1949 Cadillac Series 60 Fleetwood

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

The 1940s were a landmark period for Cadillac. At the close of the decade, GM debuted an almost completely redesigned lineup for the luxury brand featuring styling chief Harley Earl’s iconic Lockheed P38-inspired fenders and tail fins. Among the models wearing new bodywork was the recently rebadged Fleetwood 60 Special, Cadillac’s top-of-the-line touring sedan marketed as “the most advanced motor car ever to bear the honored Cadillac name.” The new 60 Special featured low-swept body lines and the signature decorative chrome louvers carried over from the previous model. A sophisticated interior now featured “Hydro-Lectric” window regulators and a two-way hydraulically adjustable bench seat as standard, as well as a completely redesigned instrument cluster for 1949. Power was by Cadillac’s new 331 cu-in overhead-valve V8 producing 160 horsepower, the most advanced engine in America at the time. GM’s Hydra-Matic transmission was standard at a time automatics were very rare even as options. It would be decades before many of these features were mainstream.

This elegant 1949 Fleetwood 60 Special represents the pinnacle of American motoring at the time of its introduction, proving the honored Cadillac name was still the “Standard of the World.”

Highlights

• Cadillac’s premium four-door luxury sedan

• Powered by Cadillac’s advanced 331 cu-in overhead-valve V8 producing 160 hp

• “Hydra-Matic” four-speed automatic transmission

• Aftermarket truck-mounted air conditioning

• Engine upgraded to 12 volt for improved starting, all other electrics remain 6 volt

• Period-correct two-tone finish of Tyrolian Gray Iridescent over a dark gray hardtop

• Bench seats trimmed in Gray Shadow Pattern Broadcloth & Gray Shadow Plain Broadcloth

• The chassis number (496018889) decodes as:

  • 49 – 1949 model year

  • 60 – 60 Series

  • 18889 – Serial number

• The Body by Fleetwood cowl tag decodes as:

  • Style No: 49-6069X – 1949 Fleetwood 60 Special Sedan

  • Body No: FW 3525 – Fleetwood body plant production number

  • Trim No: 44 – Gray Shadow Pattern Broadcloth & Gray Shadow Plain Broadcloth

  • Paint No: 4 – Tyrolian Gray Metallic

  • ACC: K – Heater, Automatic

Features

• Power-operated windows

• Power-adjustable front bench seat

• Power-assisted drum brakes

• 15-inch steel wheels wearing chrome covers

• Chrome louvers, simulated side scoops, and tail fins

• Three-spoke Bakelite steering wheel

• Pushbutton AM radio

• Clock

• Heater

• Independent knee-action front suspension

Known Imperfections

• Light patina throughout the exterior finish, top and fenders beginning to show their age but still perfectly presentable

• Driver and passenger door lock pull knobs not operational

• Driver door lock tumbler for key not functional, key will go in and may just need lubrication

• Aftermarket door speakers not connected to the radio

• Clock is not operational

• Brightness rheostat for lights is intermittent

• Operation of the passenger front window from the driver switch is intermittent

• Light staining on the driver’s footwell carpet

• The consigning specialist notes that the gear selector may be in need of adjustment

Included

• Jack

• Lug wrench

• Spare wheel and tire

• Car cover

Ownership History

Invoices totaling nearly $40,000 from August 2016 document a comprehensive mechanical and cosmetic refresh which included a complete overhaul of the electrical system, reassembly of the rear suspension, fitment of the radio and interior trim pieces, adjustment of the exhaust, rebuilding of the transmission mounts, and tuning of the engine. Highlights of a recent service in June 2021 include repairs to the hydraulic window and seat motor assemblies, the addition of a six-volt battery to the electrical system under the rear seat, and repairs to the clock and horn.

Additional Notes

A Broad Arrow Group Consignment Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle.

Contact: Harrison Platz Phone: 610.304.4525 email: hplatz@hagerty.com