1948 Cadillac 60 Special

1948 was a special year for Cadillac. David: 303.947.0444

This was the first tailfin ever applied to a Cadillac. It was inspired by the P-38 Fighter of WWII. It created an international styling craze. Even Ferrari’s sprouted fins. The 60 Special in particular was the most graceful example of the 1948 Cadillac. With its extended wheel base, de-chromed look, and special trim, it exuded European flair. Also, the last year for venerable flat head V8, combined with the cathedral instrument binnacle, makes this a milestone car for Cadillac and the world.

The extended wheel base was most evident in the rear door and roof line. Leg room was extended, but the most dramatic benefit was the appearance of the car, which was much more graceful than standard four-door car, giving it a mini-limo status. This exclusivity also extended to some of the mechanicals. As I was recently reminded, when I had to purchase new brake shoes for the car and discovered, they were larger than the standard four door Cadillac. This graceful, de-chromed designed gets me more attention than my $100k plus cars at car shows, cruises, and general driving around. Although presentable, after all these years, the car will need to be re-restored at some point. However this is a positive for me because I can and do drive the car regularly on errands and day-to-day use.

About the car: I purchased this Cadillac 30+ years ago, before my 1957 Cadillac which was my first complete restoration. I did what most people would consider a restoration, but I do not. The car was painted, (color change from cream) upholstered, the interior metal pieces including dash removed, and painted, and all of the mechanicals including brakes, suspension, plus electrical, radio, lights, gauges, sorted out. The clock has also been rebuilt. This was a clean-up and made presentable type of restoration. The car appears better than new because the white color (GM 1948 White) and the black accented dash and upper door panels go extremely well together. All of the chrome, save the bumpers, is original and in superb shape. The car runs and drives faultlessly which is a testament to the quality of the car that I originally purchased. Weather strips were completely replaced, bearings packed, fluids changed, window lifts replaced, lift pump replaced, and a hundred other details makes this car ready to go.

What’s wrong with the car: Other than the non-original restoration, the car has been driven many many miles in the last 30 years, and has some chips. One of the headlight rings is dented as well as the grill (stainless steel easily repairable). Rust was never present on this car, and after 30 years, there is still none peeking through. The V on the hood (pictured) is the only original piece of chrome that shows any kind of bubbling or wear. Front seat is worn, with a few small holes.

The undercarriage shots of the 1948 60 special are evidence of a low mileage original Colorado car. The engine has been painted but the rest of the undercarriage is untouched. Note the original gas tank, having never been repaired, and the original spring hangers and front suspension with the majority of the rubber bushings still intact. This car drives straight straight straight.

​Other interesting features: Note the heater fan motor that supplies heat to the rear seats sunk into the floor. Also since this car was not extensively assembled and disassembled the fasteners are original and virtually rust free. Although dirty (extensively street-driven car, this is our Christmas car) the undercarriage shows a lack of rust and as noted from the right side rocker view almost pristine inner rockers and rocker supports. Finally you can see in the rear axle shots the electric fuel pump that has been applied along with additional fuel filter that with an upgraded cooling system and cleaned out block makes this vehicle drivable summer and winter. In the last three months, I disassembled the brakes, clean and adjusted them, repacked the wheel bearings, flushed the brake fluid, antifreeze and changed the rear axle grease. Included with the sale will be a restoration correct wiring harness (in box) and a new set of brakes (in box). The car doesn’t necessarily need them, but will when completely restored.

As recently as three months ago, this car was taken to our local super cruise and spent 4 hours of fault-free driving at low speeds. I then got up on the highway and headed home at 75 miles per hour and noticed a slight amount of stuttering. When I got back I installed a new auxiliary fuel pump. I include this short story because this is how all of our cars are treated and maintained. Unlike most collector cars, which are shiny, undrivable things. All NGDCars are ready to go and ready to drive.