1949 Cadillac Custom [Restomod with Cummins diesel] for sale

Cadillacs were truly the envy of the world when this 1949 Series 62 sedan was built

Cutting-edge technology, big performance, and unparalleled eye appeal made them unquestionably “the Standard of the World.” Today, they still carry a legendary reputation, and if you’re the sort who likes traditional American luxury, this car combines that big ’50s look with some insanely cool modern tech. A full-blown restomod built in the classic Led-Sled style, this black-and-blue beauty features off-the-charts curb appeal, a bespoke interior, and a 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel motor that’s somehow feels like it always belonged.

While the legend of the big-finned Cadillac has grown, there’s still nothing quite like the Post-War style of the Cadillac Series 62 to really command respect. One can see both the past and the imminent future in this car’s timeless design, with the classic Pre-War shoebox styling starting to give way to the Tri-5 era that would soon dominate the landscape, coupled with Cadillac’s generous use of bulging fenders, wide bumpers, and pronounced tailfins. The handsome Blue Metallic finish on this big 4-door hardtop is a great example that’s striking in a sinister, yet low-profile kind of way. It also helps minimize the rather enormous size of the Series 62, especially the 4-door versions like this, which were wonderfully opulent machines. The finish is incredibly modern and therefore deep, lustrous, and practically glowing under our lights, and although it’s by no means perfect, it has an all-around great look for anyone looking to drive and impress. With good bodywork that emphasizes the generous curves, up to and including the P51-inspired tailfins, which had not yet grown to grotesque proportions. Blacking out the roof, bumpers, grille, and trim gives the car an insanely cool two-tone presence that screams modern Led-Sled, especially when punctuated by those black Detroit Steelies and oversized Cadillac badges on the front fenders. The pro’s at Killer Hot Rods built this gorgeous Caddy just 4449 miles ago, so you know the quality is second-to-none, and because their creativity knows no bounds you likely won’t see another creation quite like this one. It may have a few imperfections here and there, after all, it’s been drooled on everywhere it goes, but the finish was recently protected with a clear wrap to keep the elements at bay. The door handles were shaved and whatever wasn’t kissed by blue was covered in gloss black, including the original hood ornament, side mirrors, and roof spoiler, while the LED headlights and smoked taillights remind everyone that there’s something modern and special underneath that super-cool veneer.

There’s not much 1949 left inside after a full-blown custom restoration featuring high-end, leather-clad buckets and a custom center console up front, a matching bench in the rear, and spectacular ornate door panels that complement the black, diamond-cut upholstery perfectly. The stock Cadillac dash was reworked and now houses a full set of black Classic Instruments gauges inside an original-style instrument panel and even though the overall look pays homage to the Caddy, it sure seems sleeker and more high-tech, doesn’t it? A billet steering wheel with black leather on the rim anchors the cockpit atop an Ididit tilt column, and a polished billet vents and a black speaker grille provide perfect contrast to the otherwise blue metal dash – mimicking the two-tone set-up outside. Plush black carpets neatly insulate the floors below, there’s a taut headliner above, and a custom center console houses a set of cup holders and a retro-style AM/FM/AUX head unit that manages the tunes. Rounding out the options list is the Vintage Air A/C system that was cleverly installed under the dash, and yes, it’s blowing ice cold R134a refrigerated air throughout the cabin. Out back, the back seat looks untouched and the trunk was beautifully finished to match the cabin, with matching black carpets and hidden side panels stitched to match for a trick touch.

Forget everything you’d expect under the hood of a vintage Cadillac, and only then will the 5.9L 6-cylinder Cummins Turbo Diesel not surprise you. It seems like a peculiar match at first, but when you consider how much sheetmetal this Cummins is tasked to move, it all starts to make a lot more sense. That, and the fact that this Caddy was built to be driven, not just gawked at during car shows, and you can quickly see why the builders dared to be brave. The swap looks darn-near seamless, and the improvement in performance and torque is very measurable. A Borg Warner turbo will add performance and help it run forever (Cummins diesels have a sterling reputation for outliving all competitors), and a throaty, intimidating hum from the custom exhaust system brings big crowds around whenever it pulls up. They worked to keep the engine bay looking neat and matching the black-and-blue aesthetic of the entire build, with bright blue inner fenders and a gloss black valve cover, and the engine stays nice and cool thanks to a giant radiator with dual electric fans. The 47RE 4-speed automatic transmission is a durable, reliable piece and this big yacht will cruise at modern highway speeds effortlessly thanks to highway gears in the heavy-duty rear end. Power rack-and-pinion steering and Wilwood power 4-wheel disc brakes give this Caddy great road manners, and a full-upgraded suspension was mandatory on a beast this size, while the flashy 20-inch Detroit Steel wheels come wrapped in 245/40/20 front and 255/45/20 rear radials that finish off the killer look.