Cadillac Series 61 I gallery (1939–1939)
The first-generation Cadillac Series 61 (1939) replaced the Series 60 as Cadillac's core mid-priced luxury model on the GM B-body chassis. The model represented a key landmark of its era within the Cadillac lineup.
The first-generation Cadillac Series 61 was produced for the 1939 model year (designated Series 39-61), replacing the Series 60 as Cadillac's core volume line. Built on GM's B-body chassis with a 126-inch wheelbase, it was styled under Harley Earl with a pointed hood, narrow front grille, and fender-mounted headlights. Available body variants comprised a four-door sedan, two-door coupe, and open convertible coupe/sedan models.
Powering the 1939 Series 61 was Cadillac's 346 cubic-inch (5.7-liter) Monobloc V8 engine producing 135 horsepower. Power passed through a 3-speed synchromesh manual transmission with a column-mounted shifter lever. Standard chassis features included 'Knee-Action' independent front suspension and Bendix dual-servo hydraulic drum brakes. 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.
