The film Green Book (2018) not only won three Oscars, but also brought back interest in classic American cars of the 1960s. The main character Tony Lip (Vigo Mortensen) drives around in a luxury Cadillac Series 62 1962 - a car that became a symbol of the era and social change. This Cadillac is not just a backdrop for the plot, but a full-fledged character: its design, power and status highlight the contrast between the racist US South and a changing world.

Today original Cadillac Series 62 1962 is a rarity. Their purchase requires not only financial investments (from $30 000 for "project" before $150 000+ for a perfect copy), but also knowledge: how to distinguish a fake, what documents to check when importing into Russia, and what to look for during inspection. In this article we will analyze everything: from the technical features of the model to the legal pitfalls of the transaction.

Cadillac Series 62 1962 is the pinnacle of the American auto industry in the early 1960s. The car from the film is a four-door sedan with a body Sedan de Ville (model code 6239S), equipped with an engine V8 390 cc inches (6.4 L) power 325 hp. This engine was paired with an automatic transmission Hydra-Matic - the world's first mass automatic transmission, which debuted back in 1940.

Externally, the 1962 Cadillac is recognizable by:

  • 🔹 Double headlights with chrome “eyebrows” (optional Autronic Eye automatically adjusted the brightness).
  • 🔹 Hind fins with vertical lights - GM's corporate style of those years.
  • 🔹 Chrome grille in the shape of a “diamond” (designer Harley Earl).
  • 🔹 "V" emblem on hood - symbol of the V8 engine.

Interesting fact: in the film they used two cars - main (fully restored) and backup for dynamic scenes. Both were found at auctions in California and have undergone extensive restoration, including repainting in the original color. Dubonnet Red (code 14).

📊 Which Cadillac Series 62 color do you like best?
Classic black (Black)
Dubonnet Red (as in the movie)
Azure Blue
Ermine White
Other

2. Specifications: Why was the Series 62 revolutionary?

Under the hood Series 62 What was hidden was not just a motor, but an engineering miracle for its time. Engine V8 390 equipped with:

  • 🔧 Cast iron block with aluminum pistons (lifetime up to 300,000 miles with proper care).
  • 🔧 Hydraulic pushers - a rarity for the 1960s, which simplified maintenance.
  • 🔧 Rochester two-barrel carburetor (modification 4GC).

Transmission Hydra-Matic had 4 ranges (including “Park”), but by modern standards it was slow: acceleration to 100 km/h took 12–14 seconds. But the reliability of the box made it possible to tow trailers weighing up to 2 tons — an unusual option for a sedan of that time.

Parameter Meaning Note
Engine V8 390 cc inches (6.4 l) Power 325 hp at 4800 rpm
Transmission 4-speed automatic transmission Hydra-Matic The first mass-produced automatic transmission
Suspension Front independent, rear spring Soft setting for comfort
Brakes Drum wheels on all wheels Since 1965, disc front wheels have appeared.
Fuel consumption ~20 l/100 km When driving on the highway (90 km/h)

The system deserves special attention Cruise Control (optional K30), which Cadillac offered for $85 - at that time it was a luxury. Today this function seems primitive, but in 1962 it did Series 62 one of the most technologically advanced cars in the world.

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When inspecting the engine, check for the presence of the original air cleaner labeled Cadillac — it is often lost during restoration. The fakes are revealed by the low quality of chrome plating.

3. How much is the Cadillac Series 62 worth today?

Prices for Cadillac Series 62 1962 range from $25 000 up to $200 000+, depending on the condition. Main factors influencing cost:

  • 💰 Originality: cars with original engine, transmission and body are more expensive 30–50%.
  • 💰 Documentation: availability build sheet (factory assembly sheet) increases the price by $10 000–$15 000.
  • 💰 Color: red Dubonnet Red (like in the movie) or black Black are valued higher than pastel colors.
  • 💰 Market demand: after the release of “Green Book” prices increased by 15–20%.

Examples of real deals (2023–2026):

  • 📌 USA, eBay Motors: restored sedan Sedan de Ville — $89 000.
  • 📌 Germany, Mobile.de: “project” for restoration - €22 000 (~$24 000).
  • 📌 Russia, Avito: a copy imported from the USA with a mileage of 45,000 miles - ₽7 500 000 (~$82 000).
⚠️ Attention: On the Russian market there are often “replicas” - converted Cadillac Fleetwood or DeVille later years (1965–1967). You can distinguish them by VIN code: the original Series 62 1962 first symbol - 6 (year), and the fifth - 2 (series).

4. How to check Cadillac Series 62 before purchasing?

Buying a classic Cadillac is an investment, so inspection must be thorough. Start with VIN code: It is located on a plate under the hood (driver's side) and must match the documents. Transcript for 1962:

6 2 39 S 123456

│ │ │ │ └───── serial number


│ │ │ └────── plant (S = Detroit)


│ │ └──────── model (39 = Sedan de Ville)


│ └────────── series (2 = Series 62)


└──────────── year (6 = 1962)

Next check:

☑️ Cadillac Series 62 inspection checklist

Done: 0 / 5

Pay special attention frame: y Series 62 she X-frame (cruciform), which is prone to rust at the welding points. If the frame is rotten, restoration will cost $15 000–$20 000.

⚠️ Attention: Many sellers hide the fact that the engine was replaced with a later one (for example, V8 429 1968). You can check this by the block number (stamped on the front of the engine) - it should start with 62 (year and series).

Importing a classic car to Russia is a process with pitfalls. Main stages:

  1. Purchasing and processing documents in the USA:
    • 📄 Title (certificate of ownership) - must be clean (without notes about an accident or lien).
    • 📄 Bill of Sale (purchase and sale agreement) indicating the price (needed for customs clearance).
  2. Transport logistics:
    • 🚢 Container transportation will cost $3 000–$5 000 (depending on destination port).
    • 🚢 Alternative - Ro-Ro (transportation on ships for cars), but is only suitable for running vehicles.
  • Customs clearance in Russia:
    • 💸 Duty for cars over 30 years old - 0%, but only if the car non-commercial use.
    • 💸 VAT — 20% from the customs value (can be underestimated if properly processed).
    • 💸 Recycling fee - ₽20 000 (fixed amount for classic cars).

    Average import cost Cadillac Series 62 "turnkey" (including logistics and duties) - $10 000–$15 000 above the price of the car. To save money, many people register their car as a “showpiece” through a classic car club (for example, Federation of Retro Motorists of Russia). This allows you to avoid paying VAT.

    List of documents for customs clearance

    1. Owner's passport.

    2. Title (original + notarized translation).

    3. Bill of Sale (purchase and sale agreement).

    4. Invoice from the transport company.

    5. Certificate of conformity (not required for cars over 30 years old).

    6. Declaration of customs value (filled out at the border).

    6. Restoration and maintenance: how much will the maintenance cost?

    Contents Cadillac Series 62 - this is not only pride, but also constant costs. Main expense items:

    Type of work Cost (USD) Frequency
    Engine overhaul $8 000–$12 000 Every 100,000 miles
    Body restoration (no corrosion) $15 000–$30 000 One-time
    Replacing transmission fluid Hydra-Matic $200–$400 Every 2 years
    Chrome plating of parts (bumper, grille) $1 000–$3 000 In case of damage
    Insurance (CASCO for classics) $1,500–$3,000/year Annually

    The main problem is spare parts. Original parts (for example, window seals or instrument panels) are almost impossible to find, so owners turn to specialized suppliers:

    • 🔧 CARS Inc. (USA) - restore original parts according to drawings.
    • 🔧 Kanter Auto Products — sell reproductions of chrome elements.
    • 🔧 Eckler’s Cadillac — catalog of spare parts for models of the 1950–1970s.

    Average annual maintenance costs - $5 000–$10 000. This includes insurance, maintenance and minor repairs. If you are not ready to spend such sums, it is better to consider purchasing an already restored copy.

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    The most expensive part of the restoration is the body work. Original paint Dubonnet Red will cost $3,000–$5,000 for materials alone (not including labor).

    7. Where can I find a Cadillac Series 62 for sale?

    Search for original Cadillac Series 62 1962 requires patience. Main sites:

    • 🌍 Abroad:
      • 📌 eBay Motors - the largest selection, but there are many scammers.
      • 📌 Hemmings — specializes in classic cars, trusted sellers.
      • 📌 ClassicCars.com — auctions with a guarantee of authenticity.
    • 🇷🇺 In Russia:
      • 📌 Avito — sometimes you come across fitted copies.
      • 📌 Drom - less often, but there are offers from collectors.
      • 📌 Vintage car clubs (for example, Retro Cars Moscow on Facebook).

    When purchasing abroad, be sure to order pre-sale inspection through your local mechanic. Cost of service - $300–$500, but it will save thousands of dollars on hidden problems. Popular services:

    • 🔧 LemonSquad (USA) - travel to any state for inspection.
    • 🔧 Classic Car Inspections (Europe) - specialize in retro cars.
    ⚠️ Attention: At American auctions there are often cars marked “Barn Find” (found in a barn). Such examples require complete restoration and can be more expensive than restored versions. For example, Series 62 able “Barn Find” buy for $15 000–$25 000, but it still takes some time to recover $50 000+.

    8. Alternatives: What other 1960s Cadillacs should you consider?

    If Series 62 1962 is too expensive or rare, check out other Cadillac models from this period:

    Model Years of manufacture Benefits Price (USD)
    Cadillac DeVille (coupe) 1959–1964 More compact, stylish design $40 000–$90 000
    Cadillac Fleetwood 75 1960–1964 Long wheelbase, luxurious interior $50 000–$120 000
    Cadillac Eldorado (convertible) 1961–1966 Prestige, open top, rarity $80 000–$200 000
    Cadillac Series 62 (1963–1964) 1963–1964 More modern design, disc brakes (since 1965) $35 000–$85 000

    If the atmosphere of the film “Green Book” is important to you, then Series 62 The 1962 is the perfect choice. But for everyday use it is better to consider DeVille 1963–1964: They were equipped with disc brakes and a more reliable transmission.

    Remember: buying a classic Cadillac is not just a purchase of a car, but an investment in history. As Dr. Don Shirley (character in the film) said: «Genius is not enough. You need courage to change people’s hearts». The same can be said about these cars - they require courage, patience and love for detail.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Cadillac Series 62 from Green Book

    ❓ Is it possible to operate Cadillac Series 62 in winter in Russia?

    Technically yes, but it is highly discouraged. Main problems:

    • 🥶 Corrosion: Road salt quickly destroys the frame and body.
    • 🥶 Transmission: Hydra-Matic does not like low temperatures - the oil thickens, which leads to wear.
    • 🥶 Brakes: Drum brakes become ineffective on ice.

    If you still decide, be sure to:

    1. Install engine heating (for example, Webasto).
    2. Use synthetic oil with viscosity 5W-30.
    3. Treat the body anti-corrosion composition (for example, Tectyl).
    ❓ How to distinguish the original Cadillac Series 62 from a replica?

    Main features of the original:

    • 🔍 VIN code: must start with 62 (year and series).
    • 🔍 Engine: The block number must match the year (for example, 62... for 1962).
    • 🔍 Body panels: the original has metal thickness 1.2–1.5 mm (replicas are often thinner).
    • 🔍 Glass: There is a stamp on the original windshield LOF (manufacturer).

    Inquire additionally ownership history (for example, through the service Carfax for the USA). If the car was registered before 1980, the chances of authenticity are higher.

    ❓ How much does insurance cost for Cadillac Series 62 in Russia?

    The cost of insurance depends on:

    • 📄 Type of policy: CASCO for classics will cost ₽50,000–₽150,000/year (depending on the rating).
    • 📄 Assessed value: The higher the price of the car, the more expensive the insurance.
    • 📄 Storage conditions: if the car is parked in a heated garage, the discount is up to 20%.

    Companies that insure vintage cars:

    • 🏢 RESO-Garantiya - “Classics” program.
    • 🏢 Ingosstrakh — insurance at an agreed price.
    • 🏢 AlfaInsurance — flexible conditions for collectible cars.
    ❓ Is it possible to install a modern engine in the Cadillac Series 62?

    Yes, this is a popular upgrade among owners. Best options:

    • 🔧 LS engines (for example, LS3 6.2L): lightweight, powerful (430 hp), compatible with automatic transmission 4L60E.
    • 🔧 Engines from Cadillac Escalade (for example, V8 6.2L L86): retain the “spirit” of the brand, but with modern technologies.
    • 🔧 Electric retrofit: companies like EV West install electric motors (for example, Tesla Model S) in classic bodies.

    Engine swap cost:

    • 💰 LS engine: $15 000–$25 000 (including box and setup).
    • 💰 Electric retrofit: $30 000–$50 000.
    ⚠️ Attention: Replacing the engine may reduce the collector's value of the vehicle. If you plan to sell the car in the future, it is better to keep the original engine.
    ❓ Where can you drive a Cadillac Series 62 without buying it?

    If you want to feel the atmosphere of the film, but are not ready to spend money on a purchase, there are alternatives:

    • 🚗 Retro car rental:
      • 📍 Retro Car Rental Moscow (Moscow) - rent Cadillac DeVille 1960s from ₽15,000/day.
      • 📍 Classic Car Hire (St. Petersburg) - offers from ₽20,000/day.
    • 🎬 Thematic tours:
      • 📍 Route 66 Classic Car Tour (USA) - a trip along the legendary highway in a retro car.
      • 📍 Green Book Tour (Alabama, Georgia) - route to filming locations.
    • 🎭 Film distribution:
      • 📍 Company Picture Cars (Los Angeles) rents out movie cars (including Cadillac from "Green Book")

    Rental cost per day - from $500 up to $2 000 depending on model and region.