160 bhp, 331 cu. in. OHV V-8 engine, Carter two-barrel carburetor, Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, independent front coil spring and semi-elliptic leaf spring rear suspension, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 133"

• Superb show-winning condition; thoughtful upgrades for touring

• Landmark Harley Earl-era styling, revolutionary OHV V-8 engine

• A stellar example of Motor Trend’s first Car of the Year award winner

Following the historic launch of Cadillac’s first all-new postwar models for 1948, featuring Cadillac’s revolutionary OHV V-8 engine and sleek styling with the first appearance of tailfins inspired by Lockheed’s P-38 fighter plane, Motor Trend selected the Series 60 Special Fleetwood as its first Car of the Year in November 1949. A pet project of GM design chief Harley Earl since the nameplate was introduced in the 1930s, the Series 60 Special featured a commanding 133-inch wheelbase, elongated rear doors and distinctive exterior trim.

While Cadillac’s landmark 1948 styling was essentially unchanged for 1949, the “rainbow” cluster dash was replaced by a more conventional layout featuring a horizontal speedometer. Popular and handsome with 11,399 built, plus a one-off two-door Sport Coupe, the 60 Special Fleetwood also included standard hydraulic window lifts. According to its accompanying original Cadillac Identification Card, this example was purchased new by Edwin B. Suddarth, Sr. and Kathleen Suddarth at Don Lee Cadillac in California.

Thoroughly restored during the late-1990s, this Series 60S Special Fleetwood was acquired by the current owner in 2008 and elevated to its outstanding present state with some $35,000 invested. Tired Iron Works of Monrovia, California refinished the car, upgraded the electrics to 12 volts and installed air conditioning and power steering for comfortable touring. Next, the current owner’s personal mechanic rebuilt the fuel system, installed a proper-specification fuel pump and new fuel lines and rebuilt the carburetor. It is show-ready with virtually perfect brightwork, interior and paint, as confirmed by its most recent showing at the November 2011 Winter Park Concours, where it won Best in Class honors in a year when Cadillac was the featured marque. Equally ready for showing and touring with everything reported to work properly, it is nothing short of superb.