I've always wondered why the 1940 Cadillac continued with free-standing headlights while the rest of GM, even LaSalle, had headlights faired into the fenders. Anyone have an answer or opinion?

Good question.
I'd like to know why LaSalle went from free-standing headlights in 1937, to sitting on top of the fender in 1938, then back to free-standing in 1939, that completely into the fender in 1940. Did John Kerry work for LaSalle styling during that time period?

I did come across something in CA Vol. I No. 6 that Cadillac executives were afraid that in a fender-bender the headlight would get out of whack if it was in the fender.
Dick Browne

Hmmm, interestingly enough, the Manheimgold website shows much higher values for the 1940 Cadillac Model 60S as opposed to those of the '38, '39 and '41 Cadillac 60S models. My assumption was that this might be due in part to fact the '40 was the last year of this model that had its headlights positioned on either side of the upright grill.

Ray