1946 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible Coupe

The Cadillac Automobile Company of Detroit was founded by Henry Leland and Robert Faulconer. Their first car was completed in October of 1902 and it was not long before the company's superior precision manufacturing technology gave them a reputation as one of the foremost builders of quality cars in the United States. Over the years, Cadillac continued to excel in technology, build quality, prestige, and design. This was true even during the difficult economic times of the 1930s. Cadillac continued to introduce landmark advancements. The engine lineup included a V8, V12, and V16 options, but by the close of the 1930s, the only engine that remained was the smooth and powerful V8. It had plenty of torque, moderate power, was reliable, and offered smooth operation. For an additional $174, buyers could have the engine mated to a Hydra-Matic automatic transmission.

In 1940, the Series 62 Cadillacs featured the Fisher-built 'Projectile' or 'Torpedo' bodies. The following year, they were given a revised front-end treatment, establishing a pattern that would continue for several years. The car's stardom was taken to new heights when American sportsman Briggs Cunningham entered a Series 62 in the 1950 Le Mans 24 Hour race. The Coupe de Ville finished 10th at Le Mans that year, driven by the Collier brothers.

This particular example is one of fewer than 1,400 examples produced for the 1946 model year. The early history of the car is not known, but it is believed to have resided in the Denver, Colorado area since new. By the mid-1990s, the car was in the care of Mr. Charlie Wisherd. It is believed that Mr. Wisherd had purchased the about a decade earlier from Mr. and Mrs. Norby, and prior to that, the Cadillac is believed to have been in static storage for about 2 decades. In January of 1995, the car was purchased from Mr. Wisherd by Denver, Colorado resident, Mr. Al White. Soon after, a comprehensive overhaul followed, with the paintwork carefully restored upholstery re-done, and the plating receiving attention.

Mr. Tom Kostelecky of Littleton, Colorado purchased the car from Mr. White's estate in 1998, and soon treated the engine to a complete overhaul. When the work was completed, the Kostelecky's took the car on a 10-day, national CCCA CARavan, where the Cadillac reportedly performed faultlessly.

The current caretaker acquired the car in 2004.

The car is powered by a 346 cubic-inch L-Head V8 engine fitted with a single Two-Barrel carburetor and offering 150 horsepower. There is a 3-speed automatic transmission and 4-wheel drum brakes.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2015