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1940 Cadillac Series 72

Cadillac introduced its largest, most exclusive, expensive, and powerful range of models during the Great Depression era, along with a companion marque named LaSalle that - unintentionally - siphoned sales away from Cadillac. The vast resources of the General Motor corporation allowed Cadillac to persevere during economic hardships.

LaSalle sales had consistently exceeded Cadillac's since 1933, however, management decided to discontinue the brand after 1940 as Cadillac's reputation was better established. In anticipation of Lasalle's departure, and with Cadillac management apparently confident that the Great Depression was in its waning days, the 1940 line was broad and bold. Cadillac's catalog listed over forty body styles across six series, one of which was the new Series 72, a smaller companion to the Series 75, the top-of-the-line V-8-powered models coachbuilt by Fleetwood. Many of the Series 75's formal sedan and limousine body styles were available on the Series 72, but on a chassis that was three inches shorter (at 138 inches). External differences and changes were limited to unique high-mounted taillights. The recirculating ball steering was tested on the Series 72 for 1940 and installed on all Cadillac models for 1941.

All 1940 Cadillac vehicles were powered by an L-head, eight-cylinder engine with a 346 cubic-inch displacement, hydraulic valve lifters, three main bearings, and a Stromberg carburetor. The Series 62 and Series 60S had 6.25:1 compression and developed 135 horsepower at 3,400 RPM, while the 6.7:1 compression of the Series 72 and Series 75 brought horsepower to 140 bhp. All models were equipped with a three-speed selective synchromesh manual transmission with a single disc clutch and gearshift controls on the column (for left-hand drive configuration). Hydraulic four-wheel drum brakes provided the stopping power, and the suspension was independent in the front with coil springs and a live axle in the back with semi-elliptic springs.

Body styles included a five- and seven-passenger touring sedan priced at $2,670 and $2,790 respectively. The Imperial Sedan with seating for seven was $2,915, and both the five- and seven-passenger Formal Sedan were nearly $3,700. The nine-passenger business touring sedan listed for $2,690 while the 9-passenger business touring Imperial tipped the scales at $2,830.

The combined 1,525 units of the Series 72 built in 1940 accounted for approximately twelve percent of Cadillac's total production. The Series 72 did not return for 1941, making it a 'one-year wonder' that was not repeated past its inaugural season.

Cadillac brought back the Series 61 designation to help supplement the price scale lost with LaSalle's departure. The Series 63, offered solely as a touring sedan, was also new to the lineup, joining the SEries 60S, Series 62, Series 67, and Series 75. The Series 67 wearing Fisher sedan bodies on the longest wheelbase (of 139 inches), served as a replacement for the Series 72. Fisher bodies were also applied to Series 61, Series 62, and Series 63. The Series 75 and Series 60S wore Fleetwood bodies.

by Dan Vaughan

Formal Sedan by Fleetwood
Chassis number: 7321351
Engine number: 7321351

In 1940, Cadillac offered six series with over 40 body styles divided between them. The Series 72, which rested on a 138-inch wheelbase (2nd largest in the line-up) was available in six body styles plus an additional two 9-passenger business body styles. The appearance of the Series 72 was similar to that of the upscale Series 75, though the Series 72 was three inches shorter. External changes were limited to high-mounted taillights. A mechanical change was the recirculating ball steering. Powering the Series 72 was an overhead valve V8 engine displacing 346 cubic inches and offering 140 horsepower. They had a three-speed manual transmission and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.

The Series 72 was a one-year-only option.

This 1940 Cadillac Series 72 is a large, seven-passenger Formal Sedan with coachwork by Fleetwood. It is one of a believed 18 produced, and it is one of two known examples, of which this is the only running and driving survivor. The car's original owner was See's Candy family in California. The car still wears its original Cavern Green lacquer, its 'Vogue pattern' tan broadcloth interior, and a padded leather roof covering. The bumpers have been re-plated and the rest of the chrome appears to be in original and excellent condition.

The odometer shows 68,000 miles with the majority of those acquired during its original owners. The car enjoyed 40 years of chauffeured care with those owners.

by Dan Vaughan

The Cadillac Series 75 was the marque's flagship V8 from 1936 onwards, though the lower-priced series easily outsold it. Production of the full-size V8 powered Cadillac's would continue from the 1930s through the 1950s. It served as a replacement for the outgoing 355-D and was introduced around the same time as the less-expensive Series 60 model. Outwardly, the Series 80, including the 85, were similar in appearance with the main difference being underhood. The Series 80/85 featured a V12 engine while the Series 70/75 had a V8. The V8 produced 135 horsepower while the V12's output was 150 hp.

In 1941, the short wheelbase Series 70 was replaced by the Series 62 and the long-wheelbase Series 75 was integrated into the Fleetwood line. Cadillac would continue the '75' name until the mid-1960s.

The V8 Series 70 of the mid-1930s were powered by a Monoblock V8 engine that displaced 346 cubic-inches and produced 135 horsepower. A total of 5,248 examples were sold in 1936. There were three body-styles available for the Series 70 from 1936 through 1937 consisting of a 131-inch wheelbase for the 36-70, a 138-inch version of the 36-75 and a large 156-inch platform for the 36-75 Commercial version.

There was a wide variety of body-styles to select from and all wore badges of Cadillac's in-house coachbuilder Fleetwood. The list ranged from two-passenger coupes to seven-passenger town cars with 14 cataloged styles offered.

The Fleetwood Metal Body Company had a history that dated back to 1905 when they were formed in Fleetwood, Pennsylvania. During their early years, some of their best customers were Packard, Pierce-Arrow, and Cadillac. Lawrence Fisher, head of GM's Fisher Body Company and later president of Cadillac was pleased with Fleetwood's coach-building work and felt the union between the two companies was appropriate. The company was purchased by Cadillac in 1925 and the sales and design offices were moved to Detroit. Additional plants were built in Pennsylvania for body production and Fleetwood continued to accept body-requests from non-GM companies.

A Fleetwood plant was built in 1929 in Detroit, adjacent to the Fisher Body facility, and by 1931 all production had migrated to this location. Later, the production was absorbed by General Motors Art & Colour and Fisher Body. The Fleetwood name persisted for many decades, often referring to limited and low-production styles.

In 1939 the Cadillac V8 models were given a new frontal look with a matching textured grille. On either side were two side grilles. The engine still displaced 346 cubic-inches but further tuning had increased the horsepower output and its compression.

The Series 72 was a Fleetwood car that rode on a shorter, 138-inch wheelbase.

Production ceased during the Second World War and resumed in 1946. When it did, the Series 75 became Cadillac's largest model offered; now riding on a 136-inch wheelbase. The 346 L-head V8 engine was the same as was most of its basic styling. Just like most other automakers, a 'new' model would not be introduced for several years.

For the Series 75, this did not occur until 1950. It had a 146.7-inch wheelbase with seating for seven. Engine options included a 346- and 365-cubic-inch V8.

The wheelbase size was again increased by 1954, now measuring 149.8 inches. To carry the extra weight Cadillac increased the horsepower to 230. The following year it rose again to 250 hp, with an optional dual-four barrel carburetor version offered that produced 270 horsepower. 1956 saw another increase in horsepower, now ranging from 285 to just over 300.

Another restyling occurred in 1957 and would remain until 1965. By now, the name '75' had all but disappeared. Horsepower hovered around the 300 to 325 range depending on the engine and the setup. The long version of the Fleetwood became known as the Series 6700 in accordance with the new Cadillac naming scheme.

by Dan Vaughan