Cadillac’s 40th anniversary year would prove to be both eventful and abbreviated. The marque enjoyed record sales in 1941, despite the uncertainty of the war raging on in Europe. Just as the model year was shifting into high gear, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Within hours, the United States declared war on Japan and Nazi Germany and the changeover to war production began immediately. American automakers were subject to increasingly severe restrictions affecting materials, including chrome. This resulted in “blackout” models – car with painted grilles, bumpers, and trim - in lieu of chrome. Cadillac built 2,150 of these (WHICH?) prior to the production of civilian automobiles ending on February 4, 1942. A total of 16,611 Cadillacs were built in the war-shortened 1942 model year. Seven weeks later Cadillac assembly lines were turning out tanks.

All Cadillacs received a bolder grille for 1942 with wider bars, rectangular marker lights, and bumper guards with chrome bullets.  Rear fender skirts were made standard on all models. Cadillac and Fleetwood officially discontinued the production of open-front town cars in 1941. Custom coachbuilders continued to provide formal transportation, including this Fisher-bodied one-off design inspired by the legendary Harley Earl.