Vehicle Description
Model 370A (seven-passenger with division window)
Body by Fisher
First production year for the V-12 engine
This magnificent and well-preserved V-12 Cadillac is finished in the original colors, with body in dark blue and fenders and roof in black. Light blue accent stripes highlight the beltline. We were told the car is a joy to drive, and our road tests confirm it: this is a great driver that runs very well. Knowing Cadillac enthusiasts have long favored the V-12s for CCCA tours, and this car wonderfully demonstrates why.
Although obviously well cared for from new, the Cadillac is not a show car. Its paint and chrome are very nice, but do evidence on close inspection the minor wear and blemishes typically found on a car that has been used and enjoyed. However, there are no condition issues that significantly detract from its Classic beauty and impressive eminence. Inside, both the front and rear compartments are authentic both in detail and features and are in exceptionally fine condition.
The 7-passenger models were built on a 143-inch wheelbase, three inches longer than that of other Fisher-bodied 1931 V-12s. The Imperial Limousine interior is equipped with a division window between front and rear compartments and includes two auxiliary forward-facing jump seats in the rear compartment. Total production for the full 370/370A V-12 series model line was 5,725.
Smooth, responsive and quiet, the car’s overhead valve engine is essentially a twelve-cylinder version of the 45-degree V-16 introduced by Cadillac in 1930. The V-12’s close kinship to the V-16 is evidenced by its similar valve covers, dual carburetors and the exquisite detailing that make both engines mechanical works of art. Displacing 368 cubic inches, the 135-hp V-12 develops a still impressive 250 lb. ft. of torque. (In a nod to its outstanding performance, a Cadillac V-12 Roadster was selected to pace the 1931 Indianapolis 500.)
The V-12 engine has recently been tuned up, with six of the spark plugs replaced with NOS units. The water pump shaft has been recently repacked. A new Optima battery assures ample cranking power. The car retains its original vacuum fuel system and dual-coil ignition.
A 3-speed transmission with synchromesh—a Cadillac innovation introduced in 1928—makes the car all the more enjoyable to drive. The mechanical brake system is equipped with a factory vacuum assist that helps bring it to a stop.
The 1931 Cadillacs were styled under the close supervision of Harley Earl, who had become the first head of GM’s internal “Art & Colour” styling department in 1928. Earl’s touch is very evident in this 370A V-12. The Fisher seven-passenger bodies for 1931, with their curved windshield pillars, smaller windshield visor, and rounded-corner rear windows behind the rear doors, had a more modern, graceful and sporty look than the relatively heavy and angular Fleetwood semi-custom styles also offered on the 1931 Cadillac V-12 chassis. Here was a Cadillac well suited for a night at the opera, or a day at the polo field or horse track.
A chromed mesh radiator stone guard, large chromed headlamps and dual horns mounted on stanchions marked the classically elegant frontal appearance of the 1931 Cadillacs. On this V-12, the optional famed Cadillac flying goddess hood ornament, introduced by Cadillac only the year before, tops the ensemble. Our subject V-12 is also equipped with period Trippe driving lights, complete with dash switch.
The car is also equipped with the optional 18-inch wire wheels with dual fenderwell spares (sidemounts). The six tires total are authentically sized 7.50 x 18 whitewalls. The spares feature rarely seen but absolutely period correct chrome tread covers, original locking hubcaps and Cadillac mirrors. Exterior courtesy lights are integrated into the splash aprons above the running boards (which remain in very good condition). At the rear, the factory optional trunk rack carries the original metal trunk, which has recently been restored and is secured by proper hardware.
The rear passenger compartment is trimmed in herringbone-pattern wool broadcloth. It features a pull-down center armrest, silk window shades, pull straps, lap robe rail and a footrest. The rear ashtrays are finished to match the window frames. The divider window between compartments cranks down and the intercom button for communication with the chauffer when the divider window is up is also present.
The leather-trimmed front compartment features the beautiful 1931 Cadillac instrument panel with its wood accents and striking turned-metal inserts. All gauges are presently functional, including the factory Jaeger eight-day clock.
Inspection shows that the Cadillac is missing the valley pan lid (and nuts) for the engine, and the builder’s plate has been lost over time. The driver-side horn needs a new wound-wire inside unit.
The 1931 Cadillacs represented a high point in automotive design and have been coveted by generations of admirers and appreciative owners. This example combines exquisite Harley Earl-directed styling, twelve-cylinder performance and timeless beauty into one extremely impressive automobile. Here is an increasingly uncommon opportunity to acquire a great looking and driving twelve-cylinder CCCA Classic for a relatively small investment.
