The dawn of the 1940s was the start of a somewhat magical decade for Cadillac.

The new Series 60 Special model line marked a new design direction for the luxury brand as well as parent company General Motors.

The Series 60 was the first car completely styled for GM by William Mitchell, the gifted protégé and eventual successor to the famed chief stylist Harley Earl.

Mitchell’s first design made quite an impression in the luxury car market as it was the first “owner-driver” Cadillac, a car for the gentleman or lady of means who preferred not to employ the use of a chauffeur.

Designed to replicate the lines of the convertible sedan, the Series 60 showcased trend-setting features such as a completely integrated, coupe-like trunk, hidden running boards, convertible-style doors with bright metal window frames, and streamlined “pontoon fenders.” A steeply raked windshield led the way for a "four-window" canopy roofline with more glass area than previous closed Cadillacs.

Mitchell is sai...