My name is Tom Williams. My wife, Virginia, and I proudly own this car — a 1949 Cadillac Club Coupe.
Often referred to as a “Sedanette,” fastback, or torpedo rear, this model was designed by Harley Earl at General Motors. Cadillac ended this sleek style with the introduction of the Coupe DeVille in 1949, though other GM brands continued it through 1951.
This car was originally sold in Maryland and spent many years in a museum in Virginia until 2016. After that, it went to auction at Barrett-Jackson and continued trading hands at various auctions every other year until 2021. It was eventually sold in Tallahassee, Florida, to a dealer in California — and that’s where I came in. I flew to Los Angeles and bought it directly from them.
The 1949 Cadillac holds a special place in automotive history. It was the very first Motor Trend Car of the Year and featured the first overhead valve V8 engine in the U.S. — a 331 cubic inch powerhouse producing 160 horsepower. That was 10 more horsepower and 100 pounds lighter than the previous flathead V8, making it a favorite among hot rodders in the 1950s.
- Since owning the car, I’ve made several upgrades:
- Rewired the car and converted it to 12 volts
- Added electric power steering and 4-wheel power disc brakes
- Installed Old Air A/C
- Reupholstered the interior in light grey marine vinyl
- Fitted Kelsey Hayes wire wheels with 4” wide whitewalls, which really finish off the look
The color is Silver Mist, and depending on the lighting, it can appear green, blue, or grey. I absolutely love driving it, taking it to shows, and hearing all the stories people share when they see it.
The license plate is a 1949 Arizona plate. Interestingly, in 1948, the plates were so flimsy you could tear them by hand. In 1949, six states—including Arizona—experimented with a unique waffle-patterned aluminum design for added strength.
One last fun detail: The hood ornament is also known as the mascot flying goddess.
These are just a few fun facts about this car’s rich history.
Photos by
Rod Loveless