Vehicle Description
1940 Cadillac Series 72 Sedan
LaSalle sales had consistently exceeded Cadillac's since 1933,
however, management decided to discontinue the brand after 1940 as
Cadillac's reputation was better established. In anticipation of
Lasalle's departure, and with Cadillac management apparently
confident that the Great Depression was in its waning days, the
1940 line was broad and bold. Cadillac's catalog listed over forty
body styles across six series, one of which was the new Series 72,
a smaller companion to the Series 75, the top-of-the-line
V-8-powered models coach built by Fleetwood. Many of the Series
75's formal sedan and limousine body styles were available on the
Series 72, but on a chassis that was three inches shorter (at
138-inches). External differences and changes were limited to
unique high-mounted taillights. The recirculating ball steering was
tested on the Series 72 for 1940 and installed on all Cadillac
models for 1941.
Proudly offered for consignment, the beneficiary of restoration 18
years ago and still showing very nicely for this one of 1,525
Series 72 cars which accounted for roughly 12 percent of Cadillac's
sales for the 1940 model year. However, this one year wonder did
not return to the line up after its inaugural production year,
making it somewhat of a rarity among mid-century Cadillacs. From
the body to the interior, the undercarriage to the engine it's all
been done and then sparingly driven and always garage kept. We
present to you a 1940 Cadillac Series 72 that is ready for you to
drive, show and enjoy.
Exterior
Offered here in Cadillac's black, is this 1940 Series 72 Sedan that
wears an older restoration that has been well-cared for and still
presents well. The year 1940 was the last for side mounted spare
tires on a Cadillac but they were not optioned onto this particular
car. Instead we see swooping fenders with squared off rear sections
flanking a dramatic horizontal ribbed chrome grille led above by
the Cadillac crest and flying goddess hood ornament. Running boards
were going in the way of the dinosaur, but were still available as
a no-cost option and are seen on this particular car. They do an
exuberant job of connecting the well penned pontoon style fenders
and provide slip free entrance and exit for the driver and
passengers. Chrome and brite work is in good condition, as are the
all steel panels which are straight with well minded gaps. Bringing
up the rear is a humpback style trunk flanked on either side by
large ribbed rectangle tail lights and a Cadillac script bumper
below. Extremely wide white wall tires in 16" format wrap the steel
wheel and their standard issue Cadillac covers.
Interior
A very comfortable camel leather bench seat reaches out from door
panel to door panel which presents nicely and are wrapped in camel
as well. These panels are decorated with chrome cranks and handles
and highlight the woodgrain finished steel window surrounds above.
The simple woodgrain pattern follows to the painted metal dash and
is adorned with plenty of Art Deco styled chrome accents, and clean
gauges. The styling reminds this writer of a chromed version of an
old Wurlitzer jukebox. A very nice brown steering column reaches
out from under the dash and has a beautiful banjo style chrome and
cream bakelite steering wheel atop said column. A divider can be
raised from the back of the front seat to keep the rear seat
occupants' conversations private from their chauffeur's prying
ears. The rear bench in matching camel leather affords plenty of
legroom, and sports individual back cushions with a fold down
center armrest and as an added bonus, 2 seats can be lifted and
unfolded from the rear of the front seat and floor. A tight vinyl
headliner in more camel coloring covers the expansive roof and very
clean carpet is noted below.
Drivetrain
346ci of flathead power in a V8 formatted engine, rated at 140
horsepower, sits comfortably under the massively long hood. A
three-speed selective synchromesh manual transmission puts power to
the back wheels. A Hotchkiss semi-floating rear weighing in with a
4.31 ratio is on to whisk you down the road.
Undercarriage
Too long to fit on our lift but tall enough off the ground to get a
peek allowing us to see an invasive rust free flooring and frame
with only minor surface rust on the usual suspects. Independent
coil spring front suspension works with leaf spring rear suspension
to provide the cushy Cadillac ride and drum brakes bring you to a
halt effectively.
Drivability
An easy starter after a turn of the key, and we were off for the
test drive. I took the rear passengers' seat and my cohort drove me
around our test track. But I digress and all worked well, with
smooth ride, nice acceleration and smooth manual shifting thanks to
the talented feet of my "chauffeur". All was working well on our
drive save for the brake lights not illuminating and the horn not
blowing.
The Cadillac name has always carried an aura of prestige and this
Series 72, with its immense length and fine condition makes it a
car worthy of any collection. For the very best in a Cadillac
luxury from a bygone era, this Series 72 Sedan is a car that can
hold the whole family and is ready for the open road.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.