When Cadillac was “Standard of the World,” it built cars like this convertible sedan. It was a bodystyle that was falling out of favor by the advent of World War II, so cars like this 1940 Cadillac Series 75 that is being auctioned at Mecum’s Seattle 2014 event June 13-14 have been a top collectible for years.
In 1940, the Cadillac model roster began with the 60 Special, which was notable for being among the first cars to do away with running boards and other details that ushered in new styling trends—almost a sports sedan before its time, in some respects. From there you could find the Series 62 (the “standard” Caddy), the Series 72 (more prestigious and formal), and Series 75. The latter came on a 141-inch wheelbase, which was 12 inches longer than the Series 62. Both series had a convertible sedan, but the Series 75 version cost $1800 more, which was about 80 percent more expensive than the Series 62. The Series 75 was extravagant in every which way, which is why only 956 were built among 14 bodystyles.
This Series 75 convertible sedan by Fleetwood is one of the latter, but only 45 of those were this bodystyle. Here’s some features being touted by Mecum:
- Divider window
- 346/140-horse V8 engine
- Restored
- Scored 99.5 points and a Classic Car Club of America National First Award
- First year with sealed-beam lights and turn signals
- Side mounts
- Radio
- Heater
- Mirrors
Blue and tan totally works for such a prestigious vehicle. This is one of the American greats that managed to weather the Great Depression and is a great example of what it meant to be filthy rich in 1940.
Comment
This was my Dad’s car prior to it being in the Mecum auction. I was amazed on the overall condition of the car, especially the dash/gauges . The car exuded class even now.