1942 Cadillac history

For 1942, the Series lineup remained the same as in 1941.

The grille became more massive, with fewer bars.
Parking lights became round and fog light sockets became rectangular and were included within the grille area.
A bullet shape appeared on the tops of the bumper guard.
Fenders were rounded and longer.
Front fenders on all but Series 75 extended into the front doors.
Series 62 and 60S rear fenders extended forward into rear doors.
The new fenders had heavy moldings along the sides.
Series 75 had the new grille but retained the 1941 fender treatment.
A detail trim change on the 75's was a rounded nose on the hood louvers.
The first general styling change on the Sixty Special destroyed the character of the car.
Bulbous lines plus superfluous trim in the form of louver bars on the quarters and numerous short vertical bars low on the fenders spoiled its appeal.
The only convertible was the Series 62, showing quarter windows for the first time.
A new fresh air ventilating system with air ducts leading from the grille, replaced cowl ventilators.
Handbrake control was changed from lever to T-shaped pull handle.
Radiator shutter control of engine temperature was replaced by a blocking-type thermostat in the water return fitting on the radiator.

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Serial numbers were on the right frame side bar, just behind the engine support bracket.

Starting: Same as engine number.

Ending: Same as engine number.

Engine numbers were on the right hand side of the crankcase, just above the water pump.

Engine Numbers on Chrome or polished stainless steel brightwork models

Engine Numbers on Painted "brightwork" models

STYLE

STYLE

ENGINE

Type	Ninety degree. L-head
Cylinders	Eight Cylinders
Block	Cast iron block (blocks cast enbloc with crankcase)
Bore & Stroke	88.9mm x 114.3mm
Displacement	5.678 Liter
Compression Ratio	7.25:1
Brake Horsepower	150 hp @ 3400 rpm
Power	112 kW @ 3400 rpm
SAE/Taxable Horsepower	39.20
Main bearings	Three
Valve lifters	Hydraulic.
Carburetor	Stromberg AAV-26; Carter WDO 486S.

CHASSIS

Series Number	Wheelbase	Overall length	Front Tread	Rear Tread	Tires
Series 42-60S	3378mm	5690mm	1499mm	1600mm	7.00 x 15
Series 42-61	3200mm	5461mm	1499mm	1600mm	7.00 x 15
Series 42-62	3277mm	5588mm	1499mm	1600mm	7.00 x 15
Series 42-63	3200mm	5461mm	1499mm	1600mm	7.00 x 15
Series 42-67	3531mm	5791mm	1486mm	1588mm	7.50 x 16
Series 42-75	3454mm	5766mm	1486mm	1588mm	7.50 x 16
Series 42-75 Commercial Chassis	4140mm	6427mm			7.50 x 16

DRIVETRAIN

Transmission	Selective synchro manual transmission.
Speeds	3 Forward, 1 Reverse
Controls	Left Hand Drive: gearshift on column; handbrake at left, (rhd opt except 60S, 62, 67, 75).
Clutch	Single disc clutch.
Drive	Shaft drive Hotchkiss.
Axle	Semifloating rear axle.
Gears	Hypoid gears.
Overall Ratio	60S, 61, 62, 63 = 3.77:1; (3.36:1 opt) 67, 75 = 4.27:1 (3.77:1 opt)
Brakes	Hydraulic brakes on four wheels.
Wheels	Slotted disc wheels.
Wheel size	15 in (16 in. on 67 and 75).

OPTIONS

HISTORICAL NOTES

1942 Cadillac Notes

1942 Automotive Notes

Charles E. Wilson was president of GM
Alfred P. Sloan, Jr. was chairman of the board at GM
Because of WWII, chrome trim is replaced by black-painted parts
Chrysler's hood opens at the front instead of the side
Oldsmobile becomes a division of GM, dropping the "Olds Motor Works" name
Studebaker offers a semi-automatic transmission, Turbo-matic Drive
U.S. government mandates a national 40 mph maximum speed limit which is later reduced to 35 mph
Civilian car production halted on Feb. 9/42
Civilian truck production halted on Mar. 3/42
Gas rationing begins in December
Graham-Paige manufactures amphibian tanks
Top model year production for 1942

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