When writing about a design I usually focus on the model year of first appearance. That's because stylists usually believe that is when the design is its most pure form, before facelifts to "freshen" appearance for model year marketing purposes usually add clutter or apply trim that's less in keeping with the basic design.
This is no longer much of an issue because annual model year facelifts ended in the USA many years ago. But it matters when dealing with cars built during annual facelift times. (Of course, designs are still occasionally facelifted partway into an extensive multi-year production run, so my policy usually continues for some recent designs.)
Today's post features the 1941 Cadillac Sixty Special sedan, its basic body having been launched for the 1938 model year -- 1938-1941 Sixty Special's Wikipedia segment
here. As noted, the '38 Sixty Special was styled by William L. (Bill) Mitchell (1917-1988), Wikipedia entry
here, early in his career at General Motors. He eventually became head of GM styling.
The 1941 design is of interest because it included features of '41 Cadillacs using bodies new for 1940 and 1941 while being based on the fourth model year of the original Sixty Special design. In addition, it featured front fenders that extended onto the front doors, something GM introduced across nearly all of its product line for 1942.
Finally, I need to note that the 1941 Sixty Special was, on balance, more attractive than the original 1938 version. That's because '41 Cadillacs had an outstanding grille design.
The photo of the 1938 Sixty Special is via Worldwide Auctioneers. The 1941 Sixty Special photos are via Mecum Auctions.
Gallery
A 1938 Cadillac Sixty Special. Its signature feature is the shaping of the side windows and their chrome trim. The smoothly integrated trunk was an advanced feature at the time. The grille is bold, but not especially distinctive. Those detached headlight pods were old-fashion for 1938.
1940 Sixty Specials were little changed from 1938 aside from a reshaped grille. The 1941 facelift was entirely new forward of the cowling and A-pillar. The very front is the same as that found on the new B-body Cadillac model 63. The Sixty Special has a longer hood, though its side air vent has similar detailing to that of the 63.
While the '38 car's front fenders are of the "suitcase" type, the '41 fender is moreso. Seen from the side, the front third of the car strikes me as being a little too heavy looking, due mostly to the fender shape.
As mentioned, the after part of the design is nearly that of the 1938 original.
This rear view makes the car seem old fashioned compared to newer American designs: too tall, too narrow looking.
Upper front door hinging is the same as on the 1938 car.
Frontal heaviness is apparent here too. I think it's the high after part of the fender.
Ah, but the front. It has the classic 1941 Cadillac grille.
No comments:
Post a Comment