Vehicle Description
150 bhp, 346 cu. in L-Head V-8 engine with four-speed Hydra-Matic
transmission, coil spring independent front suspension, live rear
axle with semi-elliptical leaf springs and four-wheel hydraulic
brakes. Wheel base 129". When Cadillac resumed production of their
passenger cars after World War II, it advertised them as "Battle
Powered" with "Victory" engines. All automobile manufacturers
halted their assembly lines by February 1942, but none of them
remained idle very long. All factories were converted to
manufacture material, but while most companies made aircraft parts
or guns, Cadillac had the enviable position of keeping its engine
production going in order to turn out tanks. Cadillac's first M5
tank was delivered to the army in April 1942, being powered by two
Cadillac V-8s with Hydra-Matic transmissions, with one driving each
track. In all the divisions built six types of tanks and gun
carriers accumulating to some 12,000 fighting vehicles by the time
hostilities ended in 1945. Having its engine plant up and running
gave Cadillac an advantage when automobile manufacture was allowed
to resume with its first 1946 model which was built on October 17,
1945, being one of the earliest at GM. Just as the 1946 models were
a modest makeover of the pre-war '42s, the 1947s that were
introduced that January, were a subtle freshening of the '46s.
There was more brightwork and modest grille and trim changes. The
bold "egg crate" grille had one fewer horizontal bar and parking
lights became small round units unless optional fog lamps were
ordered. Rear fender shields which were rubber on the '46s were now
made of stainless steel. Particularly noticeable were the large
optional "Sombrero" wheel covers. These were so named for their
resemblance to the iconic Mexican hat with their deep-dish brim and
raised center section with the red Cadillac crest. These quickly
became a favorite of hot rodders as well as Cadillac owners and it
remained on the parts list in the 1950's. Hydra-Lectric window
lifts became standard equipment in 1947 on Series 75 Fleetwoods and
the Series 62 Convertible which was the only soft-top. Convertible
production of 6,755 cars in 1947 helped Cadillac's total sales of
61,926 surpass Packard as the best-selling American luxury car.
This Cadillac, restored in the 80's still shows exceptionally well.
All gauges are clear and functional. Doors, hood, and trunk fit
well. The engine compartment is tidy and the car runs well with no
noises. The 3-speed manual transmission shifts easily. It is
eligible and ready to tour in any CCCA Caravan.