Classic Car Overview
1941 Cadillac Series 63 Touring Sedan Theres nothing like assuming the helm of a mid-century Cadillac, a car from an era when General Motors was at the tip top of its game in terms of design, engineering and performance. Unfortunately, top-notch vintage Cadillacs that are ready to drive AND show are becoming increasingly hard to find. Then Bill Mitchell pulled another rabbit out of the hat with his 1941 Sixty Special design, judged by some as Cadillacs all-time best. Featuring a fastback design which would be copied by many, including Bentley, among other features that would survive through the 40s and become signature to a Cadillac. Proudly offered for consignment, the beneficiary of a 6-year long restoration, (2006-2012), where no stone was left unturned. From the body to the interior, the undercarriage to the engine its all been done and then sparingly driven and always garage kept. We present to you a 1941 Cadillac Series 63 that is ready for you to show and enjoy. Exterior Styling was heavily emphasized for 41, and the new Cadillacs emerged looking quite distinctive. The prow-nose motif of the Thirties was gone, replaced by a blunter and more massive frontal design that was highlighted by a dramatic horizontal egg crate grille - a theme that has been continued to this day. That, plus the larger traditionally opening hood, and the headlights integrated into the broader fenders, separated it from all Cadillacs that had gone before. Meanwhile, a three-piece front bumper guard (one horizontal) provided a cove to protect the license plate. This car sports round optional fog lights in place of the standard V emblems below the headlights. At the rear, fenders show squarer, the left taillight hides the gas-filler cap, and twin vertical bars divide the rear window into three segments. Three horizontal chrome speed stripes on the front and rear fenders of this model, help promote the theory of movement while standing still. All these steel panels have been restored and painted in the deep end of the pool black. Wide whitewall tires are wrapped around the red painted steel wheels. Interior An expansive Art Deco style bench seat stretches from door panel to door panel and is covered in gray cloth with a vertical tufted insert. A restored wood grained dash, with plenty of chrome covers the area. The original steering wheel is installed, and carpeting, very clean and topped with black mats, covers the floors. Across the back is a spacious rear bench with plenty of legroom, and obligatory ashtrays, and hold on bar for when the chauffeur gets a bit feisty on the back roads, and you do not want to spill your Manhattan. Headliner is in very nice condition. Drivetrain Under the large bulbous hood resides a numbers matching, olive drab painted 346ci Flathead V8. Topped with a 2bbl carburetor this mill makes 150hp. On the back is a 3-speed manual transmission which sends power back to a 3.77 geared rear axle Undercarriage The frame is strong and stable and is very beefy for lack of a better word. All the floor pans and rockers are solid as is the trunk which only shows a minor repair on the spare tire well. Independent coil spring front suspension and rear leaf springs provide the ride. Drum brakes bring this massive piece of Art Deco to a stop. Drivability An easy starter after a turn of the key, and we were off for the test drive. I took the rear passengers seat and my cohort drove me around our test track. But I digress and all worked well, with smooth ride, nice acceleration and smooth manual shifting thanks to the talented feet of my chauffeur . Its always a pleasure to enjoy a luxurious ride in a classic and this car delivered. I did note the radio was non functional so I had to make do with listening to my cohort blather on. A 6 year long restoration that covered all aspects of this large and in charge cruiser. No detail was overlooked in the process and the car was sparingly driven after the work was completed. All ready for you to enjoy and presently residing in our West mall way here at the Classic Auto Mall.