Vehicle Description
Just as the 1941 models marked the dawn of a new era, the Cadillacs
of 1940 represented the final flourish for the marque's
traditional, Classic Era styling. With a completely redesigned
model on the way, the 1940 cars were the last to offer the grand,
upright grille, separate bullet headlamps, and optional side-mount
spare wheels that defined the previous decade of car design. 1940
was also the final year that customers could opt for the mighty
sixteen-cylinder Series 90. While Harley Earl was soon to introduce
a radically new look, the 1940 Cadillac was still a handsome and
relevant machine, featuring a balanced design combining traditional
themes with modern detailing. The Series 75 remained as the
flagship V8-powered model, sharing the same massive 141-inch
wheelbase chassis with the V16, as well as most of the same
luxurious bodies from the Fleetwood catalog. The Series 75 was
available in twelve different body styles, each hand-crafted by the
expert coachbuilders at Fleetwood.
Cadillac/LaSalle sales totaled nearly 40,000 cars in 1940. That
LaSalle sales made up the bulk of that number reflected the market
conditions of the day - the era of the expensive, coachbuilt
classic car was nearing its end. It was no longer financially
viable for Cadillac to offer a full range of custom coachbuilt
automobiles, and the shift toward a completely standardized range
was well underway. As a result, sales of the so-called
"Cadillac-Fleetwood" Series 75 models comprised just 959 cars out
of the annual total, with Series 90 V16 cars failing to break into
triple-digits. The Imperial Sedan and 5-Passenger Sedan made up the
bulk of Series 75 sales, while sportier styles sold in
comparatively minuscule numbers. With unique styling and historical
status as the last of the open, two-door coachbuilt Cadillacs, the
Series 75 Convertible Coupe is a highly collectible and desirable
model that remains popular with enthusiasts as much for its looks
as for its outstanding road manners.
The Series 75 Fleetwood Convertible Coupe featured here is one of
just 30 such examples produced in 1940. Wearing an older,
high-quality restoration, this rare and highly desirable Cadillac
has mellowed gently and is ideally suited for tours and casual
concours events. Finished in beige and trimmed with a black top and
red leather interior, the presentation is marvelous: Elegantly
proportioned, yet with an imposing presence. Unsurprisingly for a
flagship model, this car is highly optioned, complete with
side-mount spare wheels, Cadillac script bumpers, fog lamps, radio,
and heater. The body is in excellent order, displaying good panel
fit and attractive finishing. Some areas of paint shrinkage and
minor touch ups can be found on close inspection; however, the car
remains highly appealing and in outstanding order for use on tours
and weekend getaways. Similarly, the brightwork is in excellent
condition, with a few minor imperfections found that does little to
detract from this being a marvelous and beautifully presented
example.
The cabin offers generous front seats, supplemented by a pair of
folding jump-seats in the rear. Red leather features on the seats,
door cards, and interior panels. It is in very good order,
appearing gently broke-in since the restoration. The burled walnut
woodgrain dash is highlighted with a central grille that reflects
the front-end treatment and houses the original radio. Modern
refinements also a include heater/defroster unit, roll-up side
glass, and a column-shifted 3-speed manual gearbox with
synchromesh. Wide whitewall radial tires have been fitted for
modern touring. The black canvas top is piped in red leather, which
repeats on the fitted canvas boot. With a grand 141-inch wheelbase,
the trunk is generously sized, allowing plenty of room for enough
luggage to support a long-distance tour or weekend getaway.
Powering the car is Cadillac's legendary L-head V8 engine. The unit
displaces 346 cubic inches and produced 140 horsepower with a
generous supply of torque to move the big Caddy along with relative
ease. Cadillac was an early adopter of the synchromesh gearbox,
which, combined with the column-mounted shifter, allows for
effortless progress. The engine is pleasingly well-detailed, with
correct Cadillac green engine paint and black porcelain finish
manifolds. It shows signs of light and careful use, while still
retaining a period-correct appearance.
Reflective of its outstanding presentation, this rare and desirable
Cadillac remains a gorgeous example, with recent emphasis put on
reliable, enjoyable touring. Few cars can match this Series 75
Convertible Coupe for sheer presence and elegant style, and we have
to agree with Fleetwood's 1930 catalog, which described this design
as "One of General Motors' Masterpieces."
Offers welcome and trades considered
