To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' The Guyton
Collection event, 4 - 5 May 2019.
Estimate:
$70,000 - $90,000
- One of just 400 Convertible Sedans produced for 1941
- General Motors' final production convertible sedan
- Includes copy of build sheet
- Show-winning quality older restoration
- Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) Full Classic
- Eligible for all CARavans and Club events
With LaSalle gone for 1941, Cadillac became a one-make, one-engine
division of General Motors. For the first time since 1926, all
Cadillac products used the same engine, a 346-cu. in. L-head V-8
producing 150 hp and semi-floating rear axle and four-wheel
hydraulic brakes. Cars came equipped with a three-speed
synchro-mesh manual transmission, though the Oldsmobile Hydra-Matic
transmission (introduced in 1940) was offered as an option. Air
conditioning was also offered for the first time.
It is thought by some that aesthetically, 1941 was the highpoint in
Cadillac styling. Visually the car is a masterpiece of subtle,
flowing curves that began with a new-for-1941 bold and distinctive
eggcrate grille. In addition, this was to become Cadillac's last
convertible sedan. Harley Earl was particularly smitten with the
'41 model; he had one customized for his personal use. The artisans
at Fleetwood and Fisher created the convertible sedan with modified
C-type sedan sheet metal.
The upper portion of the rear doors were shortened by seven inches;
the rear quarters (above the dogleg) were extended seven inches;
the rear quarters were buttressed with flat-bar steel to
accommodate and support the top assembly; and the B- and C-pillars
were supported by brawny steel braces. Beefed up B-pillars allowed
for the elimination of suicide rear doors. Frames were
substantially strengthened, and windshields were three inches
lower. Essentially, the convertible sedan was a semi-custom car. In
the end, this was the rarest of Cadillac models for 1941 with just
400 produced for the model year.
Cadillac build records show that this car was shipped on 19 May
1941 to S&C Truck. It was equipped with the optional heater and
Hydra-Matic transmission. Finished in Dove Grey with a black canvas
top with red piping, red leather interior and matching carpets,
fender skirts, and red rims fitted with period-appropriate wide
whitewall tires, it makes quite a fashion statement. Inside one
will find a clock and radio. The original build sheet and the
original owner's booklet titled "Operating Hints for the 1941
Cadillac" are included in the sale. The 1941 Cadillacs are the
darling of the CCC, and this car will provide the basis for an
excellent tour vehicle eligible for all CARavans and Club
events.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/gc19.