Years ago, I read that the 1941 Cadillac was the most popular “Full Classic” in the Classic Car Club of America. While I have no idea if that’s still the case, sheer numbers lend credence to the idea: 24,734 Series 62s were sold for 1941. While the 1938 Lincoln Zephyr may have started the industry shift to horizontally-themed noses, one may argue that the ’41 Cadillac carried the motif a little further, with its wide, bold, and imposing grille. The domed hood conveyed a sense of effortless power underneath, and indeed, the big Caddy was one of a handful of “kings of the road.” If you want your own solid Full Classic at a fair price, this ’41 may be the one for you. Barn Finder T.J. found it on craigslist in Eugene, Oregon, for $16,775.
One reason for the Cadillac’s popularity is its robust and powerful flathead V8. With 346 cubic inches and 150 horsepower, the Series 62 can “do highway speeds with ease and comfort,” according to the seller. Although the new Hydramatic was a Cadillac option for the first time, this car has the standard three-speed manual. The seller says that a previous owner claimed to have sunk $25,000 into an engine rebuild, but we’ve all learned that expedient exaggeration is sometimes the name of the game when old cars are involved; regardless of how much was spent on the engine, the owner has driven the car on 100-mile trips with no major problems. It doesn’t overheat and everything works except for the radio.
For those who are interested, manual-transmission-equipped Cadillacs came standard with a 3.77:1 rear axle ratio. With 7.00-15 tires (which are 29.3 inches in diameter), the engine’s rpm at 70 miles per hour would be just over 3000. At this speed, the Series 62 would achieve 11.9 miles per gallon, according to Cadillac; that rose to 13 mpg if you drove 60. That sounds fairly awful today, but Cadillac advertised it as “unbelievable small car economy.”
The dashboard and window sills have been refinished, and the upholstery, carpet, and headliner are all in very good condition. The seller brags that “the clock even functions,” which is almost never the case in my experience. The heater even keeps the interior toasty on chilly days.
This isn’t a show-winning Cadillac, but it’s a really nice driver in a really nice shade of blue. There aren’t too many cars from the immediate prewar era that could top it for looks, performance, or luxury, and this is a relatively inexpensive way to get into a reliable Full Classic.
Oh yeah! My kind of Caddy! But with
my SIL doing the driving, not so much. I’m glad it’s not a trailer queen
because after I would have an electric
power steering box installed, I’d have
Sis drive it almost daily. Checks all the boxes for me.
Considering that BF sold a ’41Coupe for $15,200 in early February that was in pristine condition compared to this survivor, $16,775 is far too much.
$25,000 plus on the engine rebuild, I don’t think so.
RUN !
It’s funny that claims like this, low mileage, one family owned are rarely accompanied by documentation.
Steve R
Styling of this Cadillac is old school for 1941. All four fenders are separate from the body. It makes it look dated. There were many other products in 1941 with the same design issue. However, the Packard Clipper was a modern design. It was beautifully conceived with the front fenders flowing gracefully into the rear fenders. The Cadillac certainly lacked the truly modern styling that graced the 1941 Packard Clipper.
1941 is a top three year for convertible Cadillacs for me. Ran into a restomod at Half Moon Bay’ Dream Machines a couple of years ago and poured over it. Every time I see an ad for a ’41 I open it.
As an aside, my grandfather had a limousine business in Pittsburgh for 40 or so years, buying nothing but Cadillacs every 2-3 years. The history of the models that spent time in his garage is profound.
1941 is a top three year for convertible Cadillacs for me. Ran into a restomod at Half Moon Bay’ Dream Machines a couple of years ago and poured over it. Every time I see an ad for a ’41 I open it.
As an aside, my grandfather had a limousine business in Pittsburgh for 40 or so years, buying nothing but Cadillacs every 2-3 years. The history of the models that spent time in his garage is profound.
1941 Cadillacs are pretty cars, even if they were a bit “old school” in some regards. I agree with you, Dave Brown, on the almost daring 1941 Packard Clipper. But all of these 1941s basically set the styling stage through 1948 with most makes (1949, with the largest Cadillacs). The price is a bit steep, here, on this one — and that 11 m.p.g. rather rules it out as a driver. I’m not into garage-queens that emerge into the sunshine to ride in parades, and then go back into well-preserved hibernation: I’ll pass, thank you.
Those taillights are a thing of beauty.
Not only are the tailights beautifully designed, but look how nice they tie in with the 3 chrome speed lines on the fenders. I also like the small round emblem Cadillac had on their fender skirts as well.
To Azzurra: I agree!!!