Cadillac dramatically reworked its model lineup for the 1959 model year. The Series 62s received a toothier grille, a dummy grille across the tail, bright window surrounds, and a trim spear along the side. Most famously, a gargantuan fin topped each rear fender, with taillights on each side. The 62s also had rear fender skirts. There were four body styles in the Series 62 – four- and six-window hardtop sedans, a two-door hardtop coupe, and a convertible.

The six-window sedans had a curved rear window, like the coupe, while the four-window sedans were known as “flattops” with a rear drip-rail and wraparound rear window. Series 62s were the most affordable Cadillac at $4,800 to $5,400, and the model was a sales leader for the division at nearly 71,000.

The Cadillac 390-cid V-8 developed 325 horsepower, Hydra-Matic transmission was standard, and most of the accessories now taken for granted on Cadillacs were offered by this time: power steering, windows, brakes, and seats, as well as air conditioning. Air suspension was optional.

Cadillac’s designers dialed back the 1960 Series 62 a bit. Gone were the twin rocket taillights, the fins were reduced in size, and taillights were placed in the rear fender caps. The same body designs were offered in both 6200 and 6300 series, with the same options and engine. Series 62 sales totaled just under 80,000, with the six-window hardtop sedan accounting for nearly a third of the units.

The extravagance of the 1959 Cadillacs has made it an icon of the era, and values reflect that status. Interest in the 1959 Cadillac Series 62 in particular has led to a lot of cars being restored. The 1960 models largely missed this boom, but as a result, there are better original examples to be found. Regardless, both years are quite sound mechanically and are a joy to own, provided you can live with 10 mpg and have a garage large enough to park the nearly-20-foot-long car.