Cadillac finally surpassed Packard in sales for good in 1950, resulting in them virtually owning the American luxury market for several generations. The 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.

The entry-level Cadillac in 1950 was the Series 61, which was available as a four-door sedan or a club coupe. If one wanted a Coupe de Ville hardtop or a convertible, it was necessary to order the upscale Series 62, and most customers did, although only 6,986 opted for the soft-top version.

The Series 62 Convertible Coupe offered here was formerly part of the noted collection of Len Immke, who is known for his eye for excellent original cars. It was one of Mr. Immke’s prized possessions, and it took some time for Jim Miller to pry it away for his own collection. Later, it was traded away to another respected collector before Mr. Miller missed the car and bought it back; it remained in the esteemed Miller Collection until two years ago. Befitting the “Standard of the World,” it is laden with options and accessories, including a Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, power windows, an AM radio, a heater, a driver’s spotlight, rear fender skirts, stainless steel hubcaps, and wide whitewall tires.

Beginning with what was obviously an excellent original car, it was cosmetically restored some time ago in its original color of French Grey, with body panels that are straight, true, and properly fitted throughout. All exterior stainless and chrome trim is described as excellent. The interior is upholstered in red leather, with only very minor creasing, accented by a dashboard with clear, crisp gauges, an un-cracked steering wheel, and proper carpets. A black cloth top piped in maroon remains in very good condition. Both under the hood and underneath the car have been detailed, are very clean, and remain original and unrestored. The engine appears to have been rebuilt, and it has proper wiring, hoses, and clamps, as would be expected.

As one of the nicest of drivers and ideal for local showing, this Cadillac elegantly recalls a time when the Standard of the World really did set the standard, on both the road and the track.