1946 Cadillac Fleetwood 60 Special

This 1946 Cadillac Fleetwood 60 Special is a garage-kept and reportedly unmodified four-door luxury sedan powered by a 346ci Monobloc V8 paired with a 4-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. This Fleetwood was first sold to its original owner in San Francisco, California in October 1946. The car was later left to that individual’s chauffeur, who passed away in 2006, and has been retained in collector ownership since. Accompanying this 60 Special is the original owner’s information card, a new set of whitewall tires, a modern Alpine stereo, and an unmodified, well-preserved overall appearance both inside and out. Finished in black over a gray cloth interior, this Fleetwood is now offered by the selling dealer with a clear California title.

Positioned at the top of the Cadillac hierarchy, the 60 Special full-size luxury car was offered as a four-door sedan and four-door hardtop beginning in model year 1938. Design was based on the General Motors C-body platform, noted for its lack of running boards and a steeply-raked windshield. In 1942, a revision to the design incorporated a body that was stretched by 7” and rode on a 133” wheelbase, giving more streamlined lines and pontoon-style fenders both front and rear. A few additional updates for 1946 brought a mild grille redesign, relocated parking lamps, and a V to accompany the crest up front. This Series 60 Fleetwood four-door sedan from 1946 is painted black, and surrounding the car is extensive brightwork in good condition including the bumpers, trim window surrounds, moldings, and badging. The rust-free, straight body features dual sideview mirrors and a two-piece front windshield, and the selling dealer has provided detailed photos showing specific areas of wear.

Red-finished steel wheels with chrome covers and Cadillac crests are wrapped in newer wide whitewall tires. The selling dealer notes that an alignment was performed recently.

The five-passenger interior is fitted with gray cloth bench seating throughout, matched to the door panels, headliner, carpeting, and floor mats. The dash and upper door panels are accented in woodgrain, and a modern Alpine AM/FM/CD player is mounted within the glove compartment. Condition throughout the interior is good, and the fully finished trunk contains a whitewall spare tire.

Instrumentation is comprised of a 100-mph speedometer along with gauges for oil pressure, coolant temperature, and fuel level. The five-digit mechanical odometer reads 71k miles, which is believed to be a true reading although true mileage on the chassis is unknown.

The 346ci Monobloc V8 reportedly exhibits good running and driving characteristics, and power is transferred to the rear wheels via a column-shifted 4-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission.