|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1941 produced another record sales year for Cadillac; sales topped 66,000, exceeding any previous year by 20,000 units and trailing rival Packard by only 7,000 cars. However, of that record number, only 400 were model 62290, the convertible sedan. This is the last year that General Motors produced a convertible sedan in any of its model lines.
Priced at $1,965, and riding on a 126-inch wheelbase, this is the most expensive model in the Cadillac 62 Series. All 1941 Cadillac's were powered by a 346 cubic inch V8, with increased compression, that produced 150 horsepower. New for 1940, was Cadillac's use of the fully shiftless Hydra-Matic transmission. The Hydra-Matic, originally developed by Oldsmobile in 1939, became a staple of the line until 1949. This combination produces a 0-60 mph time of 14 seconds and a top speed of approximately 100 mph.
In addition to the more complex egg crate grill and larger taillights that concealed the fuel filler, this car is equipped with two rare options, running boards and a two-toned leather interior.
Priced at $1,965, and riding on a 126-inch wheelbase, this is the most expensive model in the Cadillac 62 Series. All 1941 Cadillac's were powered by a 346 cubic inch V8, with increased compression, that produced 150 horsepower. New for 1940, was Cadillac's use of the fully shiftless Hydra-Matic transmission. The Hydra-Matic, originally developed by Oldsmobile in 1939, became a staple of the line until 1949. This combination produces a 0-60 mph time of 14 seconds and a top speed of approximately 100 mph.
In addition to the more complex egg crate grill and larger taillights that concealed the fuel filler, this car is equipped with two rare options, running boards and a two-toned leather interior.
 |  | Convertible Coupe Deluxe Chassis Num: 8362735 |
It has been said that esthetically Cadillac was to 1941, what Cord was to 1936 and Duesenberg to 1929. (Roy A Schneider, Cadillac of the Forbes, published by Cadillac Motorbooks, 1988). The 1941 Convertible Coupe is virtually flawless in its graceful and tasteful styling. The dominant chrome grille, high-crowned coffin hood and heavy bumpers were skillfully grafted into the beautifully styled bodywork. It was the first in which a front valance panel filled the space between the bottom of the grille and the front bumper. A grille guard was built into the front bumper between the vertical bumper guards and the entire front end was graced by a new Flying Lady mascot. The convertible top is raised and lowered by vacuum assisted cylinders - unlike previous models that had hand-operated tops. It is also important to note that this was the final year when there were no rear quarter windows.
The 1941 Convertible Coupe is especially desired by collectors today because it is one of the last pre-war Cadillac convertibles ever built. The US Office of Production Management had anticipatorily ordered auto production cutbacks in August 1941 to 73.5 percent of 1940 output. Shortly thereafter, the US entered World War II on December 8, just hours after the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor, forcing an industry-wide conversion ot the manufacture of war materials. Production was halted altogether on February 4, 1942. When the industry shut down to switch to war production, Cadillac was neck-and-neck with Packard as the leading luxury car in America.
This award-winning Convertible Coupe was subject to a precision frame-off, ground up 'nut and bolt' restoration, resulting in one of the finest remaining 1941 Cadillac Convertible Coupes in the world, if not the finest. The attention to detail of the restoration is simply extraordinary. It has the correct 1941 date-coded windshields.
The sensual lines of this Cadillac are finished in tuxedo black with red trim, an extremely sought after combination. Inside exacting rich leather interior draws you behind the wheel. Cruises are even possible on cool nights thanks to the snugly fitting Haartz cloth top (properly trimmed with chrome braces, chrome window surround and correct leather binding).
Options are everything on fine open Cadillac's and this pristine example comes equipped with fitted fender skirts, Automatic Heating System with under-seat heaters and defrosters, a factory optional radio with vacuum operated power antenna, three-speed manual transmission and the highly-desired painted dash (simulated wood grain 'dynock' was the standard feature and was considered significantly inferior in appearance by Cadillac purchasers then and now). Standard factory amenities include: turn signals, clock, rear seat overhead dome light, trunk light, adjustable seat, 'Day-Nite' rearview mirror, glove box lamp and more.
All electrical systems and accessory options have been meticulously restored and all mechanical systems have been precision tuned to spec. The engine is whisper quiet, does not overheat and the car cruises effortlessly at highway speeds. A 6-volt electric fuel pump is hidden underneath and integrated into the factory mechanical fuel pump to maintain a constant four to seven pounds of fuel pressure, providing for exceptional reliability. This rust-free Southern Classic has traveled less than 500 miles since restoration and qualifies for all CCCA sanctioned events.
At the 2006 RM Auction in Monterey, California this Convertible Coupe finished in tuxedo black with red trim was expected to sell between $100,000-$125,000 and offered without reserve. At the conclusion of the bidding the vehicle had been sold for $126,500
 |  | View more photos Convertible Coupe Deluxe |
 |  | View more photos Convertible Coupe Deluxe |
Cadillac styling was all new for 1941 and featured a lower, more modern, horizontal look with integrated headlights. The 41's were clean, elegant and made tasteful use of generous quantities of chrome trim and accents. Cadillac had established itself as the styling leader in the 1930's and continued to produce cars that featured inspired styling.
The 1941 Cadillac evolved themes first found on the landmark design on the 1938 Sixty-Special designed by famed GM designer Bill Mitchell. The 1941 was the first to use the famous Cadillac egg-crate grill; it also featured a 'coffin' style hood and integrated 'torpedo' styled body. This landmark year in Cadillac styling cemented Cadillac's role as an unquestioned advanced styling leader.
Among the most desirable of the 1941 Series 62's are the convertible coupes, and despite Cadillac reaching an all time sales high of 66,130 units, few remain of the 3,100 produced.
Making this example even more sought after is the rare $125 fully automatic transmission option, which was available for the first time ever on a luxury automobile. It is also equipped with a powered operated top which made use of a series of vacuum operated cylinders, a major improvement over the hand operated tops of the past.
 |  | View more photos Coupe |
This particular Cadillac was ordered with the no-cost option running boards. It is powered by a 346 cu.in engine that is capable of producing 150 horsepower.
 | | View more photos Convertible Coupe Deluxe |
| | View more photos Convertible Sedan Deluxe |
In 1941 GM restyled the 'C-Body' cars of Olds, Buick, and Cadillac to include more chrome accents on grills, hoods, bumpers and deck lids. These changes along with a greatly improved economy allowed Cadillac to set impressive sales records of 66,130 units. This sales record stood until 1949.
Cadillac only made 400 of these four door convertibles. Convertible Sedans would not again be marketed by General Motors.
 |  | Convertible Coupe Deluxe |
A total of 66,130 Cadillacs were sold for 1941, more than in any previous year.
The Cadillac Series 62 line consisted of just four models: Coupe, Sedan, Convertible Coupe and Convertible Sedan. Other 1941 Cadillacs included the new Series 61 fastback coupe and sedan styles, the 1941 version of the much coveted and often copied Sixty Special and the large Series 75 limousines. All were powered by a 150-horsepower L-head V8 displacing 346 cubic-inches. A General Motors 4-speed Hydra-Matic transmission was optional for the first time.
The Series 62 Convertible Coupe is one of the truly iconic cars of its era, although just 3,100 were originally built. The factory list price was $1,645.
This example was obtained by the collector owner in 1970 and kept in storage until 2007, when it was treated to a full restoration.
| | View more photos Convertible Coupe Deluxe |
| | View more photos Coupe Chassis Num: 8349275 |
In 2008, this car was brought to the 2nd Annual Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey presented by RM Auctions where it was estimated to sell for $50,000 - $60,000. Bidding reached $34,000 but was not enough to satisfy the cars reserve. The lot was left unsold.
The Harley Earl designed Cadillac Series 62 was a very large vehicle that featured a large, 6,390 cc (390 cubic inch) V-8 engine. The back had large fins that did little for performance and handling but was all about the style of the vehicle. The design of the vehicle was inspired by the space program and the era of jet engines. The large, 4400 lb car was fitted with drum brakes. These often wore out quickly. If a U-turn needed to be made, the driver would need a parking lot. The turning radius was 24 feet.
The name 'DeVille' would first be used in 1949 on the Coupe De Ville, and later on the 1956 Sedan deVille. The 1942, 1946 and 1947 versions were similar; they were completely different from the 1941 bodystyles.
The car was a luxury vehicle that could carry six individuals comfortably. The car was a convertible with the top being raised and lowered automatically. The interior had electrical gauges. The head lights would turn on at dusk and were also capable of switching from high beam to low beam when they sensed oncoming traffic. In total, there were eight lights on the front of the vehicle. The four on the top were the driving lights while the lights mounted on the bumper were the parking lamps. To add to the driving comfort, air suspension was used. This aided in providing a very soft ride but there was significant body roll when cornering. With the V8, it was capable of creeping to sixty in 11 seconds. This reinforced the notion that this Cadillac was built for comfort and not for speed. The drivers enjoyed the ride and they looked good cruising along, enjoying the large open road.
The name 'DeVille' would first be used in 1949 on the Coupe De Ville, and later on the 1956 Sedan deVille. The 1942, 1946 and 1947 versions were similar; they were completely different from the 1941 bodystyles.
The car was a luxury vehicle that could carry six individuals comfortably. The car was a convertible with the top being raised and lowered automatically. The interior had electrical gauges. The head lights would turn on at dusk and were also capable of switching from high beam to low beam when they sensed oncoming traffic. In total, there were eight lights on the front of the vehicle. The four on the top were the driving lights while the lights mounted on the bumper were the parking lamps. To add to the driving comfort, air suspension was used. This aided in providing a very soft ride but there was significant body roll when cornering. With the V8, it was capable of creeping to sixty in 11 seconds. This reinforced the notion that this Cadillac was built for comfort and not for speed. The drivers enjoyed the ride and they looked good cruising along, enjoying the large open road.
| Similar Automakers |
| Add Review |
| Cadillac History |
| Manufacturer Website |
| Other models by Cadillac |
 |
| 1941 Cadillac models |
| Cadillac Darrin Convertible |
| Cadillac Series 61 |
| Cadillac Series 63 |
| Cadillac Series Sixty Special |
| Vehicle Spotlight | ||
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
Site Map
| Contact
| Terms Of Use | Links | RSS
Automobile information, history, and statistics from concept to production. | © 1998-2008 Conceptcarz.com
Automobile information, history, and statistics from concept to production. | © 1998-2008 Conceptcarz.com