While the Fleetwood Sixty Special models were technically Cadillac’s smaller bodied limousines, they still tipped the scales at almost 5,000 pounds and were priced well over $6,000, a cost on par with the company’s top-of-the-line Eldorado model. Riding on a 133-inch wheelbase, the “mini” limousine measured just under 226 inches from tip to tail.

Several slight changes were made for 1956 in line with the company’s tendency for annual model updates. Appearing for the first time was gold “Sixty Special” script on the front fenders below the Cadillac crest. Rear fenders held a chrome bead running along the top, while massive chrome spears ran along a conical flare above the rear wheels. These spears widened as they joined the bumper trim, morphing into wide oval exhaust ports in the redesigned rear bumper.

An anodized gold grille with matching gold Cadillac script emblems debuted as an option on the Sixty Specials, while power brakes became standard equipment. A 365-cubic-inch V-8 engine also debuted, which could be ordered with the Eldorado “dual quad” intake option for the Sixty Special, as is found on this example with its recognizable “batwing” gold finish air cleaner. The two WCFB Carter four-barrel carburetors boosted performance to 305 horsepower, while a retooled Hydra-Matic transmission made for effortless shifting. Sabre Spoke chrome wheels, a standard feature of the Eldorado, were also made available on the Sixty Special.

Offered for the first time in over 40 years by just its second owner, the Series Sixty presented here is likely among the most original Special Fleetwoods in existence. Purchased new by the owner of a Massachusetts funeral home, the car has been sparingly used over its life, showing just under 20,000 miles on the odometer at cataloguing time, which are believed to be original.

Striking factory-correct black paint still presents well as does the incredibly well preserved Gold Bombay brocade cloth and white leather upholstery. Factory equipment includes the desirable anodized gold grille, air conditioning, remote trunk release, chrome Sabre Spoke wheels, tilt-adjust seat, power seat, Autronic Eye headlight dimmer, and the “dual quad” intake system.

Powered by a 365-cubic-inch V-8 engine fed by dual, four-barrel carburetors wearing the desirable “bat wing” air-cleaner, this superb example of mid-century American luxury will surely impress the Preservation Class judges at concours events.