1946 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible - No Sale at $72,900

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Source: Riviera International
Sharonville, Ohio, U.S.A.

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This rare vehicle was owned by Robert Greenlease of Greenlease Cadillac in Kansas City, Missouri. The car was special ordered in September of 1946 with a Green exterior and Green interior for the Cadillac distributorship, which has been confirmed through GM’s archives. This Cadillac was one of just 1,300 convertibles built the first year of production after WWII. This particular car is an early production car with the body number 134 of 1300. Mr. Greenlease was an active member of the Kansas City Shriners and major supporter throughout his life. The previous owner was also an active member of the Kansas City Shriners. It is through this connection we believe the car was acquired in the 1960s by the second owner. Today, the Greenlease family uses our 1946 for their family website logo.

Today, there are just a few examples of 1946 Cadillacs in the nation and through research only a very small number have been located to exist today. The Greenlease 1946 Cadillac spent the last 40+ years stored in a heated garage just outside of Kansas City. The vehicle retains its original numbers matching engine and chassis. The current tires are from the 1960s when the car was put placed in storage over 40 years ago. The mileage reads just over 5,500 miles, and the clear Ohio title states it is actual mileage. All mileage is believed to be accurate. The car runs beautifully just as a car with this low of mileage should. The engine is very smooth and quiet. The four speed automatic transmission shifts great. The car has been recently tuned and fluids changed after being stored for nearly 40 years. The Cadillac runs and drives excellent, one of the best driving Cadillac's we have owned. The white convertible top boot is included and is in great shape.

At every show this car attracts very much attention as onlookers are in awe of the vehicles history as they read the documentation that goes with the car. When parked next to cars worth several hundred thousand dollars at our last show, our 1946 Cadillac overshadowed them all. We had a line of spectators to take their turn to read the Greenlease story.

Robert C. Greenlease began his life as a not so wealthy farmer’s son. In early 1900’s Robert Greenlease was a pioneer in Cadillac’s development and built his company to be the largest Cadillac dealership with distributorship status in the nation. Greenlease owned dealerships from Texas to the Dakotas.

Robert C. Greenlease and his wife tried for a son for many years. Mr. Greenlease began to give up hope of a Greenlease legacy at the age of 64. Finally, in 1946 Robert’s 2nd wife became pregnant with their son Robert C. Greenlease, Jr. (Bobby). Bobby was to be the heir to the Greenlease Empire.

In 1953 the Greenlease legacy came to a halt when Bobby was abducted by Carl Hall and Bonnie Heady. This was one of the most tragic abductions in history. A record ransom of $600,000 cash was demanded and paid to Carl & Bonnie. Robert Greenlease Sr. who was worth was estimated at 24 million dollars at the time contacted Arthur B. Eisenhower, Executive Vice President of the Commerce Trust Company located in Kansas City to arrange the ransom. Dwight D. Eisenhower was president at the time, and was incidentally the brother of Arthur B. Eisenhower. The Greenlease family was not only very wealthy, but well connected politically. The Eisenhower brothers took the kidnapping very seriously and were instrumental in arranging the record ransom in such a short period of time.

Police found the body of Bobby Greenlease on October 07, 1953. They recovered the two bullets fired by Carl Hall at Bobby Greenlease, in a 1951 Plymouth station wagon owned by Bonnie Heady.

On October 30, 1953 Carl Hall and Bonnie Heady were indicted by the grand jury. Four days after the indictment, Hall and Heady entered guilty pleas and were sentenced to death. December 18, 1953, 81 days after the kidnapping/murder, Carl Austin Hall and Bonnie Emily Heady were executed. Bonnie Heady was the first woman to be executed for kidnapping and only woman to be executed in a gas chamber in US history.

Although the Carl and Bonnie admitted guilt, they could not explain $300,000 of the ransom money that was missing. Many theories exist about the ransom including police corruption and ties to the Mafia. Interestingly, bills from the missing Greenlease ransom have shown up in the United States and Mexico over the years.

Since the incident numerous books and articles have been written on this historic tragedy. The Greenlease kidnapping was a major event covered nationally by the media. Books, articles, and periodicals are included with the car. Author David Temple who is best known for writing the book titled “GM’s Motorama” will be covering this particular car and its significance along with the Greenlease family in his latest work. This is not a car to miss out on!

Specs & Details:

Auction Date: 16 Feb 2009
No Sale: $72,900
# Bids: 2
VIN: 8409522
Miles: 5,500
Engine: 8
Transmission: auto
Exterior Color: green
Interior Color: green