Inspired by the P-38 fighter plane, the all-new 1948 Cadillac featured pontoon-like front fenders, a rounded, cockpit style windshield, the hood came to a point reminescent of the P-38, and, of course, tailfins. One of the car's designers, Earl Mitchell was later quoted: "From a design standpoint, the fins gave definition to the rear of the car for the first time. They made the back end as interesting as the front, and established a long-standing Cadillac-styling hallmark."

Besides the P-38 inspired design, the car featured a larger "egg-crate" grille and a more massive bumper that curved around the front fenders.