1940 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible Sedan, Body Off Resto, One Family Owned 59 Years, Tour or Show!

This 1940 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible Sedan has been loved by one family for the past 59 years. It is a beautiful older restoration of a very nice original car. It is nice enough to be shown at nearly every major concours event and would be fantastic for touring. And through the years the Cadillac was used to carry many VIPs in parades, including the honor of carrying President George HW Bush in 1970 for his state Senate run. This is the 70th of the 75 Series 62 Convertible Sedans made in 1940.

Dick and Tissie Silberberg of Dalhart, TX bought the Cadillac in 1960 in Kansas City. It was a very nice original car. The Silberberg’s enjoyed the Cadillac for about 35 years before commencing a complete restoration. He was a long-time member of the Cadillac LaSalle Club (CLC).

Mrs. Silberberg set out on a full body-off the frame restoration in 1994 with Russell Larsen of Amarillo, TX. The restorations goal was to ensure that this example could maintain its history as a wonderful parade car and the pride and joy of their collection. This restoration was documented with photos showing that every bit of the car was attended to. The car was taken down to bare metal and resprayed in its original Long Key Green Iridescent (Paint code 6). The paint looks very nice and has a beautiful luster. The body prep was done fairly well, but upon close inspection shows some waves and imperfections. We love the more modern and sleek look of the deletion of the running boards and the side mounts. After the restoration was completed, the family put the Cadillac on jackstands and had the restorer start it on a regular basis. It remained on the jackstands for at least ten years.

The interior is refinished in beautiful and soft tan leather. The quality of the leather appears to be excellent and it looks as new. The leather and trim are finished to a very high standard. The carpet is tan and trimmed with tan binding. The convertible top is finished in the correct tan Haartz cloth and is equally well done. The car is accessorized with turn signals, heater/defroster and the am radio with pre-set stations.

In trying to maintain its originality, most of the chrome and Cadillac badges are original and in very good condition. Only the bumpers and the parking lights were re-finished along with new wheel covers and headlight rings. This provides a very consistent patina throughout the car.

All the mechanicals were rebuilt and the car runs and drives beautifully. The venerable 346 cid flathead V8 was thoroughly rebuilt and sounds great. The three speed manual transmission shifts very well and the steering feels light and responsive.

[michaelbenardo]

This is a Series 62. The Series 75 cars were larger and more expensive. There is no such thing as a series 75/62. It is one or the other.

[michaelbenardo]

C.I.D., for cubic Inch Displacement, not "cid".