Photo bymecum

Cadillac has a proud history of producing luxury automobiles. Founded in 1902, it is one of the first automobile manufacturers in the world. Over the decades, Cadillac has designed and produced some of the most iconic luxury cars.

Throughout its history, Cadillac has produced such notable models as the V-16, Sixty Special, Eldorado, and DeVille. In recent years, the company has produced luxury SUVs such as the Escalade and sedans like the CTS-V powered by a supercharged version of the Corvette C7 6.2-liter LT4 V8 engine.

This article focuses on a series of Cadillacs produced from 1940 through 1964. I have selected five stunning cars from the era. There is a unique opportunity as these cars will cross the auction block at Mecum Las Vegas 2024.

The Cadillac Series 40-62 was produced from 1940 through 1964. Designed to complement the entry-level Series 61, it became the Cadillac Series 6200 in 1959 and Series 61 and became the Cadillac Series 6200 was renamed Cadillac Calais in 1965.

The Cadillac Series 62 was the model for Cadillac lovers around the world. It offered style and performance at an affordable price. Equipped with smooth handling and a powerful V8 engine, that iconic Cadillac look was unmistakable. Its tailfins and chrome trim were the perfect balance of flashy and refined, making it a popular choice in the '50s.

The Series 62 opened the door for the Cadillac Coupe de Ville and the Cadillac Eldorado. The new models started as special appearance packages, which were later put into production. The Series 62 hit the market as the Sixty-Two and the Series Sixty-Two.

1957 Cadillac Series 62 Coupe

Mecum Las Vegas 2024 Lot S124

1957 Cadillac Series 62 CoupePhoto byMecum

The 1959 model year saw the introduction of the sixth generation of the Series 62, which was available as a coupe, sedan, or convertible with a 6.4L V-8. Earlier, DeVilles and Eldorados were spun into distinct models in 1959. The Seventh Generation Cadillac Series 62 replaced the sixth generation in 1960.

This 57 Series 62 Coupe is a California car. In 2023, a custom frame-off nut and bolt rotisserie restoration was completed. The car has approximately 850 miles on the new drivetrain.

1957 Cadillac Series 62 Coupe interiorPhoto byMecum

The body was stripped to bare metal, treated, and finished with a $60,000 Black paint job. All metalwork was either re-chromed or polished.

An LS V-8 engine with Magnuson supercharger is fitted and includes lemon headers with custom exhaust with CermaKrome coating.

This caddy boasts a 4L80 automatic transmission, rack and pinion front suspension, and 4-link rear suspension with a Currie 9-inch rear end and an AccuAir airbag computer system—Wilwood 4-wheel disc brakes with Hydroboost on all corners and an Eric Brockmeyer custom-designed red leather interior.

The car includes the invoice/sales contract, receipts, service manual, and assorted photos.

1950 Cadillac Series 61

Mecum Las Vegas 2024 Lot F173

1950 Cadillac Series 61Photo byMecum

The 1941 model year saw the second generation of Cadillac Series 61. Cadillac also introduced the Series 63, essentially a Series 61 but with a different body. The second generation of Series 61 was only available in 1942. The third-generation Cadillac replaced it in Series 61.

1950 Cadillac Series 61 InteriorPhoto byMecum

A 331 CI V-8 engine powers this Series One and features an automatic transmission. The car has a dark blue exterior, grey cloth interior, and wide whitewall tires.

1959 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible

Mecum Las Vegas 2024 Lot S145

1959 Cadillac Series 62 ConvertiblePhoto byMecum

The sixth generation of Cadillac was introduced for the 1959 model year. This Series 62 was a sedan, coupe, or convertible with a 6.4L V8 power.

The car has a red and white leather interior, a recent Seminole Red exterior, and a white power convertible top.

1959 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible InteriorPhoto byMecum

The new owner will find power steering, power brakes, power seats, new dual exhaust, and a highly detailed engine bay and chassis on board.

A 4-speed automatic transmission is connected to a 390/325 HP V-8 engine with a 4-barrel carburettor.

1949 Cadillac Series 61 Sedanette

Mecum Las Vegas 2024 Lot S244

1949 Cadillac Series 61 SedanettePhoto byMecum

The fourth generation of the Series 61 came to market in 1948.

This updated version was offered with a 5.7L V8 engine; in 1949, it had 5.4L OHV V8 power. A coupe and sedan body style was available. This fourth-generation Series 61 was the last to be built and ended production in 1951.

The Series 61 Sedanette is 1 of 7,515 examples produced for the 1949 model year.

1949 Cadillac Series 61 Sedanette dashPhoto byMecum

A rebuilt 390 CI V-8 engine with a 4-speed automatic transmission has 300 miles. The exterior chrome has been refinished.

You'll find vintage air, new dash gauges, a refreshed AM/FM radio, a new 12-volt wiring conversion, and new glass.

1941 Cadillac Series 63 Convertible

Mecum Las Vegas 2024 Lot F78

1941 Cadillac Series 63 ConvertiblePhoto byMecum

In 1941, the one-piece was lower in the front, including the side panels and extended sideways to the fenders. The rectangle louvre trim appeared on each side of the hood. The wide, vertical, rectangular grille bulged from its center.

Headlights were located in the nose of the fenders, and space for built-in fog lights was provided under them. Rectangular parking lights were found at the top outer corners of the grille.

1941 Cadillac Series 63 Convertible interiorPhoto byMecum

The Series 62, Cadillac's only four-door convertible built in 1941, was the last time the marque produced this style. All four fenders had three chrome spears, and rear fender skirts were standard.

Cadillacs shared the 346 cu in, 135 hp L-head V8 with 50 hp that year.

This Series 63 Convertible has been comprehensively restored to meet the original specs.

This award-winning California car is powered by a rebuilt original 346 CI flathead V-8 engine and column-shifted 3-speed manual transmission. The original steel body is painted Royal Blue, and the interior is Burgundy leather. The power Royal Blue canvas top is piped in burgundy.

The exterior chrome and brightwork have been re-chromed or polished. Wide Whitewall tires with matching spare appear with chrome hubcaps and trim rings.

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Douglas Pilarski is an award-winning writer and journalist based on the West Coast. His writing resonates with those passionate about luxury goods, exotic cars, horology, tech, food, agriculture, lifestyle, historical events, equestrian and rodeo, and millionaire travel.

Your comments are highly valued.

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