1993 Cadillac Sixty special problems
The Cadillac Sixty Special is a name used by Cadillac to denote a special model since the 1938 Harley Earl–Bill Mitchell–designed extended wheelbase derivative of the Series 60, often referred to as the Fleetwood Sixty Special. The Sixty Special designation was reserved for some of Cadillac's most luxurious vehicles. It was offered as a four-door sedan and briefly as a four-door hardtop. This exclusivity was reflected in the introduction of the exclusive Fleetwood Sixty Special Brougham d'Elegance in 1973 and the Fleetwood Sixty Special Brougham Talisman in 1974, and it was offered as one trim package below the Series 70 limousine. The Sixty Special name was temporarily retired in 1976 but returned again in 1987 and continued through 1993.
1938–1941
In 1938 the Harley Earl-Bill Mitchell designed Sixty Special replaced the Series 65, slotting it between Cadillac's entry level line, the "Series 60", and the "Senior" large-bodied Series 70 Cadillacs. Although all first-generation 60 Specials were built at the Fleetwood Plant, the 60 Special was marketed as a Fisher Body car in 1938 and 1939.
The new four-door sedan, designed to look like a convertible sedan, showcased trend-setting features including a completely integrated, coupe-like trunk (which launched "three-box" sedan styling); no running boards (which all makes soon followed); convertible-style doors with bright metal window frames (Bill Mitchell called the '38 60 Special "the first hardtop"); a "four-window" canopy with more glass area than any Cadillac before; a steeply-raked windshield and four front-hinged doors. Contrary to what was then prevailing practice for luxury automobiles, the new Sixty Special was intended as an owner-driven car, rather than a chauffeur-driven one.
It was built on a 127.0-inch (3,230 mm) wheelbase - 3-inch (76 mm) longer than the standard Series 60 cars. The new Sixty Special utilized a unique "X" frame underneath, which allowed the 4,170 lb (1,890 kg). car to sit within its frame. This not only gave the new Cadillac the stiffest chassis on the market, but it was also 3 inches lower than other Cadillacs - with no sacrifice in headroom. The disappearance of running boards along the side and its lack of a heavy belt line molding made the sleek car appear even lower. More important, it allowed shoulder and hip room to increase by over 5 inches without an increase in overall width. When combined with the brand-new column-mounted shift lever, the cars offered true six passenger comfort. The Sixty Special was powered by Cadillac's standard 130 hp (97 kW), 346 cu in (5.67 L) V8 engine.
In its debut year, 3,703 Sixty Specials were delivered, at a base cost of US$2,090 ($45,780 in 2023 dollars ) - it was a success in every measure. The new Sixty Special outsold every other Cadillac model in its first year accounting for 39% of all Cadillacs sold. In 1938, aside from the standard 4-door sedan, two prototype models were built on the Sixty Special body - two very dashing four-door convertibles (one owned by GM executive, Larry Fisher, which was demolished by Harley Earl in a traffic accident and one sent to Europe, which was later recalled and consumed by GM Engineering in structural tests in preparation for the 1940 "Torpedo" bodies), plus one Sixty-Special coupe (driven personally for two years by GM President, Bill Knudsen).
A not well-received new front end, which was patterned on the Lincoln Zephyr and lacked the visual punch expected by Cadillac buyers, a modest change in trim level, and some new options appeared for Sixty Special in 1939. First among the new options was a retractable metal panel above the front seat called a "Sunshine Turret-Top Roof", a predecessor to the type of sunroof that would not become more commonplace until the mid-1970s. The sliding roof, patented by GM's Ternstedt Hardware division, was unlatched and slid back into a recess built into the rear portion of the main roof where it would lock in place. Second was an optional retractable division glass in between the front and rear seats. This partition did not have a header in the roof, only channels between the door posts for the retractable glass to travel. The 1938 price of $2,090 remained for 1939 as well. More than 5,500 Sixty Specials were built for 1939, accounting for 40% of all Cadillacs sold, but only 280 of them were equipped with the sun roof option (of those 280 sun roof optioned cars, 55 of them were also equipped with the retractable glass partition). Special orders in 1939 included a convertible sedan built on the Sixty Special chassis for Prince Frederik of Denmark.
Starting in 1940, and for the remainder of its existence, the Sixty Special would be Fleetwood marketed, enjoying higher-priced molding, trim and upholstery like the Series 75 and 90. Thus it took over the Series 70's place, which was dropped for the 1938 model year, as Cadillac's most luxurious owner-driven large model, a role it would fill through 1976. For 1940, the price (for the third year in a row) and general styling remained the same, with only modest trim changes. Of special note is that 1940 was the last year that side-mounted spare tires (optional on all Cadillacs, including Sixty Special) were offered. The Sixty Special line expanded to four models this year: Touring Sedan (the base model), Imperial sedan (priced at $2,230, it featured a retractable glass partition between the front and rear seats), and two open-front Town Car models (one style with a painted roof, the other with a leather-covered roof). These two very formal cars had a removable roof section over the front seat and a glass division window. Of the Sixty Specials built in 1940, 4,242 of them were the Touring model. There were 113 Imperials (including 3 that were also equipped with the sun roof), and lastly, only 15 Town Car models. Of the 15, 9 had the painted metal roof (priced at $3,465), and 6 were the formal leather-covered roof version (priced at $3,820).
1941 was the last year of Harley Earl and Bill Mitchell's original Sixty Special design, as an all-new 1942 model was in the works. Many consider the 1941 to the most beautiful of this series, though Mitchell himself favored the clean lines of the original 1938 model. For the first time, Cadillac had its own front end design—the wider than high "tombstone" grille with a forward-jutting center section flanked by flat side sections — that would identify Cadillacs for years to come; the new grille appeared as a horizontally-oriented rectangle when viewed head-on hence the nickname. Other changes were longer front fenders that terminated with extension caps attached to the front doors, fully engulfed the lowered, widely positioned headlights and (in concert with a new hood) filled the formerly vacant area adjacent to the engine compartment; the rear fenders now held full skirts as standard. For 1941, the wheelbase was reduced by 1 inch (25 mm), down to 126 in (3,200 mm). Sixty Specials showed a $105 price increase (for the first time) to $2,195. Power was still supplied by the same 346 cu in (5.67 L) Cadillac engine as before, but was now rated at 150 hp (110 kW). Production totals include 3,878 Touring sedans (including 185 with the sun roof option), and 220 Imperial sedans (now priced at $2,345). Only 1 Sixty Special Town Car was made this year and used on the auto show circuit before being purchased by film director, Cecil B. DeMille. Featuring the leather-covered roof, it was the last one to come from Cadillac-Fleetwood.
There were nearly 17,900 Sixty Specials made from 1938 to 1941, including about a dozen custom bodied versions.
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Common 1993 Cadillac Sixty special problems
The 1993 Cadillac Sixty Special is known for several common problems, primarily related to its engine and electrical systems. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues:
- Fuel system problems: Owners of the 1993 Cadillac Sixty Special have reported issues with the fuel system, including problems with the fuel filter, fuel pump, and fuel injectors. These issues can cause the engine to run rough, stall, or have trouble starting.
- Ignition system problems: Ignition system problems are also common in the 1993 Cadillac Sixty Special. These issues can include problems with the distributor cap, rotor, spark plugs, and spark plug wires. These problems can cause the engine to run rough, misfire, or stall.
- Oxygen sensor issues: Oxygen sensor issues can cause the engine to run rough, stall, or have trouble starting. The oxygen sensor measures the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gas and sends this information to the engine control module (ECM). If the oxygen sensor is not working properly, it can cause the ECM to make incorrect adjustments to the fuel/air mixture, causing the engine to run rough.
- Distributor signal interrupt: A distributor signal interrupt can cause the engine to run rough or stall. This issue can be caused by a faulty distributor cap, rotor, or ignition coil.
- Cruise control problems: Cruise control problems are also common in the 1993 Cadillac Sixty Special. These issues can include problems with the vacuum solenoid, which can cause the cruise control to malfunction or not work at all.
- Transmission problems: Transmission problems are not as common as engine or electrical issues, but some owners have reported problems with the transmission shifting or slipping. These issues can be caused by a faulty torque converter, transmission fluid leak, or worn-out transmission bands.
- Electrical system problems: Electrical system problems are also common in the 1993 Cadillac Sixty Special. These issues can include problems with the alternator, battery, or wiring. These problems can cause the engine to have trouble starting or running, or can cause the electrical system to malfunction.
- Suspension and steering problems: Suspension and steering problems are not as common as engine or electrical issues, but some owners have reported problems with the suspension and steering components. These issues can include problems with the shocks, struts, or steering gear.
- Body and interior problems: Body and interior problems are not as common as engine or electrical issues, but some owners have reported problems with the body and interior components. These issues can include problems with the paint, trim, or upholstery.
In summary, the 1993 Cadillac Sixty Special is known for several common problems, primarily related to its engine and electrical systems. These issues can cause the engine to run rough, stall, or have trouble starting, and can also cause the electrical system to malfunction. If you own a 1993 Cadillac Sixty Special, it is important to be aware of these common problems and to address them promptly to prevent further damage to the vehicle.
What engine is in a 1993 Cadillac Fleetwood?
5.7 L V81993 Cadillac Fleetwood / Engine
How much is a Cadillac Sixty Special?
The average Cadillac Sixty Special costs about $37,126.58. The average price has decreased by -2.9% since last year. The 1 for sale on CarGurus range from $46,995 to $46,995 in price.
How much is a 1993 Fleetwood Cadillac?
Used 1993 Cadillac Fleetwood Pricing
| Original MSRP | KBB Fair Purchase Price (nat'l average) | |
|---|---|---|
| Sedan 4D | $35,160 | $4,053 |
How long is a 1993 Fleetwood Cadillac?
225.3″1993 Cadillac Fleetwood / Length
At 225 inches (5,700 mm) overall, the Fleetwood was, at the time, the longest production car made in the United States.
Is the 1993 Cadillac Sixty Special reliable?
The 1993 Cadillac Sixty Special receives an average consumer rating of 5 overall and a 5 for reliability, which means owners consider its reliability to be above average.
How much is a Cadillac Sixty Special?
The average Cadillac Sixty Special costs about $37,126.58. The average price has decreased by -2.9% since last year. The 1 for sale on CarGurus range from $46,995 to $46,995 in price.
What car is the poor man's Cadillac?
1957 CHEVROLET EL MOROCCO CONVERTIBLE. Lot #1356 - The rarest of the 1957 Chevys, the "Poor Man's Cadillac." Reuben Allender envisioned a Chevy "Bel Air Brougham" for the blue-collar luxury customer.
How long will a Cadillac engine last?
200,000 to 300,000 miles
On average, a well-maintained Cadillac engine can last anywhere from 200,000 to 300,000 miles (or more). Proper maintenance, regular oil changes, and addressing any issues promptly can significantly extend the engine's life.
1993 Cadillac Sixty special car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Cadillac Sixty special problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Steering problems
- Power train problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1993 Cadillac Sixty special vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1993 Cadillac Sixty special complaints
The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1993 Cadillac Sixty special.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-04-21
- VIN: 1G6CB53B4P4
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TL*-THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 CADILLAC SIXTY SPECIAL. THE CONTACT STATED HE WENT TO GET HIS TRANSMISSION LINE REPLACE AND THEY PUT THE NEW TRANSMISSION LINE IN BUT THEY BENT THE LINE SO THE TRANSMISSION FLUID WILL NOT FLOW THROUGH PROPERLY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO BE REPAIRED AND THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE AGAIN. THE MANUFACTURE WAS NEVER CALLED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE IS 125,000.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-11-25
- VIN: 1G6CB53B9P4
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS EXITING THE FREEWAY AT 55 MPH, ON A RAINY CONDITION, WHEN SHE NOTICE A SMELL OF SOMETHING BURNING AND A LIGHT SMOKE COMING BETWEEN STEERING COLUMN AND TURN SIGNAL SWITCH. DEALER NOTIFIED.
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-11-25
- VIN: 1G6CB53B9P4
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS TURNING OFF FREEWAY AT 55 MPH WHEN SHE SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING, AND NOTICED LIGHT SMOKE COMING FROM STREERING COLUMN AND TURN SIGNAL SWITCH. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK
1993 Cadillac Sixty special recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1993 Cadillac Sixty special.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
- Summary: THE UPPER TRANSAXLE OIL COOLER HOSE CAN PULL OUT OF THE CRIMPED COUPLING AT THE TRANSAXLE END OF THE LINE ASSEMBLY.
- Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF SEPARATION OF THE COUPLING, AN OIL LEAK CAN OCCUR WHICH, WHEN EXPOSED TO AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW UPPER TRANSAXLE OIL COOLER LINE TO THE TRANSAXLE.
Negative 1993 Cadillac Sixty special car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1993 Cadillac Sixty special problems:
1993 Cadillac Fleetwood Problems and Complaints - 22 Issues
Problem with your 1993 Cadillac Fleetwood? Our list of 22 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1993 Cadillac Fleetwood.
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Other years of Cadillac Sixty special
Are you having problems with your 1993 Cadillac Sixty special?
Dario Rohan 2024-05-27
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to let you know that I'll be replacing my car soon. I've had my current car for 12 years and it's been great, but the engine is getting tired and it has a lot of miles on it. I'm in the market for a newer vehicle and I'm really excited about the prospect of getting something new. I'm considering either a Cadillac or a GMC Sierra truck, but I have to say, I really enjoy my Chrysler. It gets 20 miles to the gallon on the highway, which is pretty impressive for an American-made car. Overall, I think my Chrysler has been a great investment and I'm looking forward to finding a new car that will be just as reliable and enjoyable to drive. Thanks for listening!