1940 Cadillac Series 60 Special
Few American luxury vehicles captured the essence of pre-war elegance quite like the 1940 Cadillac Series 60 Special. This remarkable car represented a significant shift in design philosophy for General Motors and Cadillac itself.
The Series 60 Special was the brainchild of William Mitchell, a talented designer who would later succeed Harley Earl as GM’s design chief. Mitchell’s vision for this Cadillac was revolutionary: a car for affluent individuals who preferred to drive themselves rather than rely on a chauffeur.
This concept led to a slightly more compact chassis compared to other Cadillacs, with a wheelbase of 127 inches.
Externally, the 1940 model year brought subtle updates to the original 1938 design. The car featured well-proportioned lines and modern, squared-off “pontoon fenders” that gave it a distinctive silhouette.
Hidden running boards contributed to its sleek appearance, while the roofline appeared to dive dramatically between the windows. These design elements combined to create a vehicle that looked strikingly modern compared to its contemporaries.
Under the hood, the Series 60 Special housed a 346 cubic inch OHV V-8 engine. This powerplant generated 135 horsepower, providing ample performance for the era. Power was transmitted to the rear wheels through a three-speed selective synchromesh manual transmission.
The suspension system was designed to provide a comfortable ride without compromising handling. It featured an independent front axle with coil springs, while the rear utilized a Hotchkiss semi-floating axle with semi-elliptical leaf springs.
This setup, combined with four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes, offered a balance of comfort and control that befitted a luxury automobile.
Inside, the Series 60 Special lived up to Cadillac’s reputation for opulence. The interior was spacious and well-appointed, with high-quality materials used throughout.
The slightly smaller exterior dimensions did not compromise interior comfort, as the car was designed to provide plenty of room for both driver and passengers.
While the 1938 models were bodied by Fleetwood, the 1939 and 1940 Series 60 Specials were built by Fisher Body to Fleetwood designs. This change in production did not diminish the car’s elegance or quality of construction.
The 1940 Cadillac Series 60 Special came with several desirable options. These included disc wheel covers, a grille guard, and dual side-mounted spare tires. Additional features like a sun visor and dual driving lights further increased its appeal and functionality.
In terms of competition, the Series 60 Special stood out in the luxury car market of its time. Its closest rivals included high-end offerings from Packard and Lincoln, but the Cadillac’s combination of modern styling and proven engineering gave it a unique position in the market.
The 1940 Cadillac Series 60 Special represented a pivotal moment in automotive design. It successfully blended luxury, performance, and a more driver-focused approach, setting a new standard for American luxury cars in the years to come.
Credit: RM Sotheby’s
