1939 Cadillac 60 Special
Cadillac’s 60 Special was always a more luxurious version of their standard four-door sedans, slotted between Cad’s cheapest series and the high-end Fleetwood. It really was a “special” model that started in 1938, designed by future GM Design head Bill Mitchell to resemble a convertible sedan. With the passenger compartment shifted forward on the chassis, the proportions helped to define what a contemporary car would become. Because the whole car was lower due to the new 127-inch wheelbase X-frame chassis the running boards were eliminated and the top had less crown for a leaner, more modern look. The styling was groundbreaking and would translate to other GM products over the next few years. Other hallmarks of the 60 Special was it usually rode on a longer chassis than other Cadillac models, with the exception of the limousines; and it was always a four-door sedan, except in the late-1950s when all Cadillac four-doors were hardtops. As the line progressed, it displayed unique trim to distinguish it on the outside from lesser Cad models, usually featuring a series of small chrome louvers or special lined stainless cladding in the rear quarters. It also featured a more luxurious interior and appointments, including a lighted tables for rear passengers in the 1950s.
1939 60 Special
A pointed, more Lincoln-like facelift appeared in 1939. An interesting option was the “Sunshine Turret Top Roof” which was a hand-cranked sliding sunroof. Another unusual option was a sliding glass privacy partition between the front and rear seats. 40-percent of all Cadillacs sold in 1939 were 60 Specials.
AVAILABLE MODELS:
1939
1939 Cadillac VIN Decoder:
First-Third Characters: Series
- 60S ~ 60-Series 127-Inch Wheelbase Sedan
Fourth-Eighth Characters: Production Number Sequence
- Special Sedan starting at 6290001/Up
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