Article by Daniel Legal

The Cadillac name is often synonymous with luxury, but we don’t always associate with terms like classic, collector, and enthusiast. That seems strange in light of the influence that Cadillac has had on the industry and on the world. Introduced in 1902, the Cadillac marquee has sold its vehicles in 50 countries and territories throughout the world. In addition, it pioneered automotive “accessories” such as the rearview mirror and the standard windshield history.

The truth is that Cadillac has been an integral and influential aspect of automotive history since its inception. Moreover, although Cadillacs often do not receive the notoriety those other classics do, the brand has a strong commitment from collectors and enthusiasts who see Cadillac for what it truly is, not just a luxury vehicle favored by the mature.

Throughout Cadillac’s long and illustrious history, there are models that hold special significance. It some cases it was an entire year’s worth. One such instance is the lineup that Cadillac made available to the buying public in 1959. The significance was likely unnoticeable at the time, but in retrospect, it is clear that this was a changing of the guard, Cadillac ushering in the standards by which they would come to be known during the 60s and the 70s and beyond.

Cadillac 60 Special

The 1959 Cadillac for sale known as the Cadillac 60 Special was the next in a long line of “special” models that Cadillac had been manufacturing since they produced the 1938 Bill Mitchell-designed Series 60. Interestingly, that 1938 model was a “value” model, but it gave rise to one of the legendary specialty lines, one that continued through 1972, and then re-launched for a second run between 1987 and 1993. The Cadillac special models are instantly recognizable to all automotive enthusiasts whether they have a particular interest in Cadillacs or not.

Cadillac Coupe De Ville

The 1959 Cadillac for sale known as the Coupe De Ville marked that model’s entry into its fourth vehicle generation, one that would last through 1964. Cadillac redesigned the model, and they separated it into its own distinct Series 63. This paved the way for the Coupe De Ville to grow substantially larger and more powerful. Cadillac had introduced the Coupe De Ville back in 1949, but it is perhaps this 1959 model that stands as the key moment in its history.

Cadillac Deville

The 1959 Cadillac for sale known as the Cadillac Deville was originally a mid-tier trim level on the Series 62 introduced in 1949. However, it is this year, the same year that the Coupe De Ville became its own vehicle, which the Cadillac Deville started to become the nameplate that we recognize today.

Cadillac El Dorado

Introduced for the 1953 model year, the Cadillac El Dorado would go on to become the longest running personal luxury car in America. The 1959 Cadillac for sale marked the start of the vehicle’s third generation. There were also Eldorado Brougham models sold this year and the next that were essentially hand-built in Italy, and these editions have become highly coveted by collectors today.

The next time you make plans to visit a car show, make it one with an emphasis on Cadillac. In order to appreciate fully all that Cadillac has meant, one has to see it up close, to touch it, and feel it. Perhaps, if you’re fortunate, you might even get the opportunity to drive one, and that experience will last a lifetime.