1. Photos
  2. Cadillac
  3. Cadillac Series 60
  4. II (60 Special)

Cadillac Series 60 II (60 Special) gallery (1938–1941)

The second-generation Series 60 (1938–1941 Sixty Special) revolutionized automotive design with its low-slung, running-board-free sedan styling.

All photos 1 I 0 1936–1938 II (60 Special) 0 1938–1941 III (60 Special) 0 1942–1947 IV (60 Special) 0 1948–1949

The second-generation Series 60 (marketed as the Cadillac Sixty Special from 1938 to 1941) was a landmark achievement in automotive design. Styled by Bill Mitchell under Harley Earl, the four-door sedan eliminated exterior running boards, introduced an integrated trunk deck ('three-box' sedan styling), and lowered total vehicle height via a low-slung X-frame chassis. Slim bright metal window frames gave it a convertible-like canopy appearance, setting styling trends for the entire industry throughout the 1940s.

Under the hood sat Cadillac's 346 cubic-inch (5.7-liter) Monobloc V8 engine producing 130 to 150 horsepower. Transmission options included a 3-speed synchromesh manual, joined for 1941 by GM's revolutionary 4-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. Built on an extended 127-inch wheelbase, the Sixty Special delivered exceptional structural rigidity and car-like handling performance. Standard and available equipment included power steering, power drum brakes, power window controls, power seat adjustment, and premium interior upholstery appointments. Standard and available equipment included power steering, power drum brakes, power window controls, power seat adjustment, and premium interior upholstery appointments.