1956 Cadillac Series Sixty Special Fleetwood

When the 1954 Cadillac models rolled out of the factories, they wore all-new styling. This included the Sixty Special which now had a very similar appearance to its lower-priced sibling, the Series 62. The previous generation of Sixty Special models had rested on a 130-inch wheelbase platform, but the new-for-1954 models regained the platform size that was used in 1949 - measuring 133 inches. The list of standard equipment now included electric windshield washers and a refined power steering system from Saginaw. Joining the options list were power brakes from Bendix and a four-way electrically powered bench seat. The engine continued to displace 331 cubic inches but output increased by 20 to 230 bhp. Output grew even higher in 1955, to 250hp.

Cadillac had produced approximately 20,000 units in 1953, slumping to around 16,200 in 1954, and then growing slightly to 18,300 units in 1955.

The Series Sixty Special wore chrome louvers mounted on the lower rear doors since 1950. The 1954 models had their louvers positioned lower on the rear doors, similar to the position of the 1952 model year. For 1955, the eight chrome louvers were replaced by 12 louvers mounted just ahead of the bumper on the rear fenders. At the front was an egg-crate grille design, the rear roof had a Florentine curve, six vertical chrome louvers were positioned on the panel below the trunk lid, and the chrome rocker panel models - which were taller than those of the Series 62 - traversed from the rear wheel well to the rear bumper.

A remote control trunk lease was a new option for 1955.

The 1956 Cadillac Sixty Special
1956 was the final year that most Cadillac models would wear the P-38-inspired tail fins. Of the more than 150,000 units built by Cadillac in 1956 - a division record - the Sixty Special accounted for approximately 17,000 examples.

The 1956 Cadillac 60 Special Fleetwood had the Sixty Special designation below the Cadillac crest on both the front fenders (a first in series history) and a finer egg-crate grille design with a Cadillac ***** emblem positioned at an angle, located on the driver's side. A Fleetwood name could be found on the rear face of the deck lid. Large chrome spears with hash marks replaced the 1955's chrome louvers on the rear sides. The chrome side trim traversed into the oval exhaust ports in the redesigned rear bumper. Pricing for the 4-door sedan was listed at just above $6,000. Power was from an overhead valve, V8 which displaced 365 cubic inches and offered 285 horsepower. This engine was larger than the 331 cubic-inch unit powering the 1955 models and was backed by a revamped automatic transmission. The engine had overhead valves, a cast iron block, five main bearings, hydraulic valve lifters, and a four-barrel carburetor.

The Series Sixty Special could be optioned with an anodized gold grille, seat belts, and Sabre Spoke wheels. Power brakes were standard equipment. Additional accessories included air conditioning, E-Z-Eye safety glass, an Autronic eye automatic headlamp dimmer, a two-way posture power seat, a six-way power seat, and signal-seeking radio with a preselector and antenna.

The 1956 Cadillac Sixty Special rested on a 133-inch wheelbase platform and was 225.9 inches in length, standing 62 inches tall, and 80.1 inches wide.

The new styling was bestowed upon the 1957 Cadillac Sixty Special but continued to use the 133-inch wheelbase platform. Engine modifications boosted the output from the 365 cubic-inch eight-cylinder engine to 300 bhp. Buyers agreed with the all-new sheet metal styling with production reaching a sales plateau of 24,000 units. The styling introduced in 1957 would continue through 1958.

Cadillac temporarily retired the Sixty Special name in 1976 but revived it in 1987 and production continued through 1993.

by Daniel Vaughan | May 2013