• The first Cadillac designed to be “owner-driven” and the first car designed entirely by Harley Earl’s protégé, William Mitchell
• Powered by a 346-cu.-in. V-8 engine rated at 135 hp
• Well-appointed with fog lights, heater, bumper guards, and push-button radio
• Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) Full Classic

The dawn of the 1940s was the start of a somewhat magical decade for Cadillac. The new Series 60 Special model line marked a new design direction for the luxury brand as well as parent company General Motors. The Series 60 was the first car completely styled for GM by William Mitchell, the gifted protégé and eventual successor to the famed chief stylist Harley Earl. Mitchell’s first design made quite an impression in the luxury car market as it was the first “owner-driver” Cadillac, a car for the gentleman or lady of means who preferred not to employ the use of a chauffeur.

Designed to replicate the lines of the convertible sedan, the Series 60 showcased trend-setting features such as a completely integrated, coupe-like trunk, hidden running boards, convertible-style doors with bright metal window frames, and streamlined “pontoon fenders.” A steeply raked windshield led the way for a "four-window" canopy roofline with more glass area than previous closed Cadillacs. Mitchell is said to have considered the first-generation Series 60 as the “first hardtop.”

The first Series 60 Specials of 1938 were bodied by Fleetwood. The 1939 and 1940 models were built to the Fleetwood design by Fisher, and they were no less elegantly appointed. In total, the Series 60 Special was a fantastic example of the Streamline Moderne design style, incorporating industrial Art Deco with curved, aerodynamic lines.

Said to be wearing an older restoration, the 1940 Series 60 offered here is finished in dark gray over tan and brown fabric upholstery. It rides on 16-inch red steel wheels finished with chrome Cadillac wheel discs and wrapped in wide whitewall tires. The car is well-appointed with period features such as fog lights, a heater, bumper guards, and a push-button radio.

Recognized as a Full Classic by the Classic Car Club of America, this wonderful “owner-driven” Cadillac is eligible for various tours and events and an ideal acquisition for Art Deco and Streamline Moderne connoisseurs.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/hf22.