1948 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.
1948 60 Special
A completely new 60 Special was designed for 1948. Still on a 133-inch wheelbase, the extra length from other Cadillacs was from two-inches added to both the front and rear doors. This was the first year for tail fins, which were inspired by Lockheed P-38 fighter planes. The body was more integrated with a wide egg crate grille, and was lower overall from the previous body. The curved, separate side windows seen on previous 60 Specials was carried over to this new body style. Power continued to be from the 346ci monobloc. A wide chrome band ran along the bottom of the body and turned up at the leading edge of the rear fenders.
AVAILABLE MODELS:
1948
- Body Style
- 60S-Series Four-Door Sedan
1948 Cadillac VIN Decoder:
First-Third Characters: Series
Fourth-Eighth Characters: Production Number Sequence
- Cadillac sequence starting at 4860001/Up
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