The 1941 Cadillac was a visual masterpiece of subtle, flowing curves that began with a bold and distinctive grille design. The flat, chromed grille and domed hood were dominant, and two new styling concepts were available: the horizontal valance that enclosed the space between the bodywork and the bumpers and the front fender wind-split creases that began at the headlamps and extended horizontally back along each rear flank of the body. The sole available engine, Cadillac’s refined 346-cubic inch V-8, delivered remarkably silent and smooth operation, 150 horsepower, and plenty of torque. Ride and handling characteristics remain quite good, even by today’s standards, making Cadillacs of the immediate pre-war era excellent choices for collectors and enthusiasts who enjoy taking their cars out on the open road.

The 1941 Convertible Coupe is especially desired by collectors today because it is one of the last pre-war Cadillac convertibles ever built. The U.S. Office of Production Management had anticipatorily ordered auto production cutbacks in August 1941 to 73.5 percent of the 1940 output. Shortly thereafter, the U.S. entered World War II on December 8, just hours after the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor, forcing an industry-wide conversion to the manufacture of war materials. Production was halted altogether on February 4, 1942. When the industry shut down to switch to war production, Cadillac was neck-and-neck with Packard as the leading luxury car in America.

The handsome convertible coupe offered here is documented by its build sheet, a copy of which is on file, as having been delivered new through Cadillac’s Detroit branch, and it is equipped with the original engine. It was built early in the 1941 model year and restored some time ago in its original hue, El Centro Green, an exciting metallic color named for the California town that, in 1941, was the lettuce-growing capital of the world.

The Cadillac shows no signs of rust or under-paint damage and is best described as a well-presented older restoration of what appears to have been a very solid and intact original car, with only the expected signs of wear and minor cracking from use. Much of the exterior brightwork appears to be original as well, as does much of the brown leather interior, which is in good condition given its age. The car is well equipped with many original factory accessories, including the desirable Hydra-Matic transmission, bumper guards, dual rear-view mirrors, a heater, a clock, windshield washers, and fender skirts, and it is also offered with its original manuals. The car has an original trunk liner, and the trunk contains the original spare wheel, jack, and tire iron. Mileage recorded is less than 40,000, though unconfirmed if original.

This is a very good example of a desirable, late pre-war Cadillac convertible, which is in very good condition and would be a welcomed vehicle in CCCA CARavans or other driving and touring events.