1939 Cadillac Series 60

To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys The Hershey Auction event, 7 - 8 October 2026.
Offered Without Reserve $35,000 - $45,000 USD

• One of approximately 350 Series 61 Convertible Coupes produced for 1939
• Numbers-matching engine and body, confirmed by a copy of its original build record
• Originally finished in Kingston Gray over Red leather
• Equipped with a heater/defroster, radio, dual covered side-mounted spare wheels, and full chrome wheel covers
• An attractive older restoration finished in maroon over red leather
• A CCCA Full Classic

Cadillac replaced the Series 60 and 65 with the Series 61 for the 1939 model year, continuing the incremental improvements in styling, engineering, and production efficiency that helped the company weather the Great Depression better than many of its competitors. Visual changes were subtle but impactful, most notably a slightly canted, pointed-center front grille flanked by functional side grilles rendered in striking Art Deco style. The leading edge of the hood was also rounded back, a subtle change that contributed to a considerably more streamlined appearance. Taken together, these updates created a more cohesive and elegant front-end treatment characteristic of Cadillacs increasingly modern design language.

Fisher produced six different body styles for the 1939 Series 61, all sharing imposing proportions, sweeping teardrop-shaped fenders, and the opportunity to dispense with traditional running boards for an even more streamlined appearance influenced by Cadillacs trendsetting Sixty Special. The chassis benefited from the introduction of Cadillacs cross-link steering system. Its smoother response and lighter effort complemented the companys Knee-Action independent front suspension and contributed to one of the more sophisticated driving experiences available in an American automobile of the period.

Among the principal Series 61 body styles, the Convertible Coupe was the second rarest for 1939, with approximately 350 examples produced, surpassed in rarity only by the 140-unit Convertible Sedan. Its combination of open-air motoring, two-door proportions, and Cadillacs 346-cubic-inch V-8 made it one of the most desirable configurations in the Series 61 range.

A copy of this cars factory build record indicates that it was shipped on 8 February 1939 to Cadillacs New York branch, originally finished in Kingston Gray over a Red leather interior. Factory documentation lists chrome discs, license frames, and a heater/defroster, the latter further documented by a copy of a rarely seen Heater Release form pertaining to the dealer-installed accessory. Importantly, the build record also confirms that the Cadillac retains its numbers-matching engine and body.

The Convertible Coupe underwent a restoration and is today attractively presented in maroon over red leather with a tan fabric folding top. Its period radio has recently been installed, while full chrome wheel covers, dual covered side-mounted spare wheels, and wide whitewall tires complement the models dramatic Art Deco styling.

With only 350 examples produced, documented factory specifications, numbers-matching engine and body, and elegant Fisher convertible coachwork, this Series 61 represents an appealing example of Cadillacs increasingly streamlined design and sophisticated engineering on the eve of World War II.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/hf26/.