Museums 201: Cadillac automobiles of the 1940s (photo diary)

by Ojibwa for Museums

Community

(This content is not subject to review by Daily Kos staff prior to publication.)

Sunday, Jul. 07, 2024 Sunday, Jul. 07, 2024 at 11:15:11am PDT

From the perspective of automobile history, the 1940s was an interrupted decade: during World War II, automobile manufacturers turned to making war materials and stopped making cars. Beginning January 1, 1942, priority for natural resources went to the military. February 28, 1942 was the last day most civilians could buy a new car until the war ended. To conserve gasoline for the war effort, a national speed limit of 40 mph was established.

Following the War, car sales boomed. For the most part, automobile designs immediately following the War were similar to the pre-war designs. By the end of the decade, new designs were beginning to emerge. In 1949, Cadillac and Oldsmobile introduced the modern V8 engine.

During the twentieth century, Cadillac was one of the leaders of the luxury car market. The Cadillac Car Company was founded in Detroit in 1902 by the shareholders of the defunct Henry Ford Company and machinist Henry Leland. Cadillac took its name from Antoine de La Methe Cadillac who founded Detroit in 1701. Under the leadership of Henry Leland, Cadillac quickly established a reputation for quality. In 1909, William Durant, who had established the General Motors Corporation with the Buick and Oldsmobile brands, purchased Cadillac.

Shown below are some of the Cadillacs of the 1940s displayed in various museums.

1940 Cadillac Series 90 Convertible Sedan

Of the 51 1940 Series 90 V16 Cadillacs produced, only two were convertibles. This car sold new for $5,795. It has a V16, 432 cubic inch, 185 horsepower engine.

This car was on display in the LeMay Family Collections at Marymount in Tacoma, Washington.

1948 Cadillac Club Coupe

This car was on display in the World of Speed in Wilsonville, Oregon.

The first of the new body styles for General Motors cars were introduced in 1948 on Cadillac and Oldsmobile. The 1948 was the first car to have fins at the back of the rear fenders. The tailfins were inspired by the P-38 Lightning fighter plane.