Vehicle Description
135 bhp, 346 cu. in. OHV V-8 engine, three-speed selective
synchromesh manual transmission, independent front axle with coil
springs, Hotchkiss semi-floating rear axle with semi-elliptical
leaf springs, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 127
in. The Cadillac Series 60 Special marked a new direction for both
the "Standard of the World" and General Motors design. It was the
first car completely styled for GM by William Mitchell, the gifted
prot�g� and eventual successor of the redoubtable Harley Earl.
Mitchell made his impression early with the first "owner-driver"
Cadillac, a car for the gentleman or lady of means who preferred
not to use a chauffeur. Accordingly, it rode on a 127-inch
wheelbase chassis, somewhat smaller than other Cadillacs, but it
was large enough to be appropriately cushy. The body boasted
well-proportioned lines, hidden running boards, squared-off modern
"pontoon fenders," and a roofline that seemed to plunge between the
windows. In total, the Series 60 Special looked fantastic and like
modern art compared to the other luxury cars being built at the
time. The first Series 60 Specials of 1938 were bodied by
Fleetwood. The 1939 and 1940 models, which used essentially the
same design with updated front-end sheet metal and headlights, were
built to the Fleetwood design by Fisher Body, and they were no less
elegant and well appointed. The 1940 model offered here has been
part of Private collection for several years. While an engine
number is not readily discernible on the car, it is believed to be
powered by its original engine, number 6322448, of which the
original unit number, 6E 2512, is still present on the block. A
copy of the original build sheet is on file, indicating that the
Series 60 Special was delivered through the Don Lee Cadillac
Company, of Oakland, California, with disc wheel covers, a grille
guard, and dual side-mounted spares, all correct and desirable
options that it retains along with a sun visor and dual driving
lights. Well restored before the current Collectors acquisition,
the Cadillac has been well maintained since by their shop and is
still in utterly beautiful and virtually show-ready condition in
all regards. The chassis and under-hood are clean and proper, and
the paint, an attractive metallic shade similar to the factory
Carlear Blue, has a rich shine and no readily visible flaws. The
cloth interior and woodgrain dashboard are in beautiful condition
with fresh, clear gauges. Even the exterior chrome is deep and
beautiful. This is, perhaps unsurprisingly, a CCCA Senior First
Prize car, carrying badge no. 2999, and is one of the most striking
Series 60 Specials to have been offered in recent memory. It would
be an ideal acquisition for any knowledgeable Cadillac connoisseur.
