Summary

Build by Hulst Customs. Powered by a 512/437hp Cadillac V8 engine with a 700R4 automatic transmission and Ford 9-inch rear end. Has air suspension, a tan European leather interior, custom headliner and trunk trim, and wire wheels with whitewall tires.

Details

This 1949 Cadillac Series 62 was customized by Hulst Customs in Merlin, OR. Under the hood, this car has a 512ci Cadillac V8 engine, balanced and blueprinted to produce 437hp. It has been upgraded with Sanderson headers, an Edelbrock manifold and an 850 CFM carburetor. A Griffin radiator is installed to keep the engine cool. The engine is paired with a 700R4 automatic transmission, which has been equipped with an external transmission cooler to manage heat. This car's suspension features a custom-fabricated front end with bespoke upper and lower control arms, Chrysler spindles and an Andy Peterman sway bar. At the rear, the car is fitted with a Ford 9-inch rear end, upgraded with an Andy Peterman handling kit. The rear suspension also includes a NASCAR-style trailing arm and a Panhard bar for improved stability. This Cadillac is equipped with a rack & pinion steering system with power steering. The wiring has been replaced with a Ron Francis harness for modern reliability. This example is finished in Wild Berry Pearl, including the entire undercarriage: the rear axle, underfloor, frame rails and cross members have all been painted to match the top side of the car. The exterior also features new chrome bumpers, grille and trim, with a shortened wheelbase and a chopped roof. This car is equipped with an air-ride system for adjustable ride height and rolls on wire wheels with wide whitewall tires. The interior is fully upholstered in tan European leather, including the sculpted headliner. The front seats are sourced from a 1996 Cadillac Eldorado and feature six-way adjustment. The console, interior lighting and stereo system are all custom installations, and some parts of the interior are painted in Wild Berry Pearl to match the exterior. The trunk is also upholstered in sculpted tan leather and finished off with dark red carpeting. This custom Cadillac has been recognized at several West Coast hot rod shows, winning numerous awards, including First in Class, Best of Show and Best Interior. It was also featured in the December 2002 issue of Hot Rod magazine as one of the Top 10 Rods of the Year.