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HomePick of the Day1941 Cadillac Series 61

1941 Cadillac Series 61

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The fastback styling of the 1941 Cadillac inspired designers for such classics as the Bentley Continental
The fastback styling of the 1941 Cadillac inspired designers for such classics as the Bentley Continental R

Of all pre- and early post-war American cars, the Sedanette cars from Cadillac and Buick are some of the finest automobile designs of any era. You can see the design language all through the acclaimed Bentley Continental R fastbacks of the 1950s.

The bonus is that they cost a fraction of what the Bentley does, and they offer exclusivity and elegance along with the low operating costs of an American classic.

The Cadillac is said to be completely restored
The Cadillac is said to be completely restored

The build quality of these stunning cars compares with the Bentley as well, making them huge bargains in the classic car market. The Pick of the Day, a 1941 Cadillac Series 61, Sedanette “fastback” with a two-tone gray-and- tan broadcloth Interior, is just such a bargain.

According to the Sarasota, Florida, dealer offering the Caddy on ClassicCars.com, the car is powered by its stock 346 cid flathead V8 linked with a Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, a new and rare option introduced in 1941.

These sought-after “fastback” Series 61 Cadillacs are becoming a hot commodity because of their smooth drivability and sheer beauty, and the automatic transmission should help wring greater enjoyment from behind the wheel. The seller states that the car is nicely restored with great paint, new interior, wood and chrome, and it is a wonderful car to drive.

The interior shows the influence of Art Deco design
The interior shows the influence of Art Deco design

The body is by Fleetwood and marks the beginning of the end for these brilliant designs. By 1950, special coachbuilt cars like this had been relegated to the dustbin due to the cost of constructing them.

The asking price is in line with the marketplace at just $46,500, and it could be a bit under the value guides. Compared with the Bentley Continental R fastbacks that sell for more than $1 million, the Cadillac is a steal.

You could not even begin to restore one of these luxury cars for twice that amount. These Cadillacs are AACA Full Classics and offer more for the money in a pre-war American car that just about anything else I can think of.

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day

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Andy Reid
Andy Reid
Andy Reid's first car, purchased at age 15, was a 1968 Fiat 124 coupe. His second, obtained by spending his college savings fund, was a 1966 Ferrari 330 GT 2+2. Since then, he has owned more than 150 cars—none of them normal or reasonable—as well as numerous classic motorcycles and scooters. A veteran of film, television, advertising and helping to launch a few Internet-based companies, Reid was a columnist for Classic Motorsports magazine for 12 years and has written for several other publications. He is considered an expert in European sports and luxury cars and is a respected concours judge. He lives in Canton, Connecticut.

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