Cadillac emerged as the leader in the post-war U.S. luxury car market on the strength of a full redesign for 1948, which was followed a year later by a new overhead-valve V-8. Praise for the 1949 Cadillac was literally universal, with Britain’s The Motor declaring that “the car offers astonishing value for the money. It has performance which few makes can rival, even fewer surpass, a general silence of running which many will consider unbeaten, and an ease in driving.” Motor Trend was more succinct: it simply named the 1949 Cadillac its very first Car of the Year.

The car offered here was originally delivered to Buffalo, New York, and was optioned with Hydra-Matic transmission, push-button AM radio, automatic heater, and fog lights; importantly, it retains its original engine. Part of Mr. Needham’s collection since the late 1980s, it was the recipient of a high-quality restoration in the year-correct color scheme of Madeira Maroon over Tan leather, with a complementary tan cloth convertible top. Typical of the cars in this collection, the restoration is well preserved, with only minor aging to the paintwork and upholstery; with recent detailing it now shows beautifully and readily reveals the quality of the work’s fit and finish. In fact, it looks nearly as good today as when it was exhibited at the 1991 Meadowbrook Concours d’Elegance.

Another treasured car from a man who knew and loved his fine Cadillacs, this car radiates post-war optimism, and is American design and engineering at its very best.