Although Cadillac had invented the tail fin 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 1959 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible offered here is finished in Ebony and features a white top, a red tonneau cover, and a matching red leather interior. In 1990 it completed a total frame-off restoration. Upon completion, the Cadillac was campaigned extensively throughout the 1990s and was bestowed multiple Best of Show awards, an AACA National First in 1995 (badge number 27C0585), and an AACA Senior First in 1996.

This Series 62 Convertible is a highly optioned example that is equipped with power brakes, power steering, power windows, a power top, a power seat, a radio, an electric clock, a driver’s side remote mirror, and a day/night mirror, and it come complete with documentation that tracks its restoration.

This big fin Cadillac, still in very presentable condition, is a fine example of one of the most important American cars of the last 50 years, and it would add an element of flare to any American car collection.