The 1938 year can be considered a milestone one for Cadillac, as it introduced the revolutionary Sixty Special Sedan and, to the shock of the industry, a totally new V-16 model. The Sixty Special influenced the look of General Motors cars, as well as its competitors’, for years to come, but the exclusive and very limited production V-16 was gone after the 1940 model year. Other Cadillacs were also changed.

The V-8 cars featured distinctive grille designs, one for the Series 60 and one shared by the larger Series 65 and 75 models. While the Series 60 used thin horizontal grille bars that extended around the sides of the squared-off nose, the Series 65–75 cars had tall, vertical, die-cast egg-crate grilles. Inside, the gearshift lever on all models was relocated from the floor to the steering column. The Cadillac name appeared on all models in large, bold script on both the front and rear bumpers. Most other changes were detail items, such as the repositioning of the horns just behind the grille. New features included a “Synchro-Flex” flywheel, the use of a hypoid rear axle, and a bump in compression ratio on the V-8 engine to 6.70:1.

The convertible sedans carrying style number 38-7529 were part of the Series 75 Cadillacs with exclusive Fleetwood bodies, as Fisher bodies were used only on lesser Cadillacs. The Series 75 shared the 141.5-inch wheelbase with the Series 90 V-16 flagships, but the two differed in styling forward of the cowl. The convertible sedan, weighing in at 5,110 pounds, carried a base price of $3,940 before options, and it featured the impressive Victoria-style rear roof with blind quarters. Fleetwood produced only 58 of the big four-door convertible sedans in 1938, which adds to their rarity, exclusivity, and desirability today.

According to its consignor, this Cadillac is 95 percent original and shows just 12,000 miles from new though it should be noted that the title states exempt. It has remained in the current owner’s collection for more than 10 years, and he proudly notes that it “has been recently fitted with whitewall tires, is tuned up, is ready to go, and drives like a 12,000-mile car should.” Its tan fabric convertible roof was installed in 2013, and in combination with the whitewall tires and black exterior and interior, it makes for quite an imposing color combination. The car is also fitted with dual side-mount spare tires and its original factory radio. It is powered by a 346-cid L-head V-8 engine and three-speed manual selective synchromesh transmission. This rare Cadillac is a perfect candidate for the preservation or survivor class at any car show or CCCA, AACA, or Cadillac-LaSalle Club event.