The arrival of the 1940s ushered in an enchanting era for Cadillac, embarking on a decade filled with marvels. A pivotal moment in this narrative was the introduction of the Series 60 Special model line, which signaled a fresh design trajectory for both the luxury brand and its parent company, General Motors. Notably, the Series 60 was the inaugural Cadillac to bear the complete styling imprint of William Mitchell, a remarkably talented protégé and eventual successor to the renowned chief stylist, Harley Earl. Mitchell’s maiden design made a profound impact on the luxury automobile market, presenting the first-ever “owner-driver” Cadillac—a vehicle tailored for affluent individuals who preferred the pleasures of driving themselves, without employing a chauffeur.
Exemplifying the graceful contours of a convertible sedan, the Series 60 boasted pioneering features that set trends in motion. These included an integrated trunk seamlessly blending with the car’s overall design, concealed running boards, doors reminiscent of convertibles with elegant metal window frames, and sleek “pontoon fenders.” A dramatically sloping windshield led the way for a captivating “four-window” canopy roofline, offering an increased expanse of glass compared to earlier enclosed Cadillacs. Mitchell’s ingenuity led him to regard the first-generation Series 60 as the inception of the “hardtop” concept, cementing its significance in automotive history.
Source: RM Sotheby’s
