In Detroit, you can always count on evolution, sometimes not always in the best manner. Many times, we have witnessed a special model watered down into something less special. Our Pick of the Day is not often used as an example of this, but worthy of discussion. This 1955 Cadillac Fleetwood Series 60 Special is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in West Chester, Pennsylvania. (Click the link to view the listing)
In the early days, Cadillac models (like many brands) were listed as different series. For example, the 1938 Cadillac model line included the Series Sixty, Series Sixty-Five, Series Seventy-Five, and Series ninety, the latter of which was powered by a V16 instead of a V8. Each series was defined by wheelbase as well, with the Series 75 and 90 sharing the same 141.25-inch length. Though situated within Cadillac’s entry-level series, the Series Sixty Special was different from all other Cadillacs.
Bill Mitchell, the young design wunderkind, originally had set out to create a special LaSalle Sport Sedan but, due to cost considerations, the special model was pushed into the Cadillac lineup and christened the Series Sixty Special. It immediately became the style leader of the industry thanks to its slim pillars, graceful use of chrome, trim figure thanks to lack of running boards and lower height, and integrated trunk complemented by flowing rear fenders. The Sixty Special in this configuration was produced through 1941.
For 1942 and beyond, the Sixty Special became a premium, stylish long-wheelbase sedan with distinction, often with more ornamentation to distinguish from other Cadillac models, especially with decorative chrome louvers. This continued to be true for the redesigned 1954 model, which was refined for 1955 with a sleeker front end with nicely integrated parking lights in the grille. Nineteen fifty-five was also significant because it was the model year that Cadillac introduced the rocket-inspired fins for the Eldorado, while mainstream Cadillac models continued to use aircraft-inspired humpback fins, now as prominent as ever.
“In all the world there is no other motor car quite like the Cadillac Series 60 Special,” claimed the brochure. “In this single model, traditionally a four-door sedan, every artistry of Cadillac craftsmanship and every forward-looking feature of performance, styling, and graciousness are superbly integrated.” Of special note was a feature that gave distinction from the olden days: a slender B-pillar. Wheelbase measured 133 inches, a good four inches more than the bread-and-butter Series 62. “Series 60 Special interiors include broadcloth, patterned nylon and metallic nylon in contrasting tones of gray, blue, tan, and green. Thirteen beautiful new interiors are available,” including nylon and leather.
This 79,000-mile 1955 Cadillac Fleetwood Series 60 Special nicely demonstrates how the “Standard of the World” was the most desired brand in the world. Claimed to be “one family-owned,” this monotone Alabaster Gray Caddy sedan is complemented by a blue cloth interior. Other features inside include air conditioning, power windows and seat and, of course, automatic transmission. “Meticulously maintained, fully serviced including all fluids changed, battery, rebuilt carburetor, fuel pump, gas tank and sender, front and rear shocks, rebuilt starter and generator,” lists the seller. Power comes from a 250-horsepower 331, which was on the higher end of potency for 1955 among all vehicles.
If you glance at Series 60 Specials from just a few years later, you’ll note they became somewhat gaudy, which was the antithesis of the models founding. Nonetheless, this 1955 60 Special perfectly demonstrates that it was the epitome of class and elegance. Today, that will cost you $42,500, much cheaper than what its stature would demand in today’s market.
Click here for this ClassicCars.com Pick of the Day.
Source: www.classiccars.com