1938 Cadillac Sixty Special Sedan

01

Artifact Overview

Cadillac introduced its less expensive Series 60 for 1936 as the Great Depression reduced demand for luxury cars. The Sixty Special, added in 1938, was Bill Mitchell's first major design for GM. With its integrated trunk, chrome-framed windows, and notable lack of running boards, the Sixty Special projected a fresh and modern look soon copied by other automakers.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Automobile

Date Made

1938

Place of Creation

Creator Notes

Designed by William L. Mitchell; manufactured by Cadillac Motor Car Division of General Motors Corporation.

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

89.386.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Metal
Steel (Alloy)
Nickel (Metal)
Glass (Material)
Rubber (Material)

Color

Blue
Red

Dimensions

Wheelbase: 3.5 in
Diameter: 4.5 in (Bore)
Length: 39.2 in (Stroke)
Horsepower: 72 hp (53.69 kW)

Inscriptions

Front and rear bumpers: Cadillac Trunk: V8
1938 Cadillac Sixty Special Sedan