With Cadillac management apparently confident that the Great Depression was in its waning days, the 1940 line was broad and bold. Over 40 body styles were offered 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 coachbuilt by Fleetwood. The 72 was available with many of the 75’s formal sedan and limousine body styles, but it rode a chassis that was three inches shorter. External changes were limited to unique high-mounted taillights; while underneath, recirculating ball steering could be found —a feature tested on the Series 72 and installed on all Cadillac models for 1941.

What did not return for 1941 was the Series 72 itself, which became a “one year wonder” that was not repeated past its inaugural season.

The Seven-Passenger Formal Sedan offered here is one of a believed 18 produced, and it is one of two known examples, of which this is the only running and driving survivor. Originally delivered to the See’s Candy family in California, it has been preserved as it was then for 73 years, still wearing the original Cavern Green lacquer, its “Vogue Pattern” tan broadcloth interior, and a perfect padded leather roof covering, all of which would be impossible to duplicate in a restoration. The bumpers have been replated, with the rest of the chrome being original and excellent.

Driven only 68,000 miles, the Cadillac covered the majority of those miles in its original ownership, during 40 years of chauffeured care. It has been owned by enthusiasts since, including a noted Cadillac collector and past president of the Classic Car Club of America, the late Richard Gold, and has been well-kept, maintained, shown, and enjoyed, earning its Original Car Award at the CCCA Grand Experience, the Past President’s Preservation Award at the Cadillac-LaSalle Club Grand National, and an AACA Historic Preservation of Original Features certification.

More than a car, this perfectly preserved Series 72 Cadillac is an artifact of the end of the Classic Era, and it is an irreplaceable survivor of one of the rarest Cadillacs of its time. It is, quite simply, exactly as it was in 1940…beautiful.