1941 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible Coupe Deluxe

The 1941 Cadillac Convertible coupe is one of the most desired Cadillacs ever built; few of the 3,100 manufactured remain today. Buyers at the time would walk right by a Rolls-Royce or Mercedes-Benz - or a Packard - if they could have a Cadillac instead. Indeed, Cadillac boasted in 1941 that 'In the field above two-thousand dollars, approximately two-thirds of all motorists make Cadillac their choice.' Buyers knew that Cadillac was a solid, reliable, and beautiful car that would arouse the envy of their neighbors - and it was American in the best sense of the word.

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 Cadillacs 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

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2006