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Cadillac made great strides in styling for 1941. For the first time, headlights were fully integrated into the front fenders and a horizontal-theme grille stretched from side to side.
Full description
The Cadillac Series 62 is a series of cars that were produced by Cadillac from 1940 through 1964 (when it was renamed the Cadillac Calais, continuing on under that badge until 1976). Originally designed to replace the entry level Series 65, it became the Cadillac Series 6200 in 1959, and remained that until becoming the Calais five years later.
Cadillac made great strides in styling for 1941. For the first time, headlights were fully integrated into the front fenders and a horizontal-theme grille stretched from side to side. The hood was made front-opening for the first time, and the gas tank filler was hidden in the left rear taillight, a feature that became a Cadillac hallmark. Hydra-Matic, General Motors’ new fully-automatic transmission, became available for the first time.
The Fisher-bodied Series 62 replaced the Cadillac Series 61 at the lowest rung in the model line-up in 1940. The Series 62 featured a low sleek "torpedo" style C-body with chrome window reveals, more slant in the windshield, and a curved rear window. The new C-body that the 1940 Cadillac Series 62 shared with the Buick Roadmaster and Super, the Oldsmobile Series 90 and the Pontiac Torpedo featured shoulder and hip room that was over 5" wider, the elimination of running boards and exterior styling that was streamlined. When combined with a column mounted shift lever the cars offered true six passenger comfort.
These changes had clearly been influenced by the Cadillac Sixty Special. The styling feature distinguishing all V-8 Cadillacs was once again the grille. Although grilles had the same pointed shape as in 1939, the grille bars were heavier and fewer in number. Two sets of louver bars appeared on each side of the hood. Running boards were a no cost option. The Series 62 was available as a club coupe or a sedan, with 2-door and 4-door convertibles introduced mid-year. Sales totalled 5903 in its inaugural year accounting for about 45% of Cadillac's sales.
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