Inventory Listing

GM introduced fastback styling in 1941, offering it across the line and taking a rather big risk that the all-new look would succeed where others such as the Chrysler Airflow had failed. Even the top-of-the-line Cadillacs were available with sleek new 2- and 4-door bodies in the 61 Series, although typically conservative GM hedged their bets a bit by offering more conservatively-styled cars alongside the radical new 61s. Fortunately, the fastback look caught on and dominated the remainder of the 1940s and today remains an iconic look that defines the period.

This very attractive 1941 Cadillac Series 61 sedanette (as the 2-door fastbacks were called) is a wonderful story of dedication. The gentleman who owned it for many years sadly passed away with it unfinished, and while it was in very good overall condition, he had always intended to freshen it. Following his passing, his children embarked on a journey to finish his work, and gave the lovely Cadillac a frame-on freshening that looks wonderful. It is finished in its correct, original shade of code 59 Valcour Maroon and unlike many restorations done recently, the paint isn’t loaded with metallic so it has a very correct look. It appears to be two-stage urethane, so it shines up quite well and has a gloss befitting the Standard of the World. It is not perfect and is not a show car, but even up close there’s evidence that the workmanship was well done and the materials are of a uniformly high quality. Of note, the fit of the hood is a little off, which is typical of these cars because the hinge springs get tired, and a hobbyist with a bit of time on his hands could tweak the fit of the doors. On the other hand, the sheetmetal is extremely straight, the troublesome fastback deck lid fits superbly, and the car is remarkably devoid of squeaks and rattles inside. 

While the paint was being done, much of the chrome was sent out to be professionally restored by the same guys who do Jay Leno’s plating. Bumpers, door handles, taillight housings, and the fender “speed streaks” are in excellent shape with exceptionally nice workmanship. The hood ornament (which also doubles as the hood latch) shows above-average detail and may very well be an excellent original piece, a testament to the overall preservation of this car over the years. Pieces like the egg-crate grille and matching hood vents have clearly been restored, but they look just a little older than the rest of the stuff. Overall, the presentation is quite nice. There are also reproduction fiberglass fender skirts that totally transform the look of the sleek fastback body and they wear brand new reproduction medallions. Their fit is just OK, which is typical of reproduction parts, but you have to agree that the car looks unfinished without them and correct steel replacements are frequently available on eBay.

The interior was restored in the late-90s and uses correct-looking upholstery materials and patterns to make for a comfortable, stylish driver’s compartment. The seats are firm and supportive and there’s lovely new woodgraining on the window moldings and dashboard that’s just extraordinary. Correct carpets are nicely fitted and the chrome and stainless door trim and other moldings shine up nicely. All the gauges show clear markings and they’re all fully functional. A re-cast steering wheel offers a lovely horn ring and chrome center and the shifter lever is at your fingertips. Sadly, like most cars of the era, neither the clock nor the radio are functional. We believe this was a low-option car that did not originally have a radio or clock, as the antenna is mounted in the front fender rather than on the roof, and the heater is a correct Cadillac dealer accessory, not the original under-seat units. Regardless, it’s a great place to spend some time and you’ll find that it makes for an excellent tour vehicle in any weather, especially with lots of new weather-stripping to seal it up.

Most notable is the seat fabric, which is a textured wool that looks correct for the period but sadly has faded a bit. I’ve spoken at length with an expert upholsterer familiar with these cars and the prevailing opinion is that the dyes have simply evaporated, which is apparently common with today’s spray-died materials. In the 1940s, most wool was vat-dyed but today most fabrics are sprayed in a factory. Over time, the moisture levels in the wool literally cause the dyes to evaporate, which is why there are no shadow marks as you’d expect from a car stored in direct sunlight; the wool has merely reverted to almost its natural color. It is not damaged or ripped or anything like that, it’s just a bit lighter than it should be. This same upholsterer also suggests that a creative person could re-dye the material for a correct look. In contrast, the door panels are correct wool broadcloth which has held its color and looks fantastic, along with the seat backs upholstered in the same material. The trunk was finished in matching tan carpets, which isn’t exactly correct, but looks quite good and there’s a fifth wheel suitable for use as a spare.

Cadillac’s 346 cubic inch flathead V8 is renowned for its performance, smoothness, and reliability, and with this one being recently rebuilt, it’s ready for touring season. It starts easily thanks to an electric fuel pump on a switch, with the factory-style mechanical pump taking over once it’s running. The original oil bath air cleaner lives up top and feeds a Carter 2-barrel carburetor that’s been rebuilt. There’s also a new water pump, a generator that keeps the Optima battery topped off, and nicely finished exhaust manifolds, all covered in an appropriate-looking green engine enamel. It starts quickly and easily, idles smoothly without the need for constant throttle applications, and pulls cleanly from any speed. It seems content to idle indefinitely without getting cranky and the cooling system keeps it happy in traffic, even on warm days.

Underneath, it’s quite clean and the car did not require a full frame-off restoration. It’s not detailed for show, as you’d expect for a car entering its eighth decade, but it’s quite clean, the floors are solid, the body mounts are still crisply rendered, and it has been sealed up with a light dusting of undercoating to keep it protected. The 3-speed manual transmission was rebuilt and shifts nicely with a positive action that feels like precision machinery at work. Clutch take-up is progressive and even, with just a bit of chatter if you don’t get it just right, and the car is eager to keep up with modern traffic without working hard. 3.90 gears in back mean it feels quick off the line yet is happy cruising at 65 MPH. Rebuilt brakes and a supple suspension mean you won’t hesitate to take it out for a drive and the original wheels are painted to match the body and fitted with new hubcaps and 7.20-15 wide whitewall tires that have less than 1000 miles on them. 

The car comes with extensive receipts for much of the restoration work dating back decades, as well as some period literature and advertising posters.

If you haven’t already guessed, I really like this car. It’s not perfect, but the heavy work is already done and nothing expensive nor difficult remains. It’s a very attractive, unusual body style that’s sporting as much as elegant, and with only 10,000 or so of these cars built, it’s rather rare. Perfect examples have been selling at auctions for $50,000+ for several years now, so this is a great opportunity to own a very good car with all the expensive work already done for a fairly deep discount. And there’s simply no better tour car than a pre-war Cadillac.