1941 Cadillac Series 60 Special

During the mid-1930s, Cadillac offered over sixty different body styles and chassis combinations, but by the early 1940s, the coachbuilding era was declining and so were the number of combinations, down to less than 30. Very few coachbuilders had been able to weather the Great Depression.

The Cadillac V-16 was discontinued in 1939, leaving the Series 75 Fleetwood as the top-of-the-line Cadillac. For 1941, the Series 75 remained the most expensive Cadillac, yet it was not the largest. The wheelbase of the 75 had decreased from 141 inches to 136.5 inches, although its $2,995 to $4,045 price tag had remained the same. The Series 72 was replaced by a new model called the Series 67, priced from $2,595 to $2,890, and resting on a 139-inch wheelbase (2.5 inches longer than the Series 72).

Another change was the discontinuation of the LaSalle brand, which had been marketed by General Motors' Cadillac division from 1927 through 1940. They had been manufactured by Cadillac but were priced lower than Cadillac-branded automobiles. The Cadillac Series 61 was brought back in 1941, as a replacement for the LaSalle in the company's price structure lineup. Pricing ranged from $1,340 for the Series 61 Coupe and rose to $1,540 for the DeLuxe Touring Sedan. A new Series 63 was offered, available solely as a five-passenger touring sedan with a price of $1,700.

All 1941 Cadillacs were powered by the same engine, something that had not occurred since 1926. The engine was an L-head eight-cylinder unit displacing 346 cubic inches and delivering 150 brake horsepower. It had a three-speed selective synchromesh manual transmission with a gearshift located on the column. Hydraulic brakes were located on all four wheels. An automatic transmission was available for an additional $125.

Styling changes for 1941 included headlights that were fully integrated into the front fenders and a horizontal-theme grille. Another Cadillac 'first' was the front-opening hood, and the tank filler was hidden in the left rear tail light, a feature that would become a Cadillac hallmark.

The Series 60 Special had a 126-inch wheelbase which it shared with the Series 61, Series 62, and Series 63. It was the longest of the three with an overall length of 217 inches. Introduced in 1938, the Series 60 wore styling courtesy of a young GM designer named William L. 'Bill' Mitchell. The Series 60 Special Sedan foreshadowed many of the advanced styling concepts devised at Harley Earl's GM Styling department that would later be used through the other GM Divisions. Its body featured a convertible-style steel roof, notched rear treatment, elongated rear deck with an integral luggage compartment, and thin pillars for better visibility. The floors were lowered thanks to a unique 'double-dropped' frame and there were no running boards. Mild styling updates occurred in 1939, 1940, and 1941, in keeping with the rest of the Cadillac models.

1941 was the second year of Fleetwood's exclusive production of 60 Special bodies.

For 1941, Cadillac produced 4,100 examples of the limited-production Series 60 Special.

by Dan Vaughan

Sedan by Fleetwood
Chassis number: 6341472

In 1938, Bill Mitchell designed the Model Sixty which represented a transition in automotive design. It represented what was to come, even what still is, in automotive design. It enabled designers, who had been dreaming of such designs, to see them in reality.

The 1938 Model Sixty incorporated such design features as a fully-integrated trunk and four, front-hinged doors. Another more obvious, design feature, or, should it be said, 'lacking feature', an option offered by Mitchell's Model Sixty was a body design void of running boards.

The '38 Model utilized an X-frame chassis. This provided great rigidity and allowed the car to be lowered further to the ground. The absence of the running boards, and other trim features, made it possible for the car to appear to sit even lower. The '38 featured a tall, heavily rounded, wedge-shaped nose and a wrap-around, horizontally-stacked grille. The headlights were positioned between the tall, protruding nose and the fenders. Many models featured a more-integrated spare tire/fender position. Instead of resting in a channel and strapped down, the Model Sixty for '38 had a space between the fender and the engine cowling to slide the spare tire and its cover into. The lines of the beautifully sculpted, top-lifting integral trunk dropped off down to the low-positioned, straight chrome rear bumper. The rear end also featured very small protruding taillights.

1941's model was merely an aesthetic improvement of the innovative '38 model. The headlights were positioned further out into the fenders. The headlights being repositioned enabled bodywork to join the tall nose and fenders. The grille was then laid down on its side, flowing across the nose of the car. This front-end design would continue to be a Cadillac signature for many years to come. Some of the '38 models still featured running boards. This was entirely done away with for the '41 model as the fender's width at its most rear position was pulled in much tighter to the car. As a result, the spare tire slot was gone. The rear fender lines were less rounded and leveled off on the top. This enabled elegant wheel skirts to be added to the design.

The 1941 Sixty Special offered this year had gone through restorative work by its current owner ever since being purchased back in 1978. It includes a 150 hp, 346 cubic inch, L-head V-8 engine. It has a coil sprung, independent front suspension, and a semi-floating rear axle.

Its interior includes cloth upholstery and an AM radio. Its exterior features bumper guards, fog lamps and red-painted steel wheels with chrome covers. Reportedly, this stately car runs smooth and quiet, and, as it headed to auction, chassis 6341472 was expected to fetch a price between $40,000 and $60,000.

Featuring a two-tone charcoal and grey exterior finish, this '41 Sixty represents proudly what many have considered being the most beautiful example of Cadillac's Sixty series and of any pre-war era car.

Though offered as a low-cost automobile, the Model Sixty introduced a new standard of luxury in American automobiles. In an era right before America would be shaken from its slumber by the Second World War, the Cadillac Sixty was America's 'dream' machine. It presented to the general public luxurious appointments and innovations that made it possible for the average person to feel as though they were someone of a stately presence as they rode around in such a stately, elegant and comfortable car.

Sources:

'Buy: View Lots (Lot 314: Cadillac Sixty Special Sedan)', (http://www.rmauctions.com/FeatureCars.cfm?SaleCode=AZ11&CarID=r233&fc=0). RM Auctions Arizona. http://www.rmauctions.com/FeatureCars.cfm?SaleCode=AZ11&CarID=r233&fc=0. Retrieved 13 January 2011.

Wikipedia contributors, 'Cadillac Sixty Special', Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 16 November 2010, 02:51 UTC, http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Cadillac_Sixty_Special&oldid=397031630 accessed 13 January 2011

by Jeremy McMullen

Sedan by Fleetwood

The Series 60 Cadillac was the brainchild of General Motors designer William Mitchel. Design chief, Harley Earl, was instrumental in obtaining approval from the GM Board to produce the 60 Special. Its flat roof, massive new horizontal grill, flowing front fenders and chrome-outlined window trim created a crisp and new body style with a European flair. Such style continued to be a major influence on other automobile designs through the 1950s.

1941 was the last Cadillac produced a semi-custom automobile. Customers could order from almost 20 different exterior colors, numerous interior combinations, and several accessories which included air conditioning.

At a base price of $2,195, 4100 units were produced in 1941. All 1941 Cadillacs were powered by a 346 cubic-inch V8 engine which produced 150 horsepower.

This automobile was delivered to the Scott Smith Cadillac dealership on June 16, 1941.

Imperial Sedan by Fleetwood
Chassis number: 6342075

Introduced in 1938, the smartly styled and somewhat downsized Sixty Special series firmly secured Cadillac's grip on the number one position in the US luxury market. This Imperial Sedan, with refined styling and a host of unique features, was specially ordered for a New York Auto Show display in 1941. Features include electric power windows, gold interior trim, and a division window. A well-maintained car, this sedan has had just three owners since new.

Sedan by Fleetwood

Bill Mitchell of General Motors Design Staff was the man who masterminded the design of the 60 Special.

Exclusive new features included 7.5 feet long front fenders that swept into the front doors. Flush-fitting rear fender skirts, chrome drip moldings.

The car came with Hydra-Matic transmission and knee-action front suspension. There were 4,100 produced with a selling price of $2,195.

The current owner purchased the car in 1986 with only 39,400 miles on the odometer and since undergone a 3-year restoration.

The car has achieved Senior Status with Cadillac/LaSalle and AACA.

Town Car by Derham
Chassis number: 6343167

The Derham Body Company was founded in Pennsylvania in 1887 and remained in business until 1971. They were the longest-lived American body builder and the only Classic Era coachbuilder to make it out of the Depression.

Derham was commissioned to build two Series 60 Special-based town cars in the early 1940s. This example was one of the two, and it was owned by one of American cinema's most celebrated leading actress, Bette Davis. In 1995, the car became part of the John McMullen Collection for over a decade. While in Mr. McMullen's care, the car was treated to a restoration. The work took two years to complete. After the work was done, it was shown at the 1998 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance where it earned a Second in Class ribbon.

In 2012, the car was offered for sale at RM Auction's Scottsdale sale. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $129,250 including the buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Sedan by Fleetwood
Chassis number: 6341946
Engine number: 1774

The Cadillac V8 was so impressive, the Department of Defense chose Cadillac's V8 to power its Sherman tank in the war effort. Each tank was given two Cadillac engines. As a result, there are many of these engines in existence in modern times.

This 1941 Cadillac Series 60 Special wears Fleetwood coachwork and is believed to have been owned by Frank Aksamit of Wichita, Kansas, in the early 1990s. During his ownership, the car won First Place in the Primary Division at the 1992 Spring Grand Classic show of the CCCA in Wichita.

The Cadillac was eventually purchased by James M. Schloeman of Clayton, Missouri who restored the car, finishing it in midnight blue with a dark blue leather interior, believed to be the original color combination.

The current owner acquired the car in 2012 and immediately had it re-commissioned for touring.

by Dan Vaughan

Sedan by Fleetwood
Engine number: 6340590

The Bill Mitchell-designed Series 60 Special, introduced in 1938, showcased many advanced styling concepts that would become part of the Cadillac model lineup in subsequent years. In 1941, it was slightly revised, with the most notable change being the broad grille and prominent front-end styling. The 346 cubic-inch V8 engine was boosted to produce 150 horsepower. Just like in 1940, the Series 60 remained the most prestigious Cadillac apart from the limousines.

This particular Series 60 Special Sedan by Fleetwood was delivered new through the Gerrish & Edmonds dealership in Poughkeepsie, New York. In 2013, it was donated to the AACA Library & Research Center.

The car is finished in Rivermist Gray and Dusty Gray, with a grey whipcord interior and red wheels. The odometer shows 92,928 miles.

The car has a three-speed selective synchromesh manual transmission, four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes, and a wheelbase that measures 127 inches.

by Dan Vaughan

Sedan by Fleetwood
Engine number: 6342589

The 1941 Cadillac Series 60 was a mid-level luxury car and the product of the Art and Color Section led by Harley Earl. They had a 126-inch wheelbase, a V8 engine offering 150 horsepower, and two body styles - a coupe and sedan.

This example came into the care of its current owner in 2013. Around 2007, it was given a total restoration and finished in two-tone blue paint. It has a wood-grain dash, Art Deco-inspired instrumentation, and a Fleetwood wool broadcloth interior. Options include a radio with a power antenna, a deluxe heater, deluxe hubcaps, and the correct exhaust tip. The engine is a 346 cubic-inch, L-head unit mated to a three-speed transmission with column shift.

by Dan Vaughan

Sedan by Fleetwood
Chassis number: 6341652

This Cadillac Series 60 has a V8 engine, a manual transmission, and wears an older restoration with a new interior and wood trim. Seat belts have been added for additional safety.

by Dan Vaughan

Sedan by Fleetwood

Sixty Special is a name used to denote a very special model. Originally inspired by the 1938 Harley Earl / Bill Mitchell-designed extended wheelbase version of the Series 60, it is often referred to as the Fleetwood Sixty Special. The Sixty Special designation has always been reserved for some of Cadillac's most prestigious models. It was initially offered as a four-door sedan and briefly as a four-door hardtop.

In 1941 for the first time, Cadillac had its own front-end design, featuring the 'tombstone' grille with a high center section flanked by lower side sections. This new 'face' blends smoothly with the original body and the rear fenders feature standard full skirts. The base price for the Sixty-Special was $2,195. Production totals include 3,878 Touring sedans and 220 Imperial sedans.

This Sixty Special has undergone a complete frame-off restoration returning it to its as-delivered original condition.

Sedan by Fleetwood
Chassis number: 6343223

The Cadillac Series 60 was introduced in 1938 wearing modern and progressive styling courtesy of Cadillac's new styling chief, Bill Mitchell. It rested on a longer wheelbase and lower 'double drop' frame that complimented Mitchell's sloping design treatment to the body's rear roofline. Internal running boards were built within the door frame, and rear fender skirts completed the streamlined appearance.

The 1940 Series 60 Special accounted for approximately thirty-five percent of Cadillac's total sales and its sales momentum continued into 1941 with nearly the same amount sold (approximately 500 fewer). Cadillac outfitted the 1941 Series 60 with finer trim and deluxe build materials. These would prove to be the final rendition of Mitchell's first-generation design, which was facelifted the following model year.

This particular Series 60 Special Fleetwood is an award-winning example clad in its factory-correct Gunmetal Gray Metallic over a gray stripe cloth interior. It has been restored as needed throughout the years and earned an AACA National First Prize in 1972. Currently, it has fewer than 73,000 actual miles on the odometer.

This vehicle has a push-button radio, heater, clock, and a 'Clear Vision' dashboard wrapped in a high-gloss burlwood veneer with chrome trim. Burlwood trim and chrome fittings are used on the doors, and the rear bench is bisected by a drop-down armrest/divider. The red-accented chrome hubs are wrapped in wide whitewall tires. The 346 cubic inch L-head V-8 engine is backed by Cadillac's four-speed Hydramatic automatic transmission, which is operated via the steering column.

by Dan Vaughan

Sedan by Fleetwood
Chassis number: 6342843

This 1941 Cadillac Series 60 Special Sedan By Fleetwood was in the possession of a dealer based in Ontario, Canada during the early 2000s and acquired by its current caretaker in 2001. Since then, it has been garaged and carefully maintained.

This Cadillac is equipped with optional fender skirts, foglamps a spotlight, and backup lamps. There is a heater, cloth upholstery, and four complimentary throw pillows in the back seat.

by Dan Vaughan

Sedan by Fleetwood

The current owners were thrilled to have the opportunity to purchase this car and others from Mr. WIlliam Davis' collection and carry on his legacy and passion for automobiles. Every car in the Davis Collection had an acquisition story, to the surprise of no one who knew the raconteur owner. In the case of this Cadillac Series 60 Special, it was previously owned by Mearl Halcomb, a retired teacher in Spencer, West Virginia, about an hour north of the Davis home in Charleston. Mr. Halcomb phoned Mr. Davis and asked him if he would be interested in buying his Cadillac, one of just 4,100 made in 1941. Always an admirer of the design, Mr. Davis traveled to see the car and was pleased with the result of his inspection.

Sedan by Fleetwood

The 1941 Cadillac Sixty Special, a landmark design by Bill Mitchell, has fenders sweeping onto the front doors, bold rocker molding, flush fender skirts, and exquisite interior details. Fleetwood coachwork and interior were offered in 85 paint colors and 50+ interior fabrics. GM Heritage confirms this example was built on March 6, 1941, and delivered to Don Lee Cadillac in Oakland, California. This Cadillac spent its first 70 years with three owners in the San Francisco/Sacramento area. They repainted the car black and added a formal roof conversion. The current owners acquired the car in 2011 and completed a comprehensive 4-year restoration in 2016, returning to the original configuration and Oceano Blue color.

Sedan by Fleetwood
Chassis number: 6341175

The Cadillac Series 60 Special was introduced in 1938 as an 'owner-driver' vehicle intended to offer the same quality, luxury, and prestige as the chauffeur-driven Cadillacs. A double dropped frame was used to lower the body and lengthen the front fenders, and by 1940, the Series 60 model was Fleetwood marketed and endowed with higher-end trim, molding, and upholstery. Numerous updates were bestowed upon the 1941 Cadillacs, with the 60 Special gaining revised front-end styling and front fenders that now extended into the doors.

This particular Series 60 was delivered new to Kelly Motor Sales of Rockford, Illinois, and wore a Gray exterior over a Cruiser Gray interior. It currently wears a blue exterior and some of its original upholstery paired with replacement seat covers. It is an older restored example that is powered by a 346 cubic-inch V8 engine whose master cylinder was replaced in 2021.

by Dan Vaughan