1971 Cadillac 60 Special Parts & Accessories

1971 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.

1971 60 Special

The 60 Special Brougham became the only model of 60 Special. Riding on the same chassis as other Cads, the 60 Special featured a unique vinyl top that was outlined in chrome trim with rounded corners around the side windows, which paid homage to the original 60 Special from 1938. Opera lights on the C-pillars were also part of the 60 Special package to help distinguish from lower models.

AVAILABLE MODELS:

1971

• Body Style
• 60S-Series Four-Door Sedan

• Engine Options
• 472ci-4bbl, 345hp
• 500ci-4bbl, 365hp

1971 Cadillac VIN Decoder:

First Character: GM Division

• 6 ~ Cadillac

Second-Fifth Characters: Series and Model

• 8169 ~ Fleetwood 60 Special Brougham

Sixth Character: Year

• 1 ~ 1971

Seventh Characters: Assembly Plant

• Q ~ Detroit, Michigan
• E ~ Linden, New Jersey

Eighth-Thirteenth Characters: Production Code

• Regular production sequence