In the 1930s, the hallmark of luxury was length. Wheelbase measurements became part of manufacturers’ marketing strategies. Cadillac generated several entries in this race, with tiers of cars aimed at capturing wallet share. The Series 70 and 75 sat on 131″ and 138″ wheelbases; the Series 65, in the “mid-sized” niche, also came in at 131″. Meanwhile, the Series 60 was aimed at the entry-level buyer, ringing in at 121″. To fill that empty place, where a guy might not want the massiveness of Cadillac’s largest cars, but aspired to a better conveyance than the company’s “junior” 60, Harley Earl and Bill Mitchell brought out the Series 60 Special. The Sixty Special’s wheelbase measured 127″. To impress buyers further, Cadillac gave the new model the “Fleetwood” designation, harkening back to the company’s captive coachbuilder. The Fleetwood name was consistently associated with a top trim level. Today’s 1939 Cadillac Fleetwood Series 60 Special needs a Prince Charming willing to bring her back to life; listed on eBay at a price of $1500, this car is located in Placerville, California. You’ll need a trailer, as she hasn’t run in years.
While the late 1930s saw countless body styles, wheelbases, overall lengths, and trim levels from Cadillac, one thing remained the same: the 346 cu. in. monobloc flathead V8. If you like military vehicles, you may have seen this engine before: it powered M5 Stuart tanks like Donna from DeKalb here. Capable of 135 hp when first produced in 1936, output worked its way up to 150 hp by 1948. These engines are extremely robust but very heavy, weighing in at 900 lbs when decked with all ancillaries. A three-speed floor-shift manual brings power to the rear wheels.
The formerly beautiful broadcloth seats are tattered, the horizontal gauge is barely discernible, the bakelite steering wheel needs restoration, and the door panels are torn. While plastic tubs containing parts are visible both on the front and rear seats, the seller notes that these are not part of the sale. Thanks to a revolutionary new “X” frame, the Sixty Special’s body sat lower on its chassis, expanding headroom inside the cabin.
The Sixty Special’s styling was revolutionary, incorporating elements that have impacted automotive design ever since. Unlike its siblings, it did away with running boards. Its elegant trunk sloped enticingly towards its tail at a time when other sedans still employed a “bustle back” trunk line. Its glass area exceeded that of most of its competitors and even many other Cadillacs. Its extravagant winged grille was unique and modern. The only regressive feature was the exterior spare tire cavities in the front fenders; this example is missing the steel caps for the spares. The Sixty Special was the genesis of the “three-box” styling that we see everywhere today. Despite that bit of fame, interest in these pre-war giants has waned: the few that found new homes over the last couple of years sold in the $10k to $25k range – prices that seem disconnected from this model’s important influences.
You want to blow your “Jimmy Dean” all over the screen, just Google this cars images. It’s not fair, really. Folks not familiar with these grand automobiles, may look at this and think it’s just a derelict old car that nobody wants. While the “nobody wants” is correct, it’s a shame this is what remains of one of the most beautiful cars of the 30s. I see absolutely no desire for a car like this today.
Cadillacs from this period are absolutely beautiful. Harley Earl and Bill Mitchell are two legendary GM designers that put outbsome beautiful designs Cadillacs LaSalle the Buick Y Job and so many others. The original owner of this Cadillac must have been so proud of his purchase. Its just sad to see it this way. I’m wondering what it’s future will be. Thank you for writing this one up Michelle and your time and research and history lesson too.
The steel caps for the spare tires are in the back seat.