HIGHLIGHTS
The 1938 Cadillac Series 60 Opera Coupe, a remarkable and rare vehicle, stands as a testament to automotive elegance and history. This steel-bodied model 6127 Opera Coupe remains a highly coveted collectible, given its exceptional scarcity and the exceptional restoration it underwent in 2016.
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Crafted with precision and sophistication, the 6127 Opera Coupe was one of a limited production, with only 438 models manufactured in 1938. A mere handful, believed to be merely four, are thought to exist in the contemporary automotive world, elevating its rarity to an almost unparalleled status among enthusiasts and collectors.
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In 2016, a comprehensive frame-off restoration bestowed upon this iconic automobile a new lease on life. The restoration involved meticulous efforts that covered every facet of the vehicle. Not only was its exterior rejuvenated with a fresh coat of paint, but the interior was also revitalized, along with an overhaul of the wiring to ensure top-notch performance and reliability.
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The attention to detail is truly remarkable, considering the replacement of all rubber parts, highlighting the dedication to preserving authenticity while preparing the vehicle for modern roadworthiness. Adding to its visual allure, the Cadillac features dual side-mounted spare tires, a signature and striking aesthetic element of its era.
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This vehicle also comes with a set of wide Whitewall tires, evoking the classic charm of the bygone era. Additionally, the car features several factory options that were desirable luxuries at the time, including a heater, fog lights, wheel disc, and trim rings, accentuating its allure for a discerning buyer seeking a piece of automotive history and luxury.
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The meticulous restoration work and limited existence of this vehicle contribute to its significance in the world of classic automobiles. A remarkable blend of rarity, elegance, and restoration expertise, this 1938 Cadillac Series 60 Opera Coupe is a precious artifact of automotive history, promising a glimpse into the opulence and craftsmanship of an era long past.
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THE STORY
The brilliant and flamboyant Harley Earl guided General Motors’ styling renaissance in the 1930s, taking Cadillac in particular to new heights of elegance as the engineering departments continued to refine the mechanical innovations and manufacturing processes that ensured the marque’s status as the “Standard of the World.” Engineering had always been Cadillac’s ultimate strength, and it proved so again with the introduction in 1936 of an all-new monoblock flathead V-8 to replace the aging 3-piece V-8 of the past. Although cast in iron rather than the aluminum of the engine it replaced, the new V-8 was only 20 pounds heavier thanks to thin wall casting and developed more power by virtue of advanced manifold design and downdraft carburetion. The new engine would serve as the basis for Cadillac’s V-8 programs through World War II and prevail until 1949. After a period in which Earl could be said to have rested on his laurels, for 1936 he assigned to his young protégé William Mitchell the task of penning a dramatic new design that signaled a return to the “Cadillac look,” the 60 Special. The design revolutionized the automobile industry in America as other manufacturers adopted the new Cadillac’s startling but beautiful features, most notably the rounded trunk that, rather than appearing as a separate appendage, was artfully integrated into the overall silhouette. Even other Cadillac models followed suit, including the 60 Series 6127 Opera coupe, a rare example of which is presented here. A frame-off restoration completed in 2016, it is one of only 438 Cadillac Opera Coupes built in 1938 and one of only four believed to exist today. The all-steel body shows off the model’s clean styling and restrained detailing, highlighted by the model’s characteristic dual side-mount spares and elegantly sculpted trunk, all dipped in fresh, beautiful Maroon paint and fitted with a new beige interior. The thorough restoration also included new wiring, new rubber parts and new wide whitewall tires. This handsome Cadillac classic also includes such options as a heater, fog lights and chromed wheel discs and trim rings.
