1940 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.
1940 60 Special
A wider grille retaining the catwalks on each side marked the main difference between 1939 and 1940 60 Specials. This was the last year for side mounted spares. There were now four versions of the 60 Special, the standard Touring Sedan, the Imperial sedan which had the retractable glass partition, and two Town Car models that featured open fronts and a glass divider. One had a painted cover and the other a leather covered roof.
AVAILABLE MODELS:
1940
- Body Style
- 60S-Series Special Touring Sedan
- 60S-Series Special Imperial Sedan
- 60S-Series Special Town Car Sedan
1940 Cadillac VIN Decoder:
First-Third Characters: Series
- 60S ~ 60-Series 127-Inch Wheelbase Sedan
Fourth-Eighth Characters: Production Number Sequence
- Special Sedan starting at 6320001/Up
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