The 1941 Cadillac was a true forerunner in automotive styling history. Cadillac was such a styling leader that other makes were almost forced to follow their trends, and when the 1941 model introduced a bold horizontal motif with its wide grille, most other luxury makes followed (aside from Packard, who had practically copyrighted a big, vertical grille). Sadly, the 1938 Lincoln Zephyr was the first car to test the waters with its pretty, low horizontal twin grilles, but the 1941 Cadillac was so audacious about it that it became the de facto originator. As a result, the 1941 Cadillac is one of the most popular prewar cars out there because of its attractive styling and reliable mechanical bits. This Series Sixty-Two Touring Sedan was a popular choice among Cadillac buyers, and Barn Finder T.J. found it here on Marketplace in Sterling, Colorado, with an asking price of $15,000.
It took me a minute to get my bearings on this Cadillac, as the listing header presents it as a Sixty Special, which would make it worth at least a little more than a Series Sixty-Two. Regardless of nameplate, the engine was the same, Cadillac’s tough flathead 346-cubic-inch V8, which produced a strong (for 1941) 150 horsepower. The 346 was quiet, too, with standard hydraulic lifters on all models. While the Hydra-Matic was an option at $125 (or $135, depending on your source), the original owner of this car chose the standard three-speed manual, which was synchronized on the top two gears. With the torquey V8, many drivers would have simply started off in second gear anyway. You might notice the apparatus on the top tank of the radiator: That operated the grille shutters, which helped the engine warm up faster.
The seller doesn’t give us much to go on, so this may or may not be a running engine.
The interior, however, has been “redone recently,” and it looks like it was done well.
The only thing that worries me is the packets of what appears to be mouse poison or moth balls all over the rear floor. I hope the mice haven’t gotten in; they’re destructive little critters.
Based on the Montana plates and surrounding furniture, I would imagine that this car is a part of an estate, which means that it was probably a well-cared-for car that’s now been sitting for quite some time. It should clean up well, and the two-tone paint combination (Fairoaks Green/El Centro Green?) should be a stunner when shined up and sitting out in the sunlight. But it’s not going to happen without some elbow grease and money. What would be a fair offer for this stately Caddy?
Those look to be desiccant packets, to keep things dry.
Nice write-up, Aaron. The paint looks good, the body looks solid, and, as you noted, it has a nicely redone interior. I realize Cadillacs have a following but interest in cars of this era really seems to be on the wane. Lack of information aside, if it was a running & driving vehicle, I would think $12K would be a reasonable offer.