At the time of introduction, the 1940 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible Coupe was promoted as possibly having the smartest interpretation yet of the coupe body style. Beauty and practicality of design that included a wider front seat, a full-width auxiliary (rear) seat with sufficient room for two in a beautifully executed interior. The die-cast radiator grille with a sharply vee’d center was structured with fewer and more prominent horizontal bars compared to the 1939 and is a massive single cast component. The complementary bumpers are imprinted with the first modern script lettering of the Cadillac name, and long, narrow parking lamps incorporated turn signals, crowning the front fenders. The sealed beam, bullet-shaped headlamps were moulded into the hood side panels. The vertical cooling grilles on the “catwalks” flanking the grille were presented in a mailslot-type treatment. The combination of these elements formed a distinctive and handsome new front ensemble.

The product of over a quarter-century of consistent development, the 346-cid V-8 Cadillac engine was then Cadillac’s largest engine yet, and considered by many to be the finest American powerplant available. It was strong, smooth and quiet, so much so that you could scarcely hear if it was in operation, but was a machine of power and action when the need arose in the course of your daily driving. This unit is backed by a column-mounted three-speed manual transmission.

Presented in Black with maroon leather interior and black cloth top, this particular example has an incredible history. During the 1940 model year, it is reported that only 5,900 Series 62 Cadillacs were built in five different body styles. Of this group, only 200 were the Convertible Coupe. Marque experts have reported that, of this already small number, only nine 1940 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible Coupes still exist; this is number 175.

The car was originally purchased by Harold K. Hochschild (1892-1981). Mr. Hochschild was a New York City businessman and truly a captain of industry. As an extremely wealthy international mining baron, he was the executive head of the American Metal Company for many years. The company merged in 1957, and eventually became AMAX Inc. He was also an author with a passion for the Adirondacks. He owned six million acres of land and built his summer estate at Blue Mountain Lake named “Eagle Nest.” This property now is known as the Adirondack Museum.

When new, the basic list price for this model was $1,795, and Mr. Hochschild took delivery of this car on June 5, 1940 at his 300 Park Avenue New York City address, more commonly known as the Waldorf-Astoria. This lovely automobile remained in his ownership for the next 33 years before he generously gave it to his chauffeur’s son in 1973. The son kept the Cadillac in a seven-car heated garage at Mr. Hochschild’s Princeton, New Jersey estate for the next five years before offering it for sale in the Wall Street Journal in 1978. It was then purchased by a Cadillac collector in Pennsylvania and preserved in original condition. The current possessor is just the fourth owner of the car during its well-heeled life.

A cosmetic restoration was undertaken and completed in 2005. The interior was completely restored in its original red leather. The power top operates perfectly and is recovered in black with tasteful red piping. Original options on the car include a heater, an AM tube radio, and in the 1950s the car was retro-fitted with a power steering setup. The Cadillac comes with all original documentation. Operating manuals and other related information is included on a presentation board. The car exhibits distinctive brightwork and trim, and is nicely accented by chrome wheel discs and whitewall tires, plus all accessories are stated to operate as new.

This is a rare, desirable and beautiful Cadillac that is not only presented in a rich and stunning color combination; it has an ownership provenance likely second to none. This model is considered a Full Classic by the Classic Car Club of America (CCCA), and as such will be eligible for all applicable CCCA events.