The Cadillac Series 60 Special marked a new direction for both the “Standard of the World” and General Motors design. It was the first car completely styled for GM by William Mitchell, the gifted protégé and eventual success of the redoubtable Harley Earl. Mitchell made his impression early with the first “owner-driver” Cadillac, a car for the gentleman or lady of means who preferred not to use a chauffeur. Accordingly, it rode on a 127-inch wheelbase chassis, somewhat smaller than other Cadillacs, but it was large enough to be appropriately cushy. The body boasted well-proportioned lines, hidden running boards, squared-off modern “pontoon fenders,” and a roofline that seemed to plunge between the windows. In total, the Series 60 Special looked fantastic and like modern art compared to the other luxury cars being built at the time.

The first Series 60 Specials of 1938 were bodied by Fleetwood; the 1939 and 1940 models, which used essentially the same design with updated front-end sheet metal and headlights, were built to the Fleetwood design by Fisher Body, and they were no less well-appointed and elegant.

The 1940 model offered here was the recipient of a body-on cosmetic restoration some time ago; it was painted in a two-tone green, which lends its design a little extra dazzle and sets off the car’s lines quite nicely. Adding to the fashionable appearance are wide whitewall tires with full hubcaps, driving lights, dual mirrors, a grille guard, bumper overriders, and a Fulton sun visor with a traffic light viewer. This was the final year that any Cadillac model would be offered with side-mounted spares as an option, and this 60 Special has them.

Inside, the tasteful cloth seats and two-tone door panels remain in good condition, with just enough wear to be warmly inviting. The painted dash, which, like the car itself, uses only a minimum of chrome to set off its design, and a classic large-diameter steering wheel instantly transports one to an age in which high tech did not dictate design. Aside from some needed attention to the steering wheel and other interior components, this car remains solid and eminently useable.

An invitee to Eyes on Design in 2000, and since ushered into the Kughn Collection, this icon of General Motors design would be a perfect tour car, especially for CCCA CARavans, where this most modern and drivable of Classics has long been a preferred favorite.