1940 Cadillac Series 62

The 1940 Cadillac model lineup included the Series 60 Special Fleetwood resting on a 127-inch wheelbase, the Fisher Series 62 on a 129-inch wheelbase, the Fleetwood Series 72 on a 138-inch platform, and the Series 75 on a 141-inch wheelbase. This was the final year for the large, expensive, and luxurious Sixteen Series 90 on a 141-inch wheelbase. Prices ranged from $1,745 for the 'entry-level' Series 62 and rose to over $7,000 for the sixteen-cylinder Series 90.

The previous entry-level Series 61 was replaced for 1940 with the new Series 62, resting on a three-inch longer wheelbase and sharing the bodies of the lower-priced LaSalle, then in its final year of production. This was the final year for the running boards, and deleting them was a no-cost option. The side-mounted spares were an extra-cost feature. Standard equipment included sealed beam headlights and turning indicators.

Styling on the Series 62 included a slanted windshield, curved rear window, and chrome window reveals. The 'projectile' or 'torpedo' body-styling of the previous year continued into 1940, and the grille was slightly revised with fewer bars of bolder, more substantial design, and the introduction of a pair of louver bars on the side panels of the hood. The distinctive bullet-shaped headlamps were reminiscent of the classic 1930s, yet the flowing body without running boards was thoroughly modern.

Body styles on the Series 62 included a five-passenger sedan, a coupe, and a convertible coupe. Besides the sixteen-cylinder model, all 1940 Cadillacs were powered by an L-head 346 cubic-inch eight-cylinder engine with hydraulic valve lifters, 6.25:1 compression, and delivering 135 horsepower (the Series 72 and 75 had slightly more power, rated at 140 hp). The engine inlet manifold was set at a five-degree angle to cancel its rearward tilt and gave a more balanced fuel supply. With a unitized block and crankcase, three main bearings with counterweights, and a two-barrel downdraft carburetor, it was reliable and exceptionally smooth. The engine was backed by a three-speed selective synchromesh transmission with a single disc clutch, gearshift controls on the column, and Hypoid gears. Hydraulic drum brakes were located at all four corners.

The coupe listed for $1,685, the Touring Sedan with seating for five had a base price of $1,745, followed by the convertible coupe with seating for two priced at nearly $2,000. The convertible sedan was the most expensive Series 62, with a base price of nearly $2,200.

The 5,903 examples of the Cadillac Series 62 accounted for approximately 45-percent of Cadillac's total 1940 production.

by Dan Vaughan

Touring Sedan by Fisher

1940 was to be a year of beginnings and endings at Cadillac. The Series 62 represented one of the beginnings. The new 'Torpedo' bodies used were a very modern, clean design clearly drawing an influence from the Sixty Special Cadillac of the last two years - no belt moldings and sweptback windshield were key features. Yet this car also carries side-mount spare tires, an extra cost option, and the last year they were offered by Cadillac.

Sealed beam headlights, which greatly improved night visibility, became standard equipment while running boards were still offered as an option.

The Model 62 was powered by a 346 cubic-inch V8 engine delivering 135 horsepower. It rested on a 129-inch platform and was fitted with four-wheel hydraulic brakes. In total, Cadillac produced 5903 examples in four body styles, including a touring sedan, convertible coupe and sedan, and a coupe.

Running boards on the Series 62 were a no-cost option.

Convertible Coupe by Fisher

Some of Cadillac's most important engineering developments, and some of its most beautiful cars, appeared in the 1940s.

The engine of this automobile, with its advanced hydraulic valve lifters, is a 90-degree, L-head (flathead), 8-cylinder with a 3.50x4.50 bore and stroke, and a displacement of 346 cubic-inch, producing 135 horsepower. This engine was a favorite in tanks during World War II and continued to serve Cadillac thru 1948.

1940 was the beginning of Cadillac's 'torpedo' body styling and advancements such as sealed beam headlights and turn signal indicators.

This automobile was purchased by the owner in 1963. The original cost of this luxury automobile was $1,795.00.

Convertible Victoria by Bohman & Schwartz

This spectacular Cadillac is the result of the creative efforts of one of Southern California's most famous coach-building firms, Bohman & Schwartz, which created custom cars for much of Hollywood's 'royalty.' The special cut-down door treatment clearly made this car unique.

It features a Vee windshield, and the body is sectioned 4 inches, with cut-down doors and full fender skirts.

The car rides on a 129-inch chassis and is powered by a 346 cubic-inch V8 engine developing 135 horsepower.

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