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1947 Cadillac Series 62

U.S. Automobile manufacturers halted their assembly lines by February of 1942 and would not resume automobile production until peacetime resumed. The assembly lines did not remain idle for very long, as all factories were converted to manufacture war material, with most making aircraft parts or guns. Cadillac factories produced engines for tanks with the first M5 tank being delivered to the Army in April 1942 and was powered by two Cadillac V-8s with Hydra-Matic transmission, with one driving each tank. During the war, Cadillac built six types of tanks and gun carriers, and roughly 12,000 fighting vehicles were assembled by the time hostilities came to a close in 1945.

After the war, Cadillac resumed the production of passenger cars advertised as 'battle powered' with 'victory' engines. Having produced engines during the war, Cadillac had an advantage when automobile manufacturing was allowed to resume. The first 1946 Cadillac model, completed on October 17th of 1945, was one of the earliest offered by GM since the end of the war. The 1946 Cadillac engines were the same 346 cubic-inch displacement as the pre-war powerplants and rated at the same 150 horsepower. Many internal parts, including the Hydra-Matic transmission, had been re-engineered for great reliability and strength as a result of the wartime experience.

The 1946 models were carry-over models from the pre-war 1942s. The 1947s were introduced that January and were only mildly freshened versions of the 1946s, costing about $200 more than the previous year's models. Additional brightwork, trim changes, and updates to the grille made the 1947 models distinguishable from the previous year. In the front, the 'egg-crate' grille had one fewer horizontal bar, and the parking lights became small, round units unless optional fog lamps were ordered. The 1946 rear fender shields were rubber, while the 1947 models were made of stainless steel. Another noticeable feature included the large, optional 'sombrero' wheel covers. These quickly became popular with hot rodders and Cadillac owners, and they remained on the parts list into the 1950s.

In 1947, Hydra-Lectric window lifts became standard equipment on the Series 75 Fleetwoods and Series 62 Convertible, which was the only soft-top. Cadillac produced 6,755 convertibles in 1947 helping the company's total sales of 61,926 surpass Packard, making them the best-selling American luxury car that year by nearly 11,000 units.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Coupe

Designed by Harley Earl, the Series 62 convertible coupe was the only open-bodied Cadillac in 1947 and was one of the company's most popular post-war models.

The Series 62 convertible coupe featured a sleek, notchback style, characterizing the racy look of the 1947 line-up. New features included stainless stone shields, door skins that were flush with the rocker panels, individual window moldings, and front and rear window ventipanes.

Standard equipment on the Series 62 convertible coupe included automatic window lifts, bullet-shaped front and rear fenders, and ***** Cadillac insignia. Optional items included fog lights, white sidewall discs, a safety spotlight, and a fender-mounted antenna. All 1947 Cadillacs were powered by the 150 horsepower, 346 cubic-inch V-8 power plant.

Convertible Coupe

The Dream of Post-War America

In practical terms, the 1947 Cadillacs were a continuation of the post-war 1946's, which themselves dated back to the trend-setting pre-war 1941's. However, Cadillac was so far ahead that the 1947s were still more modern and sophisticated than anything else on the road. The refinement of the 346 V-8 engine continued with hardened ball seats and by now, the engine and Hydra-Matic transmission had been battle-tested in WWII M-5 tanks and could be literally said to be bulletproof.

This convertible coupe is one of only 6,755 to be produced in 1947 and was handsomely equipped with an array of luxury options. This eye-catching Caddy was equipped with complicated hydro-electric window lifts, power seats, a power top, a full leather interior, Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, deluxe radio, an under-seat heater, fog lights, white walls, and windshield washers.

Clearly, this red convertible is a perfect expression of the hopes and dreams of a prosperous post-WWII America.

Convertible Coupe
Chassis number: A8454487
Engine number: 8454487

This Cadillac Series 62 Convertible is from the Malcolm Pray collection. It has received a body-off restoration which was completed in the late 1980s. In 1989, with owner Doug Ronning, it won a First Place in the Primary division at the Pennsylvania Grand Classic, scoring 99.5 points and being awarded badge number 1418. In 1990, it won in the Senior division at a New Jersey Grand Classic, scoring 99.5 points, and in 1992, it won again in the Premier division at a Pennsylvania Grand Classic, scoring 99 points. Ronning sold the car in 1992 to John McMullen, and it was acquired from him by Mr. Pray in the mid-1990s.

Since the restoration was completed, the car has been driven just 493 miles. The body is finished in the original color of Madeira Maroon, with matching leather, tan whipcord door panels, and a tan canvas top with a matching cover. Special equipment found on the car includes the Hydra-Matic transmission, a spotlight, dual side mirrors, a dashboard clock, a radio, a heater, and a power top. The wheels are covered by 'sombrero' hubcaps and ride on authentic Firestone wide whitewalls.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Coupe

This 1947 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible is powered by a 346 cubic-inch flathead V8 engine which did four years of tank duty in World War II. Production in 1947 was 6,245 units at a starting price of $2,902.

Convertible Coupe
Chassis number: 8449667

Cadillac resumed civilian automobile production in October of 1945. The cars of the post-War era benefited from the company's considerable wartime experience, which included the production of some 12,0000 M-5 light tanks and motorized gun carriers. The Cadillac V8 engines had the same displacement and horsepower ratings as their prewar counterparts. Many of the internal parts were improved for greater strength and reliability, thanks in part to the knowledge gained during wartime. Another wartime improvement was the Hydra-Matic automatic transmission.

This car has been given a body-on-frame restoration to factory-original specifications. The hydraulic cylinders for both the power-operated convertible top and windows have been replaced.

In 2010, this Series 62 was offered for sale at RM Auctions 'Automobiles of Amelia Island' sale in Amelia Island, Florida. The car was estimated to sell for $60,000 - $80,000 and was offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car has been sold for the sum of $49,500, inclusive of the buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Sedan

Designed by legendary General Motors design chief Harley Earl, the Series 62 sedan was one of the company's most popular post-war models.

The Series 62 featured the sleek, notchback style, characterizing the racy look of the 1947 line-up. New features included stainless stone shields, door skins that were flush with the rocker panels, individual window moldings and front and rear window ventipanes.

Standard equipment on the Series 62 included automatic window lifts, bullet-shaped front and rear fenders and ***** Cadillac insignia. Optional items included fog lights, white sidewall discs, a safety spotlight, and a fender-mounted antenna. All 1947 Cadillacs were powered by the company's 150 horsepower, 346 cubic-inch V-8 power plant.

Sedanette Fastback

All domestic automobile production ceased during World War II as manufacturing plants converted to building wartime tanks, aircraft, and other much-needed military goods. As hostilities came to a close in 1945, auto assembly lines resumed building cars at breakneck speed with the 1946 model year. The 1946-47 Cadillacs received on minor styling facelift and were to a large extent the same design as the pre-war 1942 models.

This vehicle is an original, unrestored auto that was officially called a Series 62 Sedanette, but was more commonly referred to as a Cadillac Streamlined Fastback Coupe.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Coupe

The Cadillac series 62 was introduced in 1940 to replace the mid-size Series 70. It rode on a 129-inch wheelbase chassis and was powered by a 346 cubic-inch flathead V8 engine which did four years of tank duty in World War II. Production in 1947 was 6,245 units at a starting price of $2,902.

This Convertible Coupe was restored in 1992 by a previous owner and careful maintenance allows it to look great two decades later.

Convertible Coupe

Designed by legendary General Motors design chief Harley Earl, the Series 62 coupe was one of the company's most popular post-war models.

The Series 62 coupe featured a sleek, notchback style, characterizing the racy look of the 1947 line-up. New features included stainless stone shields, door skins that were flush with the rocker panels, individual window moldings and front and rear window ventipanes.

Standard equipment on the Series 62 coupe included automatic window lifts, bullet-shaped front and rear fenders and ***** Cadillac insignia. Optional items included fog lights, sidewall discs, a safety spotlight, and a fender-mounted antenna. All 1947 Cadillacs were powered by the company's 150 horsepower, 346 cubic-inch V-8 power plant.

Convertible Coupe
Engine number: 6403877

The current owners of this Cadillac acquired it in 1987, sometime after the restored car earned its National First Place honors from the Antique Automobile Club of America. It is finished in Antoinette Blue paint and is well-equipped with full 'sombrero' wheel covers, windshield-mounted Cadillac spotlights, a backup lamp, an AM radio, power windows, a power top, and rear fender skirts.

Club Coupe
Chassis number: 8459515

The 1947 Cadillac Series 62 Club Coupe, also known as the Sedanette, first appeared in 1941 and sold as a 1942 model. Many other marques and divisions copied this beautiful design with its jet aged inspired swooping rear end. This fastback style was Cadillac's best-selling two-door model with 7,245 examples being produced.

The Torpedo-bodied Series 62 were popular with the racing community who readily adapted performance modification to the already potent 346 cubic-inch 8-cylinder engine. The price tag of $2446 meant that it was affordable for most households. The two doors gave the vehicle a sporty appeal but the roomy interior meant it was versatile, capable of carrying passengers in comfort.

The Series 62 sat atop a wheelbase that had a length of 220 inches, which was five inches longer than the Series 61 and four less than the Fleetwood Sixty Special. The Series 62 was the middle of the line in the Cadillac lineup and their high-volume performer.

The Cadillac Sedanettes can trace their history and heritage back to the Cadillac Aerodynamic Coupes shown at the 1933 Chicago Century of Progress world's fair.

This vehicle is powered by a V8 Cadillac engine that displaces 425 cubic inches and produces 180 horsepower. There is a GM Turbo-Hydramatic 400 automatic transmission and a 129-inch wheelbase. There are front-wheel disc brakes, air conditioning, cruise control, radial tires, and a Kenwood sound system. All of these options were fitted at a later date and not original to the vehicle.

This 1947 Cadillac Series 62 Sedanette was offered for sale at the 2007 Monterey Sports & Classic Car Auction presented by RM Auctions, where it had an estimated value of $90,000 - $110,000. It was offered without reserve. It left the auction under new ownership, having been sold for $51,700 including buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Coupe
Chassis number: 8421789
Engine number: 8421789

Cadillac produced 6,755 Convertible cars in 1947 and helped the company's total sales of 61,926 surpass Packard, making them the best-selling American luxury car of that year.

This car was originally delivered to Chicago and purchased by the current owner in the late 1980s or early 1990s by the current owner. At the time of purchase, the car was in driver-quality condition. In the mid-2000s, the car was given a comprehensive body-on restoration including having the engine rebuilt. The car was returned to the original color of Belden Blue, and the piping for the new beige canvas top was dyed to match the body. Inside there is cloth upholstery.

The car is equipped with a Hydra-Matic transmission, a power top, power windows, a working radio, a heater, windshield washers, backup lights, a driver's spotlight and mirror, and rear fender skirts. There are whitewall tires, red wheels, and sombrero wheel covers.

The car has earned Best in Class at the Greenwich Concours d'Elegance and at Rhinebeck, New York. It scored 99.25 points at the 2004 CCCA Grand Classic in New Jersey, and it won Best in Class at the Fairfield County Concours Grand Classic in Weston, Connecticut, in 2011.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Coupe

This Cadillac Convertible Coupe was built in Detroit. It was delivered new to California on July 3rd of 1947. The original invoice was $2,326.39. The original mileage is 76,000.

Convertible Coupe
Chassis number: 8432566
Engine number: 8402282

This Convertible was delivered new through the Capital Cadillac Company of Washington D.C. It came equipped with the optional Hydra-Matic transmission, AM radio with aerial, automatic under-dash heater, and fog lights. Currently, it is powered by a 1946 engine, believed to have been installed several years ago. In the early 1980s, it was given a complete restoration, and it was a National First Prize winner in both AACA and Cadillac-LaSalle Club competitions. The exterior is finished in a period-correct metallic blue finish. The interior is upholstered - as original - in cloth which was a rarely seen option. The odometer shows 1,050 miles which are believed to be the distance covered since restoration.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Coupe

The Series 62 was produced by Cadillac from 1940 through 1964. Originally designed to replace the entry-level Series 65, it would be known as the Cadillac Series 6200 in 1959 and remained that until it was renamed the Calais for the 1965 model year. The Series 62 was also marketed as the Sixty-Two and the Series Sixty-Two.

In 1946, the Series 62 used GM's C-body platform, shared with the Cadillac Sixty Special, the Buick Super and Roadmaster, and the Oldsmobile 98.

Little changed in the 1947 model year. Sales, however, reached a record of 39,835 units, accounting for over 64% of all Cadillacs sold. The Series 62 convertible was the only drop-top Cadillac in 1947 and production reached 6,755 units.

This convertible has been restored to its original glory in the color known as French Grey.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Coupe

All domestic auto factories ceased production of passenger cars by February 1942 and were converted to manufacture war materials. Cadillac produced tank engines and delivered the first tank to the Army in April 1942. Cadillac division built six types of tanks and gun carriers which totaled 12,000 fighting vehicles by the time the war ended in 1945.

When Cadillac resumed production of passenger cars after World War II, it advertised them as 'Battle Powered' with 'Victory' engines. They continued with the Cadillac 62 which was first produced in 1941. The 1946 and 1947 models used the same body shell as the 1941 models with minimal styling changes. Stone guards came out in more attractive stainless steel and the block lettering on the front fenders changed to script. Crests on the hood and decklid were modified. The most popular options were the Cadillac AM radio and the 'sombrero' style wheel covers. The series 62 Convertible was the only open model that Cadillac offered in 1947 and a total of 6,755 were produced.

Convertible Coupe
Engine number: 8456799

The 1947 Cadillac models were largely carry-over designs from pre-war 1942 models except for minor detail and trim changes. Demand in the industry was high and manufacturers struggled to keep pace with the ferocious appetite of the car-buying community. While new cars were being developed, existing designs were put into service. By the end of the 1947 year, Cadillac had 96,000 unfilled orders and outsold Packard for the second time in history.

6,755 examples of the Series 62 Cadillac convertible coupe were built in 1947 and were the marque's sole convertible offering. Standard equipment included Hydro-electric window lifts, power top, and leather interior trim. The 'sombrero' wheel covers were used for the first time.

This particular example was originally shipped to Randall Cadillac Corporation in Brooklyn, New York, on 17 December 1947 and eventually purchased by its prior owner in British Columbia in 1981 in good condition, having been stored for some time. It was later given a body-off restoration that brought it back to its original (per firewall trim tag) configuration. The car was stripped to bare metal and finished in its correct Madeira Maroon with a contrasting tan canvas roof and matching two-tone maroon and tan leather interior.

This car has an under-seat heater, four manuals, a wiring diagram, jack, wrench, spare tire, and Hydramatic transmission. t is the recipient of an AACA First Junior award in 2001, a Senior award in 2002, a Grand National award in 2004, and Repeat Preservation in 2014, as well as a CCCA Premier First award in 2016.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Coupe
Engine number: 4825472

Cadillac introduced its 1947 models in January of that year and were mildly updated 1947 models, themselves a modest refreshed version of the pre-war 1942s. Styling updates included changes to the grille and trim, along with more brightwork. The prior rear rubber fender shields were now made of stainless steel, the 'egg create' grille now had one fewer horizontal bars, and parking lights became small round units, unless optional fog lamps were ordered . The large optional 'sombrero-style' wheel covers received their name for their visual similarity to the iconic Mexican hat, with their deep-dish brim and a raised center section with red Cadillac crest.

The Series 62 Convertible and the Series 75 Fleetwoods now came with standard Hydro-Lectric windows.

This 1947 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible Coupe originally wore an El Paso Beige Metallic exterior with a black convertible top and tan Bedford Cord and red leather interior. Following a restoration, the car currently wears a year-appropriate Cadillac Series 62 color of Madeira Maroon with a tan convertible power top and tan leather interior.

This Cadillac received its AACA Senior National First Prize in 2000, followed by its AACA Grand National First Prize in 2001. It still wears AACA badge number W12602. In 2009, the car was shown at the Salisbury House Concours in Des Moines, Iowa.

Bill Boucher acquired the car from James 'Bud' and Ruth Elrod of Ankeny, Iowa.

by Dan Vaughan

The Harley Earl designed Cadillac Series 62 was a very large vehicle that featured a large, 6,390 cc (390 cubic inches) 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 body styles.

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 headlights would turn on at dusk and were 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.

by Dan Vaughan