1941 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible Sedan

346ci L-Head V8 Engine
Single Downdraft Carburetor
150bhp
3-Speed Hydramatic Automatic Transmission
Independent Coil-Spring Front Suspension - Semi-Floating Rear Axle
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes

*Example of Cadillac's last Convertible Sedan
*All-New and Influential Cadillac Styling for 1941
*Highly Rare as 1 of Just 400 Examples Produced
*CCCA Full Classic® Recognition and Event Eligibility

Previewing in Bedford Hills, New York by appointment. Please contact [email protected] for scheduling.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Yet another design triumph from the Harley Earl/Bill Mitchell years at GM Styling, the 1941 Cadillac models marked a clear break from the past in terms of styling, with the old upright, V-shaped radiator grille replaced by the bold, horizontal "egg-crate" grille treatment that remains a Cadillac hallmark today. Conceived by Art Ross, this design element was quietly brought to Earl's attention by Bill Mitchell, his eventual handpicked successor. Wider in visual appearance than ever before, the 1941 Cadillac models also featured the debut appearance of fender-mounted headlamps, one of Mitchell's favored design cues. Looking fast even while at rest, the 1941 Cadillac line possessed a rare combination of sporting vigor with timeless elegance and a cohesiveness of design matched by few, if any, of its rivals.

Another break from the past came with the efficiencies gained from Cadillac's adoption of a single-engine philosophy for 1941 and beyond. Displacing 346 cid, Cadillac's proven L-head V-8 now capably propelled the entire Cadillac line. A compression increase raised output to 150 horsepower to yield outstanding 100-mph capability on the open road. Equally important, Cadillac's V-8 engine was a silky-smooth paragon of refinement with nearly-silent operation. Ride and handling qualities were excellent with independent front underpinnings and continue to impress collectors and marque enthusiasts who like to drive their classics today. A wide Cadillac model range was offered for 1941 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. However, Series 62 truly defined Cadillac's future direction with its youthful, forward-looking presence and versatility. In addition to the 2/4-Passenger Coupe and 5-Passenger Touring Sedan (both in Standard and Deluxe guise), Series 62 included two top-of-the-line open models, the 2/4-Passenger Deluxe Convertible Coupe, and the final iteration of the glamorous 5-Passenger Deluxe Convertible Sedan.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

One of just 400 examples produced and far fewer surviving today, this 1941 Cadillac Series 62 Deluxe Convertible Sedan was shipped on June 20, 1941 to New York, according to a copy of the original factory record. Originally finished in Gunmetal Gray Metallic over Red leather with a Tan top, it was equipped with the optional Hydramatic automatic transmission—the first year such an option was offered. The car would eventually find its way to the West Coast. It is understood the car was restored in the early 1990s—at which time it was finished in the current color scheme of Valcour Maroon over cream and red leather—and was sold at auction in Scottsdale in January of 1996 to collector Leo Gephart. In April of the next year, Gephart showed the car at the 1997 Spring Grand Classic where it was judged to be a 95.25 point car—good enough to achieve a Classic Car Club of America Senior Badge (#2067). The car would be sold again before ending up back in Gephart's collection and finally acquired by the current owner on October 19, 2009.

In the dozen years in which the car has been in with the seller, it is reported to have been routinely maintained. In December of 2015, the Cadillac was treated to an over $8,000 cosmetic refurbishment that included replacing the top cloth and boot, as well as various chrome work and other details. Now showing under 12,900 miles—a figure reported to be since restoration—the seller has added nearly 1500 of those miles. Included with the car is a large binder with copies of CCCA judging sheets from 1997, records from the current owner's purchase, and copies of the Cadillac build sheets. A handsomely restored and well-presented 1941 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible Sedan, this wonderful CCCA Full Classic® motorcar now stands ready for continued enjoyment, whether in touring events or on the show field.