Cadillacs had extensive styling changes this year. They looked generally heavier and had low, sleek contours with longer rear decks, more sweeping front fenders and a broken rear fender line. The hood protruded further out at the front and was underlined by an even more massive egg crate grille. Round parking lights were used, but as in the past, when buyers chose fog lamps an additional bulb and larger housing were used. This setup combined the fog lamps and directional signals. One-piece windshields were introduced and the leading edge of the rear fenders, which had a broken-off look, was highlighted by chrome imitation air slots. The rear fenders were longer and ended in a swooping tailfin design. A Cadillac script again appeared on the sides of front fenders, but was now positioned closer to the front door opening gap.

As far as Series 61 models went, a big styling change was a return to marketing this line on a shorter wheelbase than used on the 62s. This led to some styling differences. For example, the Series 61 sedan had no rear ventipanes and featured a wraparound backlight (i.e., rear window). An identifying feature on both models was the absence of rocker panel moldings and rear quarter panel chrome underscores. Cars in Cadillac's lowest-priced range also had bodies which were four inches shorter than the previous season.

Cars in the Cadillac next-step-up line were identified by slightly richer interior appointments and by chrome underscores running the full length of the body at the bottom. Hydra-Matic drive was now standard in this line. The Series 62 sedan incorporated rear ventipanes. Exclusive models in this range were the convertible coupe and Coupe DeVille, both with standard hydraulic window lifts.

Eight vertical chrome louvers on the rear fenders characterized the Series 60S sedan. It was built on the same platform as the previous year, but had all the new styling features. It looked lower than the 62 because of the extra length and had a different rear deck contour. Hydra-Matic drive and power windows were standard.

An all-new postwar body, which conformed to the other lines for the first time since 1941, was introduced on the luxury-class series models this year. It featured six-window styling and a "high-headroom" limousine type appearance. Jump seats were used in the seven-passenger sedan and the Imperial limousine. Surprisingly, Hydra-Matic drive was optional, but power windows were standard equipment.