The Series 60 Coupe played a pivotal role in solidifying Cadillac’s position as a leading luxury car manufacturer during the 1930s. It represented the brand’s commitment to producing vehicles that were not only reliable and powerful but also exuded an air of opulence and exclusivity.
Source: Automotive Heritage
Despite its affordability, the Series 60 retained the elegant design and luxurious features that were synonymous with Cadillac. From the outside, it closely resembled its more expensive counterparts, differing primarily in size. This attention to detail and commitment to maintaining Cadillac’s opulent image proved successful, leading to a substantial increase in sales. Out of the 12,880 cars produced in 1936, a remarkable 6,700 were Series 60 models.
Source: Classic Auto Mall
In the 1930s, Cadillac faced the challenge of adapting to the economic crisis while maintaining its reputation as a luxury car manufacturer. Under the leadership of a new managing director, Nicholas Dreystadt, Cadillac embarked on a strategy to introduce a more affordable model that still met the brand’s high standards of quality and performance. In 1936, Cadillac unveiled the Series 60, a relatively inexpensive car that showcased Cadillac’s commitment to excellence. Built on a LaSalle chassis with a 121-inch wheelbase, the Series 60 boasted a powerful 5.3-liter Monobloc V8 322 engine with 125 horsepower. With a starting price of $1645, which was significantly lower than Cadillac’s previous offerings, the Series 60 attracted a wide range of customers. Buoyed by this success, Cadillac continued its modernization efforts in 1938 by developing a common platform, engine, and body design for its entire lineup. The Series 60, along with the Series 65 and 75, received the same chassis and power units, unifying the brand’s offerings. The only exception was the 16-cylinder Cadillac Series 90, which remained in production until 1940. The Series 60’s chassis featured advanced engineering elements for its time, including an X-shaped cross member, independent front suspension, and hydraulic drum brakes on all wheels. In 1938, Cadillac introduced a low-valve V8 engine with a monoblock design, further enhancing performance. The engine increased to 5,676 ccs and proved to be so successful that it became the standard power plant across all Cadillac models until 1949. With a compression ratio increased to 6.2:1, the engine developed 135 horsepower and operated efficiently on high-octane fuel. Another significant milestone for Cadillac came in 1936 when William Mitchell took charge of the Cadillac design studio at the young age of 23. Mitchell’s tenure began with the styling of the 1938 Cadillac Series 60 Special, marking the start of his illustrious career at General Motors. Under Mitchell’s direction, the Series 60 Special underwent a dramatic transformation, incorporating modern design elements that would define Cadillac’s future aesthetic. One notable change introduced by Mitchell was the transition to a three-box body structure, featuring a fully integrated trunk. The body was lowered by 76 mm, and the fenders were less pronounced. The Series 60 Special showcased design cues from the 1940s, such as a one-piece alligator hood, the absence of running boards, front mounts on all four doors, slim roof pillars, chrome window frames, and a steering column shifter. The grille, adorned with horizontal stripes spanning the sides of the hood, featured three louvers, while the headlights were mounted between the fenders and the grill. While the Series 60 Special was only available as a sedan, the standard Series 60 offered a range of body styles, including a 2-seat coupe, convertible, sedan, and 4-door convertible. The bodies for Series 60, 60 Special, and 65 were manufactured at the Fisher plant. Despite being in a lower price range, the Series 60 Special Sedan had a price tag of $2,085. In 1938, Cadillac sold a total of 2,051 Series 60
Source: Wallpaper Flare
The 1938 model year of the Cadillac Series 60 Coupe played a pivotal role in solidifying Cadillac’s position as a leading luxury car manufacturer. This coupe combined luxury, performance, and striking design in a truly remarkable way. From an exterior standpoint, the Series 60 Coupe featured a sleek and elegant design, characterized by clean lines, smooth contours, and harmonious proportions. It boasted a two-door body configuration with a compact yet spacious cabin, built on Cadillac’s common platform with a wheelbase of 124 inches (3150 mm). The coupe’s distinctive chrome-plated grille with horizontal stripes extending to the sides of the hood, three louvers on the hood, and headlights mounted between the fenders and the grille were standout features. The absence of running boards and slim roof pillars further enhanced its sleek and modern look. Step inside the Series 60 Coupe, and you would be greeted by a luxurious and comfortable cabin. The interior reflected Cadillac’s commitment to opulence, with well-padded and plush upholstery ensuring a high level of comfort. Meticulous craftsmanship, high-quality materials, and elegant trim elements added to the overall sense of luxury. The cabin was thoughtfully designed with the driver in mind, offering easy-to-reach controls and a driver-centric layout. The dashboard featured easily readable instruments, while a steering column shifter added to the convenience. Under the hood, the 1938 Cadillac Series 60 Coupe boasted advanced technology and engineering. Its progressive chassis included an X-shaped cross member for enhanced rigidity and stability. Independent front suspension provided improved ride comfort and handling. The braking system featured hydraulic drum brakes on all four wheels for reliable stopping power. Powering the coupe was a low-valve V8 engine with a monoblock design. The engine displacement was increased to 5,676 cc (5.7 liters), delivering robust performance and power. With a compression ratio of 6.2:1 and the ability to run on high-octane fuel, the V8 engine produced 135 horsepower. The coupe’s drivetrain featured rear-wheel drive and a smooth-shifting transmission, ensuring a refined driving experience.
Source: Mecum Auctions
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