight, with paintwork that is still in fine condition for its age; similarly, the chrome has a good shine, with only minor signs of pitting. The undercarriage is clean but shows some use, as would be expected of a fine American cruiser that has accrued about 550 miles since its completion.

This is an American icon that any enthusiast should own at least once in his or her life, and this car is a handsome example of one of the all-time great GM designs.