Cars of the 1940s and earlier are not something we often see in these AutoHunter Picks, so this is their overdue moment. The 1940s were an interesting decade because a new era of style was emerging before production was curtailed for the war effort, only to return to a static market that offered little innovation until the designers and engineers worked furiously to get on track again.
You may notice the first car here is a ’50. That’s intentional because it is an example of the furious work mentioned above. Additionally, it shows what was to come. In this case, it was pillarless styling and high-compression V8s. Several years later, the new car market would make even this Cadillac appear ancient, though the burgeoning hot rod scene appreciated cars like it when they were rendered obsolete.
1950 Cadillac Coupe de Ville
Cadillac introduced fins in 1948. The following year, the Coupe de Ville appeared as part of a trio of hardtops within General Motors. For 1950, Cadillac restyled its cars for a sleeker look. Do you like what you see? Note the one-piece windshield too!
Coupe de Villes were premium cars furnished to a high standard, plus the headliner was trimmed like a convertible. You may be used to thinking the Coupe de Ville was common, but in the early years, it was quite the opposite, as only 4,507 of these were built.
1938 Cadillac Fleetwood Series 75 Convertible Sedan
There are few Cadillacs from this era as majestic as the Fleetwood 75—you’d have to step up to the V16s if you wanted the ultimate. Only 58 1938 Cadillac Series 75 convertible sedans were made (plus two European customs), all built with a 346ci V8 on a 141-inch wheelbase.
Needless to say, U-turns are not this car’s forte, but helping you live life large is. If you were ever curious about how the well-heeled lived during the Great Depression, this Cadillac is how.
1947 Ford Sedan Delivery
Postwar Low-Priced Threes are not my thing—none of the Chevrolets, Plymouths, or Fords from this era have ever moved me (except a certain car called Greased Lightnin’). When it comes to sedan deliveries, I tend to be less discriminating, and this 1947 Ford is as cool as any brand’s rival out there.
It was originally used at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, and it has subsequently appeared in several movies. Sure, there’s no room for rear passengers, but if you have a dog or two, then you have all the family you need.
1923 Stutz Special Six Roadster
The car that made good in a day. That’s the tagline for Stutz, Indianapolis’ favorite automotive brand. Though technically more advanced than most of its competitors, Stutz took the unusual task of recruiting an engine manufacturer (Weidely) for its Special Six series, so it does not have the multi-valve configuration for which Stutz was famous.
Nonetheless, this vehicle was a premium product in its time and, two years later, introduced the innovation of four-wheel hydraulic brakes.