When Cadillac resumed passenger car production after World War II, it promoted its vehicles as “battle powered” with “victory” engines. While most US factories had converted entirely to war production, Cadillac had the enviable position of building tanks and engines for military vehicles, delivering its first M5 tank in April 1942—powered by two Cadillac V-8s with Hydra-Matic transmissions.

Keeping its engine plant operational gave Cadillac a significant advantage when automobile production resumed, making it one of the first General Motors divisions to return to the market after the war. Even more valuable was the real-world testing of engines and transmissions under combat conditions. While the post-war Cadillac V-8 engines retained the 346-cubic-inch displacement and 150-horsepower rating of their prewar counterparts, many internal components had been redesigned for improved strength and reliability through lessons learned on the battlefield.

As documented by a copy of its factory build sheet, this Cadillac Series 62 Convertible was delivered new to Chicago on 17 January 1947 finished as it is today in Belden Blue Metallic over Gray Bedford Cord with a tan convertible soft top and equipped with a Hydra-Matic transmission, radio, power windows, Group C Accessory Group, fog lights, and an under-seat heating system. The car is said to have received an extensive body-on restoration in the early 2000s by Rich Fass’s Stone Barn Automobile Restoration in Vienna, New Jersey which saw it returned to its handsome factory specification.

Following its refurbishment, the car is reported to have enjoyed a successful show career, earning numerous accolades, including an impressive 99.25-point score at the 2004 CCCA Grand Classic in New Jersey. Over two decades on since its restoration, this Cadillac remains an exceptionally attractive and well-presented example of one of the best, and most modern, Full Classics, at home in any CCCA activity or long tour.