conceptcarz.com

1941 Cadillac Series 62

1941 was another record sales year for Cadillac, with total output topping 66,000 vehicles, exceeding any previous year by 20,000 units, and trailing rival Packard by only 7,000 cars. Of those, just 400 were model 62290, the convertible sedan. This was the last year that General Motors produced a convertible sedan in any of its model lines.

The convertible sedan was priced at $1,965, and rode on a 126-inch wheelbase, making them the most expensive model in the Cadillac 62 Series. All 1941 Cadillacs were powered by a 346 cubic inch V8, with increased compression, that produced 150 horsepower. New for 1940 was Cadillac's use of the fully shiftless Hydra-Matic transmission. The Hydra-Matic, originally developed by Oldsmobile in 1939, became a staple of the line until 1949. This combination produces a 0-60 mph time of 14 seconds and a top speed of approximately 100 mph.

The 1941 Cadillac models wore GM Styling by Harley Earl and Bill Mitchell, and were a departure from the past in terms of styling, with the old upright, V-shaped radiator grille replaced by the horizontal 'egg-crate' grille treatment. Conceived by Art Ross, this design element was brought to Earl's attention by Bill Mitchell, his eventual hand-picked successor. Additional 1941 Cadillac features included the fender-mounted headlamps and larger taillights that concealed the fuel filler.

Another change for 1941 was the adoption of a single-engine philosophy for 1941 and beyond. Cadillac's L-head V8 engine displaced 346 cubic inches and, with the help of a compression increase, raised output to 150 horsepower and made them capable of 100 mph. It was powerful, smooth, and had nearly silent operation. The independent front underpinnings offered excellent ride and handling qualities. A wider model range was offered for 1941 Cadillacs along six distinct lines ranging from the entry-level Series 61, which replaced the former LaSalle marque, to the Sixty Special, Series 63 four-door Sedan, the long-wheelbase Series 67, and Fleetwood-bodied Series 75.

The Series 62 was versatile and forward-looking with body styles that included a coupe, touring sedan, convertible coupe, and convertible sedan.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Coupe Deluxe by Fisher

Landmark Styling on a Rare Convertible Coupe

Cadillac styling was all new for 1941 and featured a lower, more modern, horizontal look with integrated headlights. The 41's were clean, elegant and made tasteful use of generous quantities of chrome trim and accents. Cadillac had established itself as the styling leader in the 1930s and continued to produce cars that featured inspired styling.

The 1941 Cadillac evolved themes first found on the landmark design on the 1938 Sixty-Special designed by famed GM designer Bill Mitchell. The 1941 was the first to use the famous Cadillac egg-crate grill; it also featured a 'coffin' style hood and integrated 'torpedo' styled body. This landmark year in Cadillac styling cemented Cadillac's role as an unquestioned advanced styling leader.

Among the most desirable of the 1941 Series 62's are the convertible coupes, and despite Cadillac reaching an all-time sales high of 66,130 units, few remain of the 3,100 produced.

Making this example even more sought after is the rare $125 fully automatic transmission option, which was available for the first time ever on a luxury automobile. It is also equipped with a powered-operated top which made use of a series of vacuum-operated cylinders, a major improvement over the hand operated tops of the past.

Convertible Coupe Deluxe by Fisher

1941 was a banner year for Cadillac with nineteen different models to offer, in six series. All of the series received new styling that set a pattern for Cadillac for years to come. They were available with Hydro-Matic transmissions for the first time. This lovely maroon convertible coupe was bodied by Fleetwood. It has a 349 cubic-inch V8 that produces 150 horsepower. The car has achieved AACA Senior National First Place status.

Convertible Coupe Deluxe by Fisher

Cadillac Motor Car Company, of Detroit, MI, first produced cars in 1903. In 1915 Cadillac introduced the V-8 engine which has continued through to the present day. The 346 cubic-inch engine was noted for its durability and was used in tank engines during World War II. The body on this convertible coupe is by Fisher Body Company, established in 1908, which is best known by its carriage logo and 'Body by Fisher'. The 62 Series was available in a five-passenger touring sedan, a four-passenger coupe, a convertible coupe, and a convertible sedan. This is a totally unrestored automobile with 61,000 miles from new. It was originally delivered to Seattle, WA.

Convertible Sedan Deluxe by Fisher

The Depression was coming to a close as the US produced war materials for the rest of the world.

In 1941 GM restyled the 'C-Body' cars of Olds, Buick, and Cadillac to include more chrome accents on grills, hoods, bumpers, and deck lids. These changes along with a greatly improved economy allowed Cadillac to set impressive sales records of 66,130 units. This sales record stood until 1949.

Cadillac only made 400 of these four-door convertibles. Convertible Sedans would not again be marketed by General Motors.

Convertible Coupe Deluxe by Fisher

With the 1941 Cadillac, Harley Earl unquestionably established Cadillac as the American-style leader. The bold and fresh styling made the 1941 a standout from its first showing. The smoothly sculpted body sparkled with chrome accents that enhanced its flowing lines. At the front, a domed hood capped a new 'egg-crate' grille - a design attribute that continues to signify Cadillac style and quality on even the newest models from GM's premier luxury division.

A total of 66,130 Cadillacs were sold in 1941, more than in any previous year.

The Cadillac Series 62 line consisted of just four models: Coupe, Sedan, Convertible Coupe, and Convertible Sedan. Other 1941 Cadillacs included the new Series 61 fastback coupe and sedan styles, the 1941 version of the much coveted and often copied Sixty Special, and the large Series 75 limousines. All were powered by a 150-horsepower L-head V8 displacing 346 cubic inches. A General Motors 4-speed Hydra-Matic transmission was optional for the first time.

The Series 62 Convertible Coupe is one of the truly iconic cars of its era, although just 3,100 were originally built. The factory list price was $1,645.

This example was obtained by the collector owner in 1970 and kept in storage until 2007 when it was treated to a full restoration.

Convertible Coupe Deluxe by Fisher

The Cadillac Series 62 had an independent front suspension with coil springs and semi-elliptic rear leaf springs. The 129-inch wheelbase used a channel-section X-frame setup. In the front was Cadillac's wide egg crate grille with outboard-mounted headlamps. The running boards were integrated into the body. The V8 engine displaced 346 cubic inches and offered 150 horsepower. There was a Hydra-Matic transmission that was introduced on this car.

In September of 1940, Cadillac introduced its series 62 at a base price of $1724.50.

The current owner of this Convertible purchased it many years ago and has used it as a daily driver for over 25 years. An extensive restoration was completed in 2009.

Convertible Coupe Deluxe by Fisher

1941 was considered a banner year for Cadillac. Styling was all-new, 19 different models were available, the first automatic transmission was offered and sales set records at over 66,000 cars. This was also the last year GM produced a convertible sedan of any kind. The brand enjoyed a solid reputation for being one of the best and most beautiful cars on the market. About 3,100 convertible coupes were built.

Having eliminated the V16 and given up on the LaSalle, Cadillac felt the need for only one engine, a 349 cubic-inch, overhead-valve V8 producing about 150 horsepower. The same engine continued in production during World War II and was used in tanks.

This 1941 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible Coupe was sold new in New York. The owner's uncle acquired the car in the early 1970s, but after one year parked it in his garage for the next three decades. The current owner purchased this car in the early 2000s and did a frame-off restoration.

Among the features of this Cadillac are automatic transmission, leather interior, Cadillac spotlight, fog lights, backup light, and power convertible top. Running boards were now concealed.

The 1941 Cadillac had a massive front end with a dramatic horizontal eggcrate grille and integrated headlights. They were the first luxury marque to offer the Hydramatic automatic transmission and was also available with air conditioning for the first time.

The Series 62 rode on a 126-inch wheelbase and was powered by a 346 cubic-inch L-head V8 engine offering 150 horsepower. The convertible coupe sold for $1,645 and 3,1000 were sold.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Coupe Deluxe by Fisher
Chassis number: 58353088

The Cadillac Series 62 was introduced in 1941 and was available in a variety of body styles. This convertible has been given a comprehensive restoration which has earned it an AACA national Senior Award and a CCCA badge. The car is painted Ocean Blue with matching blue upholstery with light brown carpeting that complements the Bakelite steering wheel and trompe l'oeil dashboard treatment.

In 2011, the car was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction held in Amelia Island, Florida where it was estimated to sell for $100,000 - $130,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $77,000 inclusive of the buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Coupe Deluxe by Fisher

Led by the design genius of Bill Mitchell, 1941 was a record year for Cadillac, with sales topping 66,000 units. The two-passenger convertible coupes accounted for 3,100 of those units. The 4,035-pound vehicles were powered by Cadillac's 150 horsepower V8 and were priced at $1,645.

The owner spent six years restoring this Cadillac, completing the restoration in June 2010. Since then, it has logged 3,000 miles. This car also has extra equipment, such as fog lights, backup lights, radio, windshield washer, and day/night rearview mirror.

Convertible Sedan Deluxe by Fisher
Chassis number: 8346299

In 1941, Cadillac gave their Series 62 models a new and distinctive egg crate grille. They were given an enclosed horizontal valance that enclosed the space between the body and the front bumper. Another change was the front fender wind-split creases that began at the headlamps and extended horizontally back along each side of the body. The headlights were incorporated into the fenders. Most models received rear-wheel shields along with three horizontal chrome spears on the front fenders.

This would be Cadillac's last convertible sedan. The artisans at Fisher and Fleetwood created the convertible sedan by applying several modifications to the sedan. The upper portion of the rear doors was shortened by seven inches, the rear quarters (above the dogleg) were extended seven inches and were buttressed with flat-bar steel to accommodate and support the top assembly, and the B- and C-pillars were supported by brawny, steel braces. Frames were substantially strengthened, and the windshields were three inches lower. In total, just 400 examples of the Convertible Sedan were produced in 1941.

This example is finished in dark green with matching green/tan leather upholstery and interior trim, and with green carpets. It is a CCCA Senior National First Prize and AACA National First Prize winner. It wears an older restoration which still shows well in modern times. The tan convertible top is piped with green, and there is a matching tan cloth boot. The car is equipped with a vacuum-operated power top, heater, radio, defroster, clock, driver's remotely operated spotlight, and the rear fender skirts emblazoned with the Cadillac logo. There is a three-speed manual transmission and whitewall radial tires.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Coupe Deluxe by Fisher

With the Great Depression still exerting its grip on the economy and the prospect of war looking increasingly inevitable, America was understandably apprehensive in 1941. Nevertheless, the model year was Cadillac's best ever. Sales approached 60,000 cars, thanks in part to the sleeker styling that began appearing in 1939, and also to the 1940 demise of LaSalle, the GM luxury brand that overlapped Cadillac sales turf. Convertibles made up a small part of Cadillac's lineup - there were just two, both from the 62 Series - but they continued to be head-turners for the brand.

At some point after its April 1941 delivery to a Cincinnati dealer, the car was given a custom treatment that included a dip at the upper edge of the doors, a top modified to complement the door dip, the removal of the chrome spears adorning the body sides, and special paint. The current owner acquired the convertible from his father's estate in 2011 and is convinced that the custom treatment was the work of Howard A. 'Dutch' Darrin, one of the most famous of America's coachbuilders. In particular, the owner points out the interrupted line of the upper portion of the doors, a signature design element known as the 'Darrin Dip.' Unfortunately, the current owner has not been able to find any documentation to support the Darrin connection.

Convertible Sedan Deluxe by Fisher
Chassis number: N31309034

Cadillac concentrated on a single line of V8 engines for 1941 and removed both the lower-priced LaSalle and the super-luxury V16. 1941 was also the final year in which an open four-door convertible sedan model was offered, now with the vacuum-assisted top operation.

There were only about 400 convertible sedans produced by Cadillac in 1941, out of over 24,000 Series 62 models built. Priced at $1,965, they were among the top of the Series 62 price range.

This 1941 Cadillac Series 62 Deluxe 8 Convertible Sedan (style 41-62290) was originally painted code 51 black and is currently painted in maroon. There is a tan leather upholstery with matching door panels. The odometer shows just 82 miles, likely since the restoration. It is well equipped with a clock and radio.

In 2009, this Deluxe 8 Convertible Sedan was offered for sale at the Houston Classic Auction in Seabrook, Texas, presented by Worldwide Auctioneers. The lot was estimated to sell for $85,000 - $100,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the lot had sold to a phone bidder for the sum of $75,000, plus the buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Coupe Deluxe by Fisher
Chassis number: 8362735

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 Dan Vaughan

Coupe by Fisher

1941 was the first year Cadillac offered the fully automatic transmission-HydraMatic. Cadillac led the General Motors line with a horizontal front grill motif.

This particular Cadillac was ordered with the no-cost option running boards. It is powered by a 346 cu.in engine that is capable of producing 150 horsepower.

Convertible Coupe Deluxe by Fisher

There had never been any American car like the 1941 Cadillac. Its smooth streamlined styling was both austere and audacious at the same time. Stylist Art Ross is credited with the car's broadly rectangular 'egg-crate' grille that has helped define the 'Cadillac look' ever since. This was also the first year Cadillac customers were offered a choice of either a 3-speed manual or the new fully automatic Hydra-Matic transmission.

Coupe by Fisher
Chassis number: 8349275

This 1941 Cadillac Series 62 two-door Coupe is painted in two-tone grey complemented by bright work and a set of period-correct wide whitewall tires mounted on painted steel wheels with chrome-plated hubcaps and trim rings. The interior dash has a wood grain finish and the speedometer and odometer designs are aircraft-inspired pod-style. There is a large steering wheel, a pushbutton-operated AM radio, and a clock.

In 2008, this car was brought to the 2nd Annual Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey presented by RM Auctions where it was estimated to sell for $50,000 - $60,000. Bidding reached $34,000 but was not enough to satisfy the car's reserve. The lot was left unsold.

Touring Sedan by Fisher
Chassis number: 8341103
Engine number: 203

This Five-Passenger Touring Sedan has been heavily optioned with dual spotlights, wide whitewalls, wheel trim rings, accessory bumper guards, fender skirts, a dashboard radio, and a fresh-air hot-water heater. It has a three-speed manual transmission (instead of the Hydra-Matic). The odometer shows 62,000 miles which is believed to be correct and original. It was part of the O'Quinn collection; prior to that it belonged to an Illinois Cadillac dealer, who displayed it in his showroom. There are beige cloth seats and brown carpets.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe by Fisher

This 1941 Cadillac Series 6227 Coupe is one of 1,985 of this series produced. It had an initial base price of $1,420 and wears a body by Fischer. Cadillac production in 1941 reflected a fresh design over the entire automobile line. Several 'firsts' were introduced by Cadillac in 1941. Cadillac had the first fully automatic transmission, the 4-speed 'Hydra-Matic.' Air conditioning became an option. Directional signals became standard equipment. Cadillac boasted in 1941 that 'In the field above two thousand dollars, approximately two-thirds of all motorists make Cadillac their choice.' The durable 'Mono-Bloc' V-8 engine would go to war, powering the United States Army's M-5 and M-24 tanks.

This Cadillac is an original, unrestored example. It is equipped with the following options: Fender Skirts, Radio, Deluxe Heater, Fog Lamps, Back Up Light, Windshield Washer, Running Boards, and Wheel Trim Rings.

Convertible Coupe Deluxe by Fisher
Engine number: 8345201

This Convertible Coupe wears an older restoration that is finished in black with a red leather interior. The car is equipped with the Hydra-Matic, in its first year of offering, as well as an AM radio and power top. The engine is a 90-degree L-head V8 unit with a Stromberg carburetor and produces 150 horsepower. There are hydraulic drum brakes at all four corners.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Coupe Deluxe by Fisher
Engine number: 8348371

This Series 62 Convertible Coupe wears an older professional restoration that was finished in burgundy with a matching leather interior. It has a correct tan Haartz cloth top, a three-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, Hotchkiss semi-floating rear axle, four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes, and an L-head V8 engine developing 150 horsepower. 1941 was the first year in Cadillac history that an automatic transmission was offered - a rare $125 factory option. The convertible top was raised and lowered by a vacuum-assisted cylinder, unlike previous models that had hand-operated tops.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Sedan Deluxe by Fisher
Chassis number: 8345581

This 1941 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible Sedan came into the care of its current owner in 2007 from its longtime owner in Texas, who completed a frame-off restoration in 2000. After the work was completed, it won an AACA Senior First Prize. It is equipped with Hydra-Matic transmission, a clock, and AM radio. It is finished in metallic burgundy with a tan leather interior and matching cloth top and boot. It has been upgraded with a 12-volt electrical system, power steering, a custom supplemental radiator and electric fan, radial tires, and rebuilt the brakes.

This car took part in the 2010 Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) Autumn in the Adirondacks CARavan, and a 475-mile trip between Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and Copake Falls, New York, in 2015.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Coupe Deluxe by Fisher
Engine number: 8355610

Thomas F. Derro acquired this Convertible Coupe in April of 2002. It left the factory finished in black with a red leather interior. Options included blackwall tires, running boards, wheel discs, a radio with aerial, and an automatic heater. The car was shipped to the Providence Cadillac Company on April 3rd of 1941. It has since been restored in its present color scheme of Dusty Gray with a tan leather interior. The rear springs have been lowered slightly for a sleeker look and a coil-over front suspension setup has been installed.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Sedan Deluxe by Fisher

This Cadillac Convertible Sedan has been given a 12-year restoration. It is powered by a 346 cubic-inch 8-cylinder engine offering 150 horsepower. Body number 43 of 400 built, this was the last production year for General Motors 4-door convertibles. This example with an Italian Cream exterior and a red interior has the chassis, body, and engine original to the vehicle.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Coupe Deluxe by Fisher

The 1940-41 Cadillacs, designed by Harley Earl, represent a pinnacle period for the Cadillac Motor Division. Subtle styling changes marked the 1941 model year, with a new lower one-piece hood and side panels. The rectangular grille was wider and bulged forward in the center, and it features rectangular parking lights in the top outer corners of the grille. The headlights were also now built into the nose of the fenders, and provisions for built-in accessory fog lights are provided under the headlights. The rear fender skirts were standard.

All Cadillacs in 1941 shared the same 346 cubic-inch L-head V8 engine that produce 150 horsepower. This is the same engine that was used on M5 and M24 tanks in World War II.

This Model 62 was recently acquired after spending 37 years on display in a Classic Car Museum.

Convertible Coupe Deluxe by Fisher
Engine number: 8344152

This Cadillac is one of 3,100 Series 62 Convertible Coupes built. It was finished in the two-tone color scheme of Crystal Blue Metallic over Oceano Blue Metallic, with a blue leather interior and grey top. It had wheel discs, blackwall tires, license plate frames, and running boards.

In 1992, the car was acquired from Frank Corrente to become part of the automobile collection on the sixth floor of the Thomas Cadillac Company in downtown Los Angeles. The collection was dispersed a year later after the dealership shut its doors. LaRue C. Thomas kept a few of the cars, including this Series 62 convertible, and has remained in the care of the family since. During 1994, the car was given a restoration.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Sedan Deluxe by Fisher
Chassis number: 8341936
Engine number: 5369247

Cadillac introduced the Series 62 in 1941 and they were powered by a 346 cubic-inch L-head engine fitted with a Stromberg carburetor helping to develop 150 horsepower at 3,400 RPM. The engine was backed by a three-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearbox and braking were controlled by hydraulic drums at all four corners. In the front was an independent suspension setup with coil springs while the back used a live axle with semi-elliptical leaf springs.

This particular example was shipped new to a dealer in Hartford, CT. on October 5, 1940. The previous owner found it in a Seattle storage unit in 1997 and began a thorough and correct restoration. The work began in 1998 with the body being removed from the frame and the car disassembled. A number of pieces were created from scratch by the Elliot Metal company and Bob LeCoque supplied a replacement engine block after a repair patch in the original unit was uncovered. All trim pieces and brightwork were replated by MasterCraft Plating, and Daniel Switzler of Tacoma, Washington, was responsible for the majority of the bodywork and paint. The car is finished in the proper lacquer and a correct 1941 shade called El Centro Green. Classic Interior Restorations of Seattle reupholstered the interior, and the convertible top was restored as well.

by Dan Vaughan

Touring Sedan by Fisher

This car was originally purchased by a collector in 1968 and taken to shows for two to three years before a restoration began. The current owner purchased the car in 2018 and major restoration began, with the engine being rebuilt.

Coupe Deluxe by Fisher
Chassis number: 8348131
Engine number: 8348131

With the elimination of the prior model years V-16, Cadillac embraced a single-engine platform for 1941, with all models sharing the same 346 cubic-inch V-8 engine - an engine that would remain in production for the next four decades. A mild restyling was bestowed upon the 1941 models with changes to the front fascia including the hood and front grille. The engine bay sides now featured single elongated louver trim pieces, and the fenders were decorated with triple chrome spears. On the 126-inch wheelbase Series 62, Cadillac offered six different body styles from Fisher.

This particular Series 62 Deluxe Coupe left the factory with the optional 3.77:1 final drive ratio. It was dispatched for a retailer on January 7th of 1941.

By the mid-2010s, this Cadillac had received a restoration that renewed all cosmetic and mechanical systems. The exterior was given a shade of maroon while the interior was retrimmed in gray broadcloth. The wood interior trim was refinished, and the wheels were mounted with period-correct whitewall tires. Additional factory options include a radio, heater, full-size color-matched spare wheel in the trunk, and fender skirts.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Sedan Deluxe by Fisher
Chassis number: 8341936
Engine number: 5369247

With LaSalle gone for 1941, Cadillac became a one-make, one-engine division of General Motors. For the first time since 1926, all Cadillac products used the same engine, a 150 horsepower 346 cubic-inch L-head V8, a semi-floating rear axle, and four-wheel hydraulic brakes. Cars came equipped with a three-speed synchro-mesh manual transmission, though the Oldsmobile Hydra-Matic automatic transmission (introduced in 1940) was offered as an option. Air conditioning became available for the first time.

This was Cadillac's last convertible sedan. Designer Harley Earl was particularly smitten with the 1941 models; he had one customized for his personal use. Just 400 Series 62 Convertible Sedans were produced for the model year, including this car which was sold new in Hartford, Connecticut.

Convertible Coupe Deluxe by Fisher

Cadillacs received new front-end styling for 1941 introducing the marque's soon-to-be trademark rectangular egg-crate grille. Fenders incorporated headlights keeping with the styling trends of the day.

This car was delivered new to the Cadillac Chicago Branch on April 4, 1941, though the first owner is unknown. It is equipped with the optional Oldsmobile Hydra-Matic automatic transmission and heater. It is one of 3,100 Seris 62 Convertible Coupes with a base price of $1,645.00, produced for the model year. 1941 was the first year Cadillac offered the optional Hydra-Matic and roughly one-third of the Convertible Coupes built were so equipped. This example has just 51,000 miles from new with mostly original finishes under the hood and a completely original trunk.

Coupe by Fisher
Chassis number: 83496288

This 1941 Cadillac Series 62 4-Passenger Coupe is powered by a 346 cubic-inch L-head V8 engine fitted with a single Downdraft carburetor and delivering 150 horsepower. There is a three-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. The exterior is finished in a standard black paint scheme while the interior was a Special Order from the factory, featuring red leather seats on red carpeting.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Coupe Deluxe by Fisher
Chassis number: 8355776

The convertible body styles available on the 1941 Cadillac Seris 62 included a two-door Convertible Coupe or four-door Convertible Sedan. The convertible coupe with a vacuum-powered convertible top was available only as a Deluxe model, which added rear fender skirts, wheel trim, and other accouterments.

This particular Cadillac Series 62 Deluxe Convertible Coupe was refinished in the mid-1980s by RM Auto Restoration. It wears a cream exterior with a red leather interior and tan top. Currently, this Cadillac has a driver's side spotlight, dual side-view mirrors, and period-style, wide whitewall tires with red painted steel wheels with trim rings and polished covers.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Coupe Deluxe by Fisher
Chassis number: 8363620

This 1941 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible is partially restored with a new top and new paint. The 346 cubic-inch L-head V8 engine breathes through a single Downdraft carburetor and delivers 150 horsepower at 3,400 RPM. There is a three-speed manual transmission and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Styling elements included a horizontal 'egg-crate' grille and fender-mounted headlamps.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Coupe Deluxe by Fisher
Chassis number: 8356796

This 1941 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible Coupe is powered by a 346 cubic-inch L-head V-8 engine with a single Downdraft carburetor and produces 150 horsepower at 3,400 RPM. There is a three-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel drum brakes. It was on display for many years in the New Bedford area of Massachusetts.

A top-level restoration was completed in 2011 and finished in McKinley Gray with a Red interior, as specified on its firewall tag. Jenkins Restorations and Interiors provided the upholstery and convertible top, and Jim Lowrey completed the paint and bodywork. Upon completion, it was shown at the CCCA Meet in Westport, Connecticut, where it scored 99.75 points, earning a First Place in the Primary Division.

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