Vehicle Description
1939 Cadillac Series 60 Special Sedan
The 1939 Cadillac 60 Special Sedan was one of the first automobiles
designed in collaboration between Harley Earl and his young
protege, Bill Mitchell. The model was a Series 60 derivative. The
60 Special showcased a new convertible-style notchback roof design
and smoothed body panels. Introduced in 1938, Bill Mitchell's
Cadillac "60 Special" with its 127 inch wheelbase was a game
changer. Designed to be a smaller, more personal Cadillac. The 60
Special's styling was different for Cadillac in several respects.
The car had a smart, ultra-modern silhouette and it was three
inches lower than any other Cadillac produced. By the same token
the Sixty Special had no less inside headroom.
The Sixty Specials were well received by the luxury car buyers and
the 1939 model was mostly unchanged from the 38's Sixty Specials.
The design was a winner and GM knew it. There was no need to
significantly change the 1938 model. Changes that were made for all
Cadillac 1939 models included rubber rear fender guards, a newly
designed dashboard layout, a rear axle change that was to permit a
smoother ride and an optional vacuum operated radio antenna. For
consignment and your viewing pleasure, a restored and sharp looking
piece of late 1930's americana. With a recent paint job and a
nicely done interior, all this entry level luxury cruiser needs is
you.
Exterior
All curved lines from the pristine front grille which utilizes
vertical and horizontal ribbed polished chrome to form the
aerodynamic front, which is framed on the bottom by a very nice
curved front bumper engraved with Cadillac script, in your
grandmother's handwriting. Bullet style headlights flank this
beautiful Art Nouveau style grille, and a long rounded hood that
appears to go on forever. The front fenders flow back and square
off in front of the leading doors. Going back even further, is the
spacious passenger compartment but gone are the running boards of
yore and now a slight bump out of the body is highlighted by a
ribbed stainless rocker trimming. The rear fenders start by
following the rear door line and swoop rearward accentuating the
sloping trunk lid. Twin chrome highlighted taillights are mounted
to the rear of the quarter panels and just below are bullet style
marker lights, all of which frame the curving chrome rear bumper
which shows with some rusting overtop of the central Cadillac
script. A nice application of plum covers the entire body and shows
with a few imperfections and inclusions but nothing truly
noteworthy. Wide white sidewalls adorn Cadillac logo wheel covers
with no marks on them. Leading the way at the front of the hood is
the flying goddess ornament in chrome which adds a beautiful
accentuation to the overall line.
Interior
Swinging open the well balanced front doors allows us to view a
simple but elegant mohair bench in lightly worn tan with saddle
vinyl highlights and piping. A utilitarian brown metal dash houses
a speedometer, and a few controls, as well as a glovebox. The
original white bakelite banjo style steering wheel fronts this dash
and is in very good condition. This tan and brown pattern repeats
itself on the nicely done door panels with chrome cranks and
actuators as well as padded armrests. Very clean tan carpeting
covers the floors. Slipping into the rear passenger compartment we
are greeted by yards of luxurious mohair on the tan and light brown
rear bench seat. This fabric is accented by saddle vinyl armrests,
a fold down central armrest and saddle piping. A sagging tan
headliner is hanging above complete with a courtesy dome light.
Drivetrain
Lifting open the long steel hood reveals a 346ci V8 in original
condition nicely preserved with a mix of patina and shiny parts. A
2bbl carburetor lurks underneath the oil bath air cleaner and
bolted to the back of the mill is a 3-speed manual transmission.
Putting that smooth Cadillac power to the pavement is a 3.92 geared
rear axle.
Undercarriage
The frame is strong and stable and is very "beefy" for lack of a
better word. All the floor pans and rockers are solid with a
spattering of undercoating, road dirt and surface rust patina.
Independent coil spring front suspension and rear leaf springs
provide the ride. Drum brakes bring this massive piece of Art Deco
to a stop. A single exhaust system is noted with a rusted out
muffler.
Drivability
An easy starter after a turn of the key, and we were off for the
test drive. I took the rear passengers' seat and my cohort drove me
around our test track. But I digress and all worked well, with
smooth ride, nice acceleration and smooth manual shifting thanks to
the talented feet of my "chauffeur". It's always a pleasure to
enjoy a luxurious ride in a classic and this car delivered. I did
note the AM radio was nonfunctional, does anyone even broadcast on
the AM band these days? So, I had to make do with listening to my
cohort blather on.
A fine older restoration holding up well with a recent paint job
and wonderful mechanicals. All ready for you to enjoy and presently
residing in our South mall way here at the Classic Auto Mall.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
