Stunning frame-off restoration by well-known restorer. Multiple award winner, including AACA Grand National First Prize. Beautiful color combination. Only test and tune miles since completed. A fantastic Full Classic convertible ready to show or tour!
Cadillac was at the top of their game in 1940 and the Series 62 convertible coupe is a great example that combines elegance, luxury, and sportiness in a way that was hard for other manufacturers to match. Finished in stunning Italian Cream with a red leather interior, this 1940 Cadillac is anything but subtle. But its a sophisticated look and a favorite of the restorer, Doug Seybold. Finished in 2016, the car proceeded to collect every award imaginable, up to and including an AACA Grand National First Prize, a testament to the quality of the work. The car remains show-quality throughout, including spectacular paint and bodywork, brilliant chrome, and superior fit and finish. The doors swing open and closed on well-oiled hinges and youll note that the body lines are exacting with no issues with panel alignment. Details like the fender ornaments and grille, which are notorious for pitting, are in very good to excellent condition and all the stainless trim was polished to match. Rubber items are all new throughout and even the glass was replaced so its crystal clear in every direction. Accessories include a front grille guard and dual side mirrors, making the Cadillac stylish and easier to drive in todays world. This is a really appealing car.
Exterior notes: Excellent throughout. No damage noted.
The red leather interior accurately duplicates the factorys shiny leather that was a little stiffer than todays hides. The pleated seats show only the most minor signs of use, some light wrinkles that add to the appearance rather than detract. The body-colored dashboard and chrome window garnish moldings are correct for a convertible (closed cars had woodgraining) and makes the interior bright and airy even with the top up. All the plastics were restored, including the lovely ivory steering wheel and various accessory knobs. The gauges were all rebuilt and are fully functional, as are the radio and clock. Cadillac-logo pads on the pedals are a nice touch and it has been fitted with matching floor mats bound in the same leather as the seats. For cooler nights, theres a dealer-installed heater/defroster unit under the dash and 1940 was Cadillacs first year for front and rear turn signals, actuated by a little toggle switch on the left side of the steering column. The back seat is spacious enough for real-sized adults and looks to have never been used. Overhead, a black canvas top is power-assisted, making this a very modern-feeling convertible. The car includes a matching black canvas boot, but for some reason the snaps were not installed, so thats one small detail for the next owner to address (Id wager we were the first to actually put the top down on this car). The trunk is correctly finished with grained fabric and includes a full-sized spare tire assembly.
Interior notes: Beautiful upholstery. Crisp gauges. Top fits very well but needs a bit of assistance when going down to avoid pinching the fabric. Boot has no snaps, cant be installed. Wipers and cigarette lighter not tested to avoid damage.
With the V16 out of production, the only engine available was Cadillacs robust 346 cubic inch flathead V8. Impeccably smooth and torquey, it really made the V16 obsolete. Renowned for its reliability, theres a reason 40s Cadillacs are such popular tour cars. Fully rebuilt and with just test and tune miles, its a superb runner. It starts easily thanks to an auxiliary electric fuel pump and settles into a purring idle that sounds muscular and smooth. It pulls the sleek ragtop around without much effort and will happily cruise all day at 60 MPH. Its properly detailed in corporate green engine enamel with correct porcelainized manifolds, and details like the hose clamps, fasteners, and accessory finishes are correct-theres a reason why this car won all those awards. The transmission is a 3-speed manual that shifts smoothly with a tight feeling to the linkage thats difficult to replicate during a restoration, and with 3.90 gears out back its an energetic performer around town. The suspension is GMs familiar setup with coil springs in front and leaf springs in back, and the ride remains luxury car smooth at all times. Steering is surprisingly light for an unassisted system, another testament to the quality of the restoration, and the brakes are powerful enough for the cars performance. Obviously everything underneath the car is new and you can see that the floors, rockers, and frame are in fantastic shape so they must have started with quality base stock. A new exhaust system offers just the right soundtrack, and it sits on painted steel wheels with correct 6.50-16 BFGoodrich Silvertown wide whitewall tires.
Mechanical notes: Starts and runs great. Idles well, drives nicely. Optima battery and auxiliary electric fuel pump. Some splashes of dirt on the undercarriage but could be removed in an afternoon.
With nearly $200,000 spent on the restoration at one of the best-known 1940s GM restoration shops, this beautiful Cadillac is ready to continue earning trophies or entertain its owner on tour. The color combination is simply stunning and the proven Cadillac hardware under the skin makes it one of the best pre-war road cars you can own. Call today!
Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.
