In 1941, Cadillac achieved a massive hit in the luxury car market with its Series 62 model line. The cars were magnificently designed with flowing lines, smooth teardrop shapes, and elegant fender flares, all created by the famous Harley Earl.

About this Car:

*The information in this section is largely provided by Worldwide Auctioneers.

This 1941 Series 62 has the Classic Car Club of America’s (CCCA) Full Classic ®
recognition. It’s a well-preserved restored car with handsome colors and exquisite brightwork, featuring a factory radio, deluxe heater, power convertible top, and, most importantly, iconic 1940s styling. With a powerful V-8 under its hood, this car is ready to grace any road it can find with its powerful presence and sophisticated styling.

The 346-CID 90° L-head V-8 engine puts out 150 hp at 3,400 rpm. The engine is coupled with a three-speed selective synchromesh manual transmission, an independent coil-spring front suspension, a semi-floating rear axle, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. The wheelbase spans a lengthy 126 inches.

According to Worldwide Auctioneers, “It has rightly been said that, in terms of styling, Cadillac’s Series 62 line was to 1941 what Cord’s 810/812 series was to 1936–37, what the Duesenberg Model J was to 1929, and what the first LaSalle was to 1927. Designed under Harley Earl’s leadership, the 1941 Cadillac models possessed an incomparable blend of style, grace, and athleticism, coupled with the marque’s engineering prowess and well-deserved reputation for excellence.”

“An unqualified masterpiece of subtle, flowing curves, the 1941 Cadillac lineup set forth the basic design language that would define Cadillac

styling for many years to come. Interestingly, the final design chosen by Harley Earl for 1941 was penned by GM stylist Art Ross, with major cues including the Cord 810/812-inspired frontal treatment and horizontal egg-crate grille. Bill Mitchell, who would become Harley Earl’s handpicked successor, quietly influenced Earl’s final decision and contributed the clean, fender-mounted headlamp placement that he had long favored.”

The design of this car, by Harley Earl and his designers, was nothing less than commanding – a perfect match for the instrument under the hood. Only one engine option was available for 1941—the smooth and nearly silent 346-CID. V-8, delivering 150 horsepower, not bad for 1941. An independent front suspension and large 126-inch wheelbase, this car is the epitome of smooth and something that is appreciated greatly by car collectors of the world, today.

The magnificently formed dashboard features a faux wood-grain finish, and the instruments and large-diameter electric clock express the feeling of finely crafted jewelry. Additional features and amenities include a factory radio, deluxe heater, and an optional power-top. This 1941 Cadillac Series 62 convertible coupe is a beautiful masterpiece from the mind of Harley Earl under the Cadillac brand.

More on Harley Earl:

Celebrated for special projects like his Buick LaSalle and Y-Job or arguably his most famous car, the 1953 Corvette, Harley Earl is one of the most well-known and dominant individuals to ever place a hand on the automotive industry. Earl began his journey with Cadillac under the GM umbrella in the 1920’s. After dropping a bomb on the automobile industry in 1930 with the original Cadillac V16, Earl went on to work under Buick and Chevy as well, creating some of the most iconic vehicles in the world.

Famous for his massive chrome grilles, huge swooping lines, large tailfins, aviation-inspired queues, and remarkable attention to detail, Earl didn’t do things like the other guys. It has been said that Harley Earl is possibly the most persuasive force that has ever touched automotive design.

This 1941 Cadillac Series 62 is just another in a long list of beautifully sculpted cars from the mind of Harley Earl and his team. Largely shaping the way we think about automotive design, Earl’s work has lasted long into the 21st century and will be forever remembered by car collectors, car enthusiasts, engineers, and designers alike.

http://www.worldwide-auctioneers.com/

Headlee, Jake. “We Owe Modern Automotive Design To Harley J. Earl.” Rod Authority, 5 May 2018, http://www.rodauthority.com/features/editorials- opinions/we-owe-modern-automotive-design-to-harley-j-earl/.