1939 Cadillac Series 60

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 protg, 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 Mitchells Cadillac 60 Special with its 127 inch wheelbase was a game changer. Designed to be a smaller, more personal Cadillac. The 60 Specials 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 38s 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 1930s 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 grandmothers 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 . Its 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.