Description
The car has been preserved in a remarkably original state, displaying the genuine patina that only decades of careful use can create. Rather than being over-restored, it has been sympathetically maintained over the years to keep it in roadworthy condition, making it an appealing opportunity for an enthusiast who appreciates originality and the potential for further improvement.
According to the current owner, the Cadillac spent most of its life in the United States with a single owner before being imported to London by the current owner's brother. Although the intention was to put the car back into regular use, that never happened. Instead, it remained stored in a friend's garage in England for several years. When the present owner acquired the car, it was transported to Sweden by Skandia Transport and eventually arrived in Rättvik.
Since its arrival in Sweden, the Cadillac has seen only limited use. For an extended period, it served as a display vehicle at Thunbergs in Gävle and has more recently been stored in Rättvik. To return the car to the road, a number of mechanical improvements were carried out, including a rebuilt transmission, radiator repairs, clutch work, and an overhaul of the electrical system, along with additional servicing and maintenance. Following this work, the car passed its Swedish roadworthiness inspection on January 25, 2019, and was re-registered for road use on May 31 of the same year.
Today, this Cadillac is a rare sight on the road. It retains an honest, well-earned patina and offers scope for cosmetic improvement should the next owner wish to enhance its presentation. At the same time, it is a running and driving example that performs as intended, making it an excellent choice for an enthusiast who values originality, authenticity, and the unique character that only an 80-plus-year-old Cadillac can offer.
Technical data
Condition
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Mechanical condition
The engine and drivetrain perform well. The transmission functions as it should, although it produces the characteristic mechanical sound one might expect from a vehicle of this age—reminiscent of an old bus. It is equipped with its original 6-volt electrical system. The brakes operate as intended, but, as expected for a 1941 automobile, their performance should not be compared with that of a modern braking system.
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Interior condition
The interior shows some wear and fading from age and sun exposure. There are a number of minor imperfections in the upholstery, most notably on the left-hand side of the rear seat (see photos), as well as in a few other areas. Overall, the interior remains functional as it is, while offering scope for refurbishment for anyone wishing to further enhance the car's presentation.
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Exterior condition
The paintwork and chrome show signs of age and wear, as illustrated in the photos. For those who appreciate authentic patina, the finish is perfectly suited as it is, while those seeking a more concours-level presentation will find plenty of potential for improvement. Underneath, the car presents like a well-aged 85-year-old—honest, solid, and remarkably well preserved.
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General condition
A charming Cadillac with honest, well-earned patina that can be enjoyed exactly as it is. For those seeking a higher level of presentation, it also offers an excellent foundation for further cosmetic improvement.
MOT (tech. insp.)
Ursprungsbesiktning: 2019-01-23 (regbes)
Datum i trafik första gången: 2019-05-31 (410101)
Senast godkända besiktning: 2019-01-25
Besiktningsbefriad: Ja
Skattebefriad: Ja
Körförbud: Nej
Antal ägare: 1
Facts about the model
As part of a broader effort to strengthen the Cadillac brand, General Motors discontinued the LaSalle marque. In its place, Cadillac introduced the Series 61 as a new entry-level model, aimed at customers who had previously chosen LaSalle. For the first time since 1926, every Cadillac model was powered by the same engine—a robust 5.7-litre (346 cu in) V8 producing 150 horsepower.
Under the direction of Harley Earl and Bill Mitchell, Cadillac adopted a more modern appearance, highlighted by the now-iconic "egg-crate" grille. The headlights were fully integrated into the front fenders, while the fuel filler was cleverly concealed behind the left-hand taillight—a distinctive design feature that would become a Cadillac hallmark.
Following the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, Cadillac's production was rapidly redirected to support the war effort. Civilian automobile production came to a complete halt in early February 1942. Cadillac's dependable V8 engines and Hydra-Matic transmissions proved so reliable that they were paired to power light tanks such as the M5 Stuart and, later, the M24 Chaffee.
Location and viewing Information
For viewing the vehicle, contact the inspector/case manager:
Nisse Brandt
+46 707 50 89 99
nisse@bilwebauctions.se
Pick up
NOTE! Payment (deposit to our account) must be made within 5 days and before collection.
Auction information
General information about the condition of the vehicles .
- At this auction, many vehicles have been included in car collections and have been stored (mothballed) for a long time. For this reason, they are described from a collector's perspective and may need technical reviews and maintenance service - oil, battery replacement, new tires, brake review, etc. - before they can be used. .
- During the auction days information about a vehicle may be updated up to the day before the auction ends. When you bid at the end of the auction period - and also if you have made an earlier bid - we therefore ask you to read the descriptions carefully, in case something has been changed due to new information.
Important to know before placing your bids!
- Once you have called in an item and the reservation price is reached we want you to deposit the entire purchase amount into our client funds account before retrieval can take place.
- When you need to retrieve a called in object we want you to examine it carefully. If you consider that the item does not match our description you do not need to complete the purchase. In this case the deposited purchase sum and the entry fee are refunded.
- If you do not examine the item on the spot the call charge will be debited, but you do not have to complete the deal.
- If you make the entire purchase exclusively at a distance you have 14 days to cancel, but must return the item at your own expense.
- Your shipping costs and other costs are not reimbursed when the right of withdrawal is exercised. Swedish court applies.
- For items that have not been collected within 14 days storage costs may be charged.