From its late-Depression debut until the mid-1970s, the Sixty Special Sedan occupied a unique niche in Cadillac’s catalogue. Never offered as other than a single body style, it had its own distinctive appearance and, very often, its own unique wheelbase. Bodies were from Cadillac’s in-house coachbuilder Fleetwood. Until 1956, the Sixty Special was a four-door sedan; beginning in 1957 a four-door hardtop sedan, but from 1959 it shared a 130-in. wheelbase with the Series 63, mid-range deVille and Eldorado. For 1961, it shrank a half-inch with them, but retained its special place in the line.

By that time, the external differentiation from other Cadillacs was muted, the most obvious feature being sextuple hash marks on the rear quarter panel and a front fender emblem (“subtle aura of distinction,” the factory called it). A more practiced eye would recognize the unique roofline and angled C-pillar. The interiors featured special fine-textured Cambridge or Crestwood cloth with Florentine leather bolster trim. So popular was the style, though, that the exclusivity did not translate to limited production. For 1961, 15,500 units were built.

This Sixty Special Sedan was built on 15 May 1961. As ordered, it was fitted with Basic Accessory Group B, comprising air conditioning, whitewall tires, heater, radio, and EZ Eye tinted glass. Additional equipment from Group 3 includes door guards, fog lamps, and power headlight control, as well as power door locks and vent windows ordered à la carte. Painted Tunis Beige, its build sheet details a Special Request interior, which is done in the ostrich-grained leather interior that was usually exclusive to Eldorados.

The current owner acquired this stunning 1961 Sixty Special about 15 years ago from a prominent Cadillac collector. About 10 years ago it was entrusted to Cadillac restorer Jenkins in North Carolina for a bare-metal repaint in the original color. The engine was removed and detailed, while all of the exterior chrome was re-plated. The ostrich-grain interior, however, is entirely original.

The Sixty Special has always had a special niche in the Cadillac catalogue, and as a result in the hearts of many collectors. This car, with its special interior, most certainly is one of one, and a great opportunity to acquire a unique example.