1938 Cadillac Sixty-Special

Bill Mitchell, the visionary behind the 1938 Cadillac Sixty-Special, had only recently joined General Motors's Art & Colour Section before being elevated to lead Cadillac and LaSalle styling. This project, his first in the role, showcased his exceptional talent and justified his promotion. The Sixty-Special became a defining design of the 1930s and a landmark achievement for Cadillac.

Mitchell, who later spearheaded General Motors's design efforts in the 1960s and 1970s, is credited with shaping the look of 72 million vehicles. Among his iconic designs were the 1963 Buick Riviera, 1963 Corvette Stingray, and 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado. Yet, the 1938 Sixty-Special held a special place in his heart. Originally conceived as a LaSalle sport sedan, the project was reimagined as a Cadillac due to its higher cost. Positioned between Cadillac's affordable Series 60 and its premium models, the Sixty-Special was priced at $2,090. Its double-drop frame made it three inches lower than other Cadillacs, enhancing its handling and eliminating the need for running boards—a groundbreaking feature for a Big Three automobile. The Sixty-Special also pioneered the fully integrated trunk, a design that replaced the awkward, boxy trunks of earlier sedans. Its fenders extended rearward, seamlessly blending the trunk into the car's silhouette—a design element still prevalent today. The roof resembled a convertible top, and the large side windows with sleek chrome frames gave it a postwar hardtop aesthetic.

The Sixty-Special featured minimal chrome trim, exuding a sporty, bold, yet refined elegance. Cadillac executives initially feared it might be too avant-garde for the conservative luxury market. However, their concerns were misplaced; the Sixty-Special outsold all other Cadillac models in its debut year. Its innovative features were quickly adopted across General Motors' lineup and imitated by rival manufacturers.

The L-head V-8 engine, delivering 135 bhp, powered the vehicle. Known for its smooth performance and durability, this engine was used in Cadillacs from 1936 to 1948 and even in military tanks during World War II. A robust three-speed transmission, popular among hot-rodders, handled power delivery. In 1938, Cadillac relocated the gear shifter from the floor to the steering column.

Richard Stanley, a real estate agent from Los Angeles, California, owns the meticulously restored Sixty-Special showcased here. He purchased the car, which was in poor condition at the time, using the commission from selling a 1938 house. Now, it has earned the status of a Classic Car Club of America Premier Car and has won top honors in its class at the Palos Verdes Concours d'Elegance.

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