William L. Mitchell's father was a Buick dealer, so he was around automobiles from childhood. As a youth, he studied design and art in New York City - while also becoming a sports car enthusiast. A portfolio of Mitchell's dynamic and modernistic automotive sketches was shown to GM design chief Harley Earl in late 1935. The 23-year old Mitchell was soon hired into GM Art & Colour.

The young designer was soon assigned to develop a car Earl already had in mind...a trim, sporty sedan that would appeal to the Cadillac owner who preferred to be behind the wheel instead of being chauffeured about. The car was originally modeled as a LaSalle, but soon became the 'Cadillac Sixty.'

Mitchell created a modernized 'three-box' close-coupled sedan with a beautiful rounded trunk. The car sat lower than others and didn't need running boards - the production version would be the first car from a major automaker to lack them. Door windows were convertible-like, with only thin plated frames. The roof flowed down to create a seamless panel between the side windows.

The 1938 Sixty Special is considered a milestone in the history of GM styling. This car broke new styling ground by incorporating such features as concealed running boards, thin chrome window frames and a totally integrated trunk into a wonderfully sophisticated looking 'junior edition' Cadillac. This car, serial number 6271158, was originally sold through noted Los Angeles Cadillac dealer Don Lee, for $2399.