Stunning Restoration: 1941 Cadillac Fleetwood 60 Special
Many people believe that as a luxury car manufacturer, Cadillac is a shadow of its former self. It once set the benchmark by which others were measured, which is graphically demonstrated by this 1941 Fleetwood Series 60 Special. It presents beautifully following an older restoration and is ideal for those who prefer their classics with luxury leanings. The seller believes its overall condition is good enough for this Caddy to score trophies at local shows, making it worth a close look.
Cadillac introduced the 60 Special to its model range in 1938, with the First Generation remaining on sale until 1941. Our feature car rolled off the line during the final production year, with the first owner ordering it in Monica Blue. I agree with the seller’s assessment that the Red that now graces its panels following its restoration is a distinct improvement. This is a big car, and the original color left it looking heavy. This shade gives the car the elegance it deserves. The seller believes that at least twenty years have passed since the work ended, and the overall condition confirms it has led a sheltered existence. The exterior shines like a new penny, with the close-up shots revealing only a few tiny imperfections. The seller believes the Special could collect silverware at local shows, and I see no reason why that couldn’t occur. The panels are laser-straight, and the comprehensive image gallery confirms it is rust-free. The chrome and glass look flawless, and the wide whitewalls add the perfect finishing touch to the exterior.
Powering this Cadillac is a 346ci flathead V8 which sends 150hp and 283 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a three-speed manual transmission. The Fleetwood may have tipped the scales at 4,235 lbs, but its V8 offered class-leading performance. Our feature car demonstrates why owners sometimes need to think laterally when their car has mechanical needs. The Caddy wasn’t running well when the current owner purchased it. Therefore, he dispatched it to a local shop to address the problem. The decision lightened his wallet by $11,000, and the car was no better following the attention. He searched and found a one-man operation specializing in pre-war classics, and that decision proved wise. The specialist took only a few days to identify and eliminate the issues, returning the car to its owner in excellent mechanical health. The situation remains the same, meaning the buyer can slip behind the wheel and enjoy this Fleetwood immediately. The engine is strong, the clutch bites nicely, and the four-wheel hydraulic brakes stop the car straight and true.
The restoration may have occurred over two decades ago, but the car’s interior presentation makes it look like it only happened yesterday. The beautiful cloth trim is superb, with no evidence of wear or marks. The painted surfaces are superb, and the bright trim holds a mirror shine. The seller admits there is visible slight wear on the timber door caps, but that is the only cosmetic shortcoming. Addressing this would be straightforward and inexpensive, and would add the ideal finishing touch to the interior. The buyer may want to tackle a couple of functional shortcomings, with the radio and clock both inoperative. Otherwise, the lights, gauges, and wipers work as they should.
The seller listed this beautiful 1941 Cadillac Fleetwood 60 Special here at Barn Finds Classifieds in Westbrook, Connecticut. They set their price at $43,000, which is appropriate for a vehicle of this caliber. It needs nothing, making it ideal for enthusiasts who are unable to tackle a project build. It told the world its owner was a success when it was new, and its spotless presentation is sure to attract crowds and admiring comments over eight decades later. If you long for a classic from an era when Cadillac was the undisputed king of luxury, this Fleetwood deserves a close look.
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Comments
I’m pushing 70, and can honestly say, I have, nor never did have any attraction to a behemoth like this. If I think that at 70, I’m wondering where the cutoff is for folks that could really appreciate, or even want this car. 80? 90? By the time I was able to recognize cars, say 1960, cars like this were horribly out of date in all areas. Don’t get me wrong, for 1941, it was the epitome of luxury and probably during the war years, the folks that were able to buy these, their lives didn’t change much during the war. In fact, some prospered greatly, and this was the car they bought. I could see some big shot like Henry Kaiser or equivalent in one. His workers, making .45/hr. not so much, but was something to work towards. If I read it right, only 220 of these were made and at close to almost $4grand, so only the boss man could have one. As if the size and magnitude of this car won’t be overwhelming enough, the manual transmission will limit any future sales. 80 and 90 year olds just aren’t buying cars of their youth and this was certainly one of them. If they are, good for them.
Agreed. I’m 63 and fascinated with cars such as this but would never own one. The market for these beasts continues to decline each year, which is kind of sad. The end of an era.
I think that investors looking to park their money tend to drive (no pun intended) much of the older car market so older models might eventually get sold for a large amount of money. Many collectors that would buy these cars for the enjoyment only, tend to be aging out. Sadly, for many of these cars, it’s the end of an era.
Bruce- I felt exactly the same way until I had a chance to drive one. It was a fabulous surprise. Compared to our 2 stroke SAAB the Cad is still a comfortable luxury car. It was wonderful and I’d love to have one. I’ll take you for a ride!
I sincerely doubt that ANY of today’s vehicles will have any interest (down the road) for today’s youth. Besides the lackluster vehicles now offered, the young ones would rather spend time and money on tech, entertainment, and other stuff. At recent car shows the few young people seem interested only in sports cars.
50 years (or less) from now, when all new “cars” are electric, driverless transport pods, I can see someone being interested in something even as mundane as, say, a 2024 Toyota Corolla.
HoA- Just for style points this model is the apex of Art Deco and design.. I knew an antiques dealer back in the late seventies who had one of these , a ’41, parked in front of his store. In person they defines the word impressive. If I could and would I would own this car just to insure it was preserved.
Unfortunately as a country and culture what we define as style and substance has taken a tumble downward ; so we get Hyundai Iconic’s and Chevy Bolts etc. Those of us who know better and are of an age “cough” “cough” to appreciate these, need to keep them on the scene. Thank the gods there are folks whose financial situation permit it.
To Asher…PLEASE! Not another SAAB story 😉 😁 🤣
This Cadillac looks just like a ’48 Lincoln.
You are correct!
Just compare this with the V12 Barn Find: 1948 Lincoln Continental Coupe at Jul 2, 2024.
Not much difference is there!
Since the Cadillac is newer, I would say Lincoln tried to copy it, as usual, they were behind Cadillac.
Ah! The Grand daddy of my coveted 58 Fleetwood Sixty Special! As a kid, I often saw a black 58 Sixty Special, owned by a local business man. While I loved our 55 DeSoto, that OTT finned, overchromed behemoth seemed the pinnacle of divine Decadence. While Exners fabulous finned fantasies for Chrysler were LOOKING FORWARD 😉, that 58 Sixty Special was (and still is) the apple of my eye. I have owned an 89 Fleetwood Brougham deElegance 👍, still a Standard of The WORLD, and a 93 Brougham👎as Cadillac quality, panache, and image continued it’s descent into the world of downsizing, Glorified Trucks and a few melted jelly beans 🤮. Have happily switched to Town Cars. Even LINCOLN has fallen into that same class, My current Town Car (the last gasp of traditional American Luxury sedans) will be my last vehicle. But to the point, this 41 surely is a DUESSY! And Angel if you come out here, check the 78 Grand Marquis for answers to your questions!
This Caddy is beautiful. Even though the color isnt exactly original it sure looks good and authentic on this car. I’m younger than some of you guys, I’m 54. Maybe I’d be interested in it. But Im just not in a financial position right now to buy anything. I truly appreciate the fact that this owner really did their best to make this car right and reliable.
I also agree with all the above that I just dont see todays cars being collectable. People just use then as appliances nowadays but then again, there was a time where I really didnt see cars from the 70s and 80s being saved and collectable and yet take a good look right here on Barnfinds and I can honestly and happily admit that I was wrong.
I sure hope this Grand old Caddy finds a good new home and is able to be properly taken care of.
While I admire cars like this at shows, I wouldn’t want to own it. I have owned several similar cars in the past, and usually lost interest quickly. For me, although nice to look at, I find they are not particularly pleasurable or practical to drive in modern traffic (especially on hot days). By even semi-modern standards they feel almost agricultural.
The pool of potential owners is shrinking as all of the following conditions must be met:
1) They must like the style/look.
2) They must enjoy (or not dislike) driving it.
3) Must have a large enough garage to store it.
4) Must have the money to buy and maintain it.
5) Wife or partner says Yes.
My buddy just finished building a Cadillac coupe from the same era. It is a resto-mod, that I could see myself owning.
Yep, your last sentence. People like to complain about resto-mods, but that is the only way they can be enjoyed in modern traffic.
I’m in agreement with the reality that cars like this are inevitably going to have a smaller appeal as we baby boomers age out of the hobby. So while this car may be fairly priced for the condition it is in; its value has nowhere to go but down. Most of the younger people who have the wherewithal to swing a purchase of this magnitude won’t even give this a glance. I believe that in the next few decades there will be a glut of these old people cars for sale and there will be few interested buyers. Time marches on and tastes change.
@Cam W.
While I prefer my classic cars to be all original, a lot of the older 40s and some 50s cars benefit from restomodding. Adding power steering and brakes would certainly help the driving experience as would adding a higher horsepower and dual exhaust. Luxury and convenience amenities would cover a/c, power windows power locks, power seats, cruise control, auto headlights, automatic trans and a stereo system. Just my opinion.
@Rick W.
I’d love to see pics of your Sixty Special
In 1941, when this car was new, it made a real statement, and it still does. Thank goodness it’s not black; the tasteful light-maroon color suits it well. Like most old cars, it can transmit you back in time, so put on your best three-piece suit, your spats, and your trilby hat, ask your wife to dress in 1940s style, and hit the road. Fixing the clock and radio will not be hard, and the rest of the car looks to be in fine shape. This is a piece of history, and YOU can be its curator!
I’m 77 so I’ve got a few years on some of you, but I remember when I was in basic training at Fort Ord California we got a weekend off in the middle of training. One fellow had a Cadillac of similar vintage and offered a ride to San Francisco to those willing to help with gas. I jumped at the opportunity and climbed into the back seat which was the most comfortable seat I have ever sat in. It was a great weekend visiting fisherman’s Worf and China town, but the ride in that Cadillac was the epitome of the entire adventure.
God Bless America
I won the $100,000 First place Grand Prize in the first Great American Race in 1983. I did it in a big, comfortable, fast 1941 Cadillac four-door sedan. I still have the car. It’s one of the highlights of my 30 car collection.
The last time I saw a pre-ww2 Caddy was rhe one owned by bill, the crossing yard at the East Great Plains two-room school house on the outskirts of Norwich , Connecticut. It was 1950. I was in the first grade and knew nothing about cars. I did, however, take note of a Cord, probably 1936, with a Wilson pre-selector ear box parked nearby…only 20 years later, having discovered SCCA racing, did it occur to me that gems those two cars were?
Saw the image and all of it flooded back. BTW, Barn finds is my respite when political news gets too insane.
HOA, forgive me, but I’m 92 and still in love with these classics and I am sooo gosh danged fickle. 2 of my books just sold to Netflix and I just bought a ranch with a huge barn SOOOO If my wife doesn’t kill me I may own this beauty.., My thought what the heck does a 92 year old car nut do with BIG money???
Buy lots of cars!
Hi Frog!
Any questions, please feel free to reach out. I am representing the seller and I took nearly 400 photos and there are also several videos on my website. ( https://autoarcheologist.com/1941-cadillac-fleetwood )
Thanks!
@UDT Frog
I could use some of it. I’m trying to bring a U.S. marine home for leave from Syria to see his daughter (and me.)
Angel 😇! 👍. Good luck bringing him home! 🇺🇸 💪. I answered your questions at the 78 Grand Marquis post.
@UDT FROG A heartfelt “Thank You” for your service to our great nation sir.
This is a fine looking car. As several others have commented, I too am over 60. Have been involved with vintage cars since the mid-1970s. A long time. This 41 Cadillac is a terrific looking car, but in 2024, many points expressed sum up where things are at in today’s elderly adjusted, post-Covid vintage car market. Where at auction, a 1969 Dodge Daytona sells for $1.4M, and cars like this sell for $26,000. Would have been best to fix the clock and radio. I wish the seller only the best, but like others here I wonder who will be buying classics like this going forward. I would never want to see these turned into restomods. I truly hope the 20-year+ owner/private seller has enjoyed this car. No doubt he will sell it for far less than he has spent on it — instead, the value of the joy it gave him is more important than its current market re-sale value. It is tough getting old and having to let these go.
I am 70. I appreciate this car, and would love to own it and drive it. However, circumstances do not lend themselves to a purchase. Frankly, I’d prefer a Lincoln of similar vintage.
I know that the market for cars like this is shrinking- so the actual value will be going down. I just hope that there will be enough people in the future that appreciate these works of art and engineering so that they will be preserved.
“……and I even like the color.”
I think that Cadillac is a stylish old gal. Even though it would not be at the top of my like list I appreciate its elegance. Personally my dream antique car would be a 1950 torpedo nosed Studebaker convertible, the car I first drove when I turned 14. Oops! I couldn’t get a licence till i turned 16. Anyone who tells the tale that antique cars are slipping in value needs to realize that there will be no future ages of antique cars. Nothing built beyond the 80s with all the plastic and electronic components will ever reach old age. Like the new cars of this era and can I even call them the trucks of 2024, they will do amazingly well to hopefully be on the road for as long as their payment plan.
Beautiful car from a much simpler time. I am an old man 71 and would I own it, probably not. Do I appreciate it, of course I do. See I have this crazy mentality that cars were built to be driven and I just can’t see this one being driven even 3 days a week for errands. Some knucklehead opening a door into it or heaven forbid something worse, driver on a cell phone not paying attention to the task of driving. Parts for this old girl are getting hard to come by.
I’ll be 70 next month and I still love me some Cadillacs. Started when I was a kid of 9 or 10 when Dad brought home the first of many Cadillacs my Mom would drive until
they bought her a brand new (POS)
’73 Chevy Caprice 4-door hardtop
that wouldn’t start when the mercury
fell below 40 degrees. But I digress.
When I was young, if you were able to
get your hands on a used Cadillac, you really had something. What you got was one of the best used cars you could buy for yourself and your
family. I bought my first and only
Cadillac when I was going on 16.
Bought it from my parents to keep my
drunken uncle from wrecking it. It was a ’66 Calais 4-door hardtop that
just oozed cool and quality too. Bought it with some of the money I
made playing music over the road in
1070. And not lemme tell ya’, I had no
sbortage of ladies that wanted to drive it either! Being legally blind, that’s how I got a lot of dates that way! Without question, this ’41
caddy was the sharpest thing out there. But it was a whole lot more than that. It was a quality car through
and through. The only other car that could rival it was a contemporary
Packard. Both cars ran smooth as
fresh churned butter and would float you down the road in grand style. But
it was Cadillac that won the day with
it’s newly released Hydramatic transmission. Just imagine how magical that was to drive a car that
you didn’t have to shift. Everyone wanted one but few could afford it.
At least until the first ones hit the used car lots where they sold again
like ice on a hot day. One of Dad’s
friends had a ’41 convertible sedan
that I got to meet in the flesh when I
was 15. And while this car is a wonderful ride, the convertible sedan
just knocks it out of the park– and
after 50 years, it’s still going!
Hi everyone!
WOW – 20+ comments already.
I am representing the seller of this beauty. Any questions, please feel free to reach out.
RE all the comments about the audience shrinking and no one under 40 even knowing what this car is, I have to comment in return.
A very good friend of mine who happens to be 20+ years my junior (I’m just about 60), is an absolute Pre-war nut, owning several Rolls, Bentleys, an SS100 and others from that era. I attend the Lime Rock Park Historic Festival every year and have for the last 30. I am glad to say that I regularly see folks of the younger generations wandering the paddock, checking out the old Bugatti race cars and enjoying the massive car show they hold on Sunday.
I also just recently attended a car show, and was one of their sponsors, called Bring Back the Rad. It was, as one might guess, primarily 80-90 era cars BUT, the prevailing attitude was old cars in general and these young people (20’s-30’s and 40’s) were all hanging out at my booth which had a scrolling display of many of the cars I’ve sold over the last few years and many of them are cars from the 60’s, 50’s and earlier. These “youngsters” love cars and it’s up to us to welcome them in, educate them on the cool cars that have come before, even if they may initially show up with an 83 Supra. They will eventually see and fall in love with an old MG or a Fiat, or 55 Chevy, 41 Cadillac … etc.
The future may not be so bright we need to wear shades, but it isn’t bleak either.
Talk soon,
1st let me say, the car is quite an item, and I can appreciate your interest, but not being involved with a car like this, I can safely say, it’s a dinosaur. Look at the comments, good point, all pretty much older folks, that would love to have a stunning classic like this, but other, more important issues face us now, and limit sales accordingly. I realize car shows will always be a big draw. Anyone that drives anything will enjoy seeing its roots, but very few of those folks would ever consider owning one, and therein lies the rub. The interest simply won’t be there, and diminishes with every funeral.
I don’t mean doom and gloom, and the future has many possibilities, but I don’t think classic cars will be one of them. Best of luck, plenty old farts around that DO have the resources and a sale shouldn’t be a problem, yet. Next time around, I’m not so sure.
Here’s a shot of the show field already filling up at 9AM. There were an easy 150 cars there by end of day.
I am 83. This, the ’46-’48 Lincoln Continental, the ’49 Caddy fastback, and a ’46 – ’48 Buick Station Wagon, Super or Roadmaster, have been the top of my “I want one, but can’t afford one” list since I was 10 or so. The rear of this was far ahead of its time in ’38, the period of the “bustle back”or “hump back” design, one of the worst, in my opinion, no matter what the make, and ’41 was the real start of the broad, horizonal front end grill design, much more integrated than the “transitional” fronts of the ’40’s for most makes.
Climate change has made every day where I live over 100 for the past three weeks, and I do not expect it to change (and we get snow in the winter).
A/C would make this drivable, Vintage Air probably makes a unit that can be made to fit. If most of us, our age, learned to drive a stick at 16, today’s youth can if they want to, but, this lack of training does protect your standard shift car from theft.
It will cruise all day at 70 mph, as would the big Buicks of the time, so you can run on the Interstates with it, a dual master cylinder, and radial tires, the bias look ones, seat belts, and off you go. But without these things it is a garage queen, and one should hesitate to take it out on the open road.
I wonder what happened to my comment?
Well I’m too old and tired to type it all out again.
For now, just agreeing with the comments that actually got posted. This is a beauty of art deco design and unfortunately will never see anything like this again.
Love this car. Presentation is terrific, wonderful stewardship by current owner.
Suspect it will attract an equally enthusiastic new owner.
But, words matter and a claim of “… it needs nothing..” is simply not true. Door caps re-do, non-op radio and clock are not nothing in the car show world. Perhaps, “….needs very little to make it 100%…” would be accurate.
This car is America we know from the past. It’s great to have these around to remind us of better times.
Well, Fortunately, there are a few of us young enthusiasts out there who would love to own something like this. I just met a guy around my age (14-17 probably) who restored an old Mercury Cougar out of his garage at a local car show, so it is nice to know that these cars will be appreciated by some. I’m currently looking at restoring my Mom’s ’74 Toyota (needs body work, freeze plugs, tires etc) as a project after monkeying around with my Dad’s truck and my Mom’s other car. After that, I want to look for something more the vintage of this Cadillac and before. I’m not even old enough to drive yet, so I’ve got some time think. But it is nice to know that there are more like me coming out of the woodwork who share a love for these old vehicles.
Good Night To All
Flint
Whoops, I meant “time to think”
Good Night To All
Flint
@ Flint
Hi Flint,
Super nice to have you here. Fresh young blood is need in the aging out hobby.
Don’t know how long you’ve been here or if you have read any of my posts but I was 13 when I got my first car. A 1956 Cadillac Fleetwood. This was 1966.
Stay interested and my advice is get a good education so you can make lots of money so you can buy lots of cars!
Nice having you here. Keep posting.