1947 Cadillac Other

Additional Info:

1947 Cadillac Series 62 Project and Rat Rod, $28,000obo

For sale, is a 1947 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible PROJECT with nearly 40 years spent collecting all the parts necessary to build out one complete car. This post-war luxury cruiser was powered by its original 346 cubic inch L-head V8 engine paired with a Hydra-Matic 4-speed automatic transmission. Only 6,755 Series 62 Convertibles were produced in 1947, making this a rare and desirable classic.

Included in this sale is a 1947 Cadillac Convertible “Rat Rod” in running/driving condition to be used as example for reassembly of the Project.

Clean Washington titles in hand for both cars.

2025 Old Cars Price Guide list the following values; 1947 Cadillac Level 4 at $22,000 and Level 5 at $13,200. Level 4 is GOOD, A drivable vehicle needing restoration, but in drivable condition. The PROJECT car was in this shape when disassembled. Level 5 is considerable RESTORABLE condition, needing complete restoration…etc. With that we derived asking price. Somewhere in the middle for the PROJECT and the RAT ROD combined.

THE PROJECT:

Collector/Prior owner is a family uncle who was in the Navy who later worked up to be a submarine machinist. He tells the story that the military received new tanks, which used the Cadillac Flat head v8 and iron case Hydra-Matic transmission, they had a test track, where they tested, wide open throttle for 20 minutes. If there were no problems (engine or otherwise), then the tank was put in service. If there were any issues, the engine and transmission were removed and replaced with new unit. Take out engines typically had a known, but fixable, lifter problem, however, they were scrapped. This is where majority of the new old stock engine parts were acquired. You can tell the tank engines as the head is cast with “Cadillac” while the car heads were non branded.

Complete rolling chassis and body. Chassis was stripped and painted black. Body has been stripped and primered, ready for final body work and paint. Trunk was painted as test sample of what color they picked.

Drive train;

Six(6) engine blocks:

One fully machined, valves lapped in and ready for reassembly. Connecting rods, refurbished/re-szied big end, new pistons, NOS rings and bearings, one set of cylinder heads machined, etc, etc.

Five(5) engine cores: 2 nearly complete, 3 in long block configuration partially disassembled

Three (3) Stromberg carburetors with what appears to be OEM rebuild kits. Not certain if they were already rebuilt/unknown status

Eight(8) sets of cylinder heads. 2 sets of Tank only heads that have Cadillac cast into them

Three(3) Transmissions;

One (1) Take-out Hydra-Matic Tank transmission (internal parts same as car), was separated from known bad tank engine

One (1) in the “Rat Rod” in working condition

Two (2) transmission cores (status unknown)

Four (4) complete rear axles (incl. one in the rat rod)

Three (3) complete front suspensions (incl one in the Rat Rod)

Three (3) complete convertible top frame and assemblies (incl. one in the Rat Rod)

New restored steering wheel

New fuel tank still in box

Totes and totes of engine parts, some new old stock, some take off/usable cores (see pictures)

Sets and sets of hubcaps in various condition

Large collection of Cadillac Magazine and related articles to support restoration

The “RAT ROD”

1947 Cadillac convertible showing 86,XXX miles, TMU. Prior to 2019, was last licensed in 1963 in Idaho. In 2019, we did the below maintenance and repairs bringing it to a running, driving, street legal cruise-in car.

Car runs out with no issue, has been to Portland International Raceway Beaches cruise-in throughout the last 6 years multiple times a year (basically 35-mile roundtrip). Will take stop and go traffic in 95F heat and then run down the freeway at 80mph with no issues.

In 2022, received PIR Beaches Cruisin Judges show winner award, where Cadillac was picked as best Rat Rod at the show.

Power windows, top, wipers, etc, etc, are currently InOp. Stitching in leather seats and foam is deteriorating/failing.

A prior owner installed 1950’s Oldsmobile Rocket 88 303 c.i. engine installed with fabricated engine mounts and exhaust. 4-Speed Hydra-Matic transmission. Recent maintenance completed since 2019 include:

New Tires

New Wheel Cylinders

New Master Cylinder

New Fuel Tank

Rebuilt Starter

New Voltage Regulator

New 2/0 Battery Cables

New Vacuum canister

New Thermostat

6 Volt electric fuel pump

Early 60 Chevy Fan blade

Fabricated fan shroud

Relay/Power panel installed to modernize wiring for key functions; Start circuit, fuel pump, ignition, etc.

The 1947 Cadillac Series 62 represented the epitome of American luxury in the immediate post-war era. As automotive production resumed following World War II, Cadillac resumed its commitment to innovation, quality, and design. The Series 62 featured streamlined styling, ample chrome trim, and Cadillac's robust 346 cubic inch L-head V8 engine. It also marked one of the first full production years to feature the Hydra-Matic automatic transmission-an innovation that brought ease of use to luxury motoring. Convertible models like this one offered open-air elegance and were among the most expensive and exclusive vehicles of the time.

Drive one home and bring a trailer for the remainder or have us assist with shipping it to you anywhere in the United States! Don't hesitate to call us with any questions or for more information.