The word “restrained” could never be used to describe the now-iconic 1959 Cadillac. With outrageous tail fins nearly as high as the roofline and twin rocket lensed taillights, it epitomized Detroit’s late 50s obsession with over-the-top, jet-age styling. But what a difference a year can make. With dealers asking Cadillac’s Styling Department to dial it back, the 1960 model delivered and lived up to the brochure copy that touted “a classic new profile…a restrained use of adornment…a new era of motoring elegance.” If you ever wanted to cruise down the Yellow Brick Road to Emerald City in style, this could be the Cadillac for you. Handsomely finished in a beautiful Glencoe Green Iridescent Metallic, this big, low-mileage survivor (ironically located in “The Big Easy” of New Orleans, Louisiana) can be found here on eBay. As of this writing, the bidding was up to $16,088 and had not met the seller’s reserve.
The seller bought this well-cared-for 1960 Cadillac Series 62 4-Door, 6-Window Sedan in 2005 and is the fourth owner. He states that “I have loved driving this car and will be sad to see her go. This has been one of my dreams fulfilled.” The odometer shows 24,397 miles and the seller claims that’s the original mileage, but doesn’t mention anything about documentation. The Caddy was repainted in 2000 (I love the color. It looks like a low-slung 20-foot-long emerald on wheels.), and except for what is described as some “blemishes on the trunk” (a few scratch marks perhaps made by the Cowardly Lion?), it presents very well. The seller also states that the chrome is in excellent condition and that there is no rust.
It took a lot of green to buy “The Standard of the World” back in 1960 (this 6-Window Sedan cost $5,080; the median family income was $5,600 in 1960), and the green color theme continues when you open the large doors. The original luxurious interior is described as in “good condition, other than two cracks in the dash.” You can see some slight wear on the driver’s seat, the dash pad has two noticeable cracks and some ripples, and the original carpet looks faded, but for 61 years old and considering the “greenhouse” effect of all that glass, the interior is in very good condition, indeed. An aftermarket A/C was added at some point under the dash and “isn’t currently working and needs to be charged.”
Strangely, there are no photos of the Big Green Machine’s engine bay or its 390 cubic-inch V8. The seller states that it “runs great and there are no oil or coolant leaks” and that recent repairs include new brakes and a fuel pump. The seller also shares that the power antenna doesn’t retract and there’s a small chip in the windshield. Based on the photographs and description, this 1960 Cadillac looks like a great driver that’s been well-cared for over the years and can be enjoyed from the get-go by Owner #5. Plus, in addition to its great color, stance, and luxurious ride, this emerald green cruiser has plenty of room for Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, the Wizard…and Toto, too.
Coincidental maybe, not really ironic.
Not sure there’s much more out there. Hagerty says 15k for a #3, which this would seem to be. Seller may have unrealistic reserve. It sure looks terrific, but with $4+ gas, it would empty my pockets on a Sunday afternoon
Oldog4tz > Pull the 390 and fit a Duramax, Fuel economy with power .. .
A Green over Green finned hardtop….now thats a ride that glides.
I’d take it over a late model Caddy any day.
That old girl has 10 times the metal that any Cadillac has today.
While the ’59 Cadillac looked like a rocket launcher, the ’60 Caddie looked like an automotive queen. Ahhh, that’s better! And Cadillac would continue to use vestigal fins all the way through ’69.
I sure wish this was a Coupe DeVille in this color combination. ’60 Caddy was a beautiful car.
If I could just finish the 4 projects in progress….
The 1960 Cadillac was everything the `59 wasn’t. Restrained, displayed a less-is-more angle in it’s styling. The lowered fins were what made this car–not over the top but in line with what a Cadillac of this vintage should have. This particular car is in great shape for being as old as me; the split in the dash pad is easily remedied with a replacement pad now available. IMHO however, I would remove the add-on AC in order to keep it’s strictly factory appearance. The deep emerald green is an unusual shade that year seldom seen today. I love it!
Designer Dave Holls said the 60 was what the 59 should have been
That a/c looked squirrelly from the get. Remember, these had vents on the rear deck with the unit enclosed. Captain Cy had a black one.
The vents were in the dash for the AC. This car has an aftermarket unit. Everything was under the hood in 60.
56 was the last year AC came through the package tray because the evaporator was in the trunk. After that, everything was under the hood.
The eighth pic in the ebay listing is a period-incorrect wreath and crest. Can’t tell where it is on the car.
I really hate this argument, but the LAST Cadillac to have fins, in the true sense of the word was the 1964. 1965 and on were finless Some people say the ’65 and beyond still had fins because of the way the trunk lid sloped down, but those are not fins.
Bob Mck you are right. Previously a/c was in the trunk. Had outside vents behind rear window, with clear tubes from the package shelf into the headliner with exhaust vents for the cold air to cool the interior above each door.
I’ll go $3 per pound.