Vehicle Description
Upon the introduction of the stunning new Series 452 V16 at the New
York Auto Show on January 4th 1930, Cadillac assumed the command of
the hotly contested American luxury car marketplace. With this, the
world's first purpose-built V16 engine, Cadillac triggered a
"cylinder war" among its competitors, but despite the best efforts
from the likes of Packard, Marmon and Pierce-Arrow, Cadillac
maintained a firm grip on its crown. The centerpiece of the new car
was of course the Owen Nacker-designed 452 cubic-inch overhead
valve 45-degree V16 that delivered its incredible 175 horsepower
with unrivaled smoothness and panache. Not only was this a powerful
engine, but it was also beautiful, with particular effort given to
hiding the plumbing and wiring while and dressing the engine with
black enamel and polished metal. Cadillac preferred not to publish
performance figures for the Sixteen, rather letting the car speak
for itself, which it did so quite handily. Many independent
coachbuilders made their mark on this magnificent chassis, but most
clients selected from the wide variety of custom-catalog bodies
offered by in-house coachbuilders Fleetwood and Fisher; which today
are no less elegant or desirable. This striking 1930 Cadillac
Series 452 is chassis number 700859, fitted from new with body
Style 4375 from the Fleetwood catalog; a handsome and imposing
Formal Inside-Drive Limousine with divider window and opera seats.
Riding atop a 148-inch wheelbase and finished in an attractive
black and silver livery, this wonderful Cadillac certainly makes a
dramatic statement. A copy of the original build sheet indicates
number 700859 was delivered new through Collins Bros. Co. of
Portland, Oregon. Some gaps in the history remain, but from the
mid-1970s, the Cadillac was kept as part of a collection for the
better part of 25 years, and was restored to the current condition
circa 1990 from what a very sound and original car. In 2001, 700859
joined a prominent Canadian collection, and the owner set about
sorting the car mechanically to ensure a rewarding drive. It was
shown at the 2002 Meadowbrook Concours d'Elegance where it earned a
Lion Award for its exceptional beauty and presentation. It
eventually became part of the J. Taylor Auto Collection museum,
where it was kept in fine order. Today, this handsome formal
Cadillac presents in attractive condition, with very good quality
paintwork and detailing. The black fenders and upper surfaces are
excellent, showing beautifully straight and properly aligned
panels. The silver body sides and accents are also very good, with
only a few minor touchups to be found upon close inspection.
Fleetwood's styling is quite elegant and graceful, a beautiful
design that avoids staid or awkward lines that sometimes afflict
formal body styles of the period. The black and silver livery is
handsome, and the car's painted silver wire wheels and
wide-whitewall tires add a finely judged touch of class. At $6,525,
this was a massively expensive car in its day, and is suitably
accessorized to reflect its stature. Dual Trippe-Light driving
lamps, dual chrome trumpet horns, Tilt-Ray headlamps, a Goddess
radiator mascot, dual side mount spares with mirrors and a large
painted trunk count among the adornments. In mechanical terms, this
Cadillac is in fine order, with a strong running V16 engine that
shows well in the engine bay with a factory appropriate detailing
and moderate patina from use since the restoration was completed.
The chassis is equipped with four wheel, vacuum assisted mechanical
drum brakes and hydraulic dampers to ensure smooth, safe handling
that can keep pace with the power of the V16 engine. The
undercarriage is tidy and clean, again showing some light use in
the time since its restoration. As appropriate for a formal
limousine, the chauffeur's compartment is upholstered in black
leather which shows in very good condition today. An array of
attractive original instruments is flanked by engine turned panels
and beautiful wood trim runs across the top of the dash and doors.
Rear passengers are treated to luxurious accommodations. Gray cloth
upholstery, which is in excellent order, covers the door panels,
seats and headlining. Dual, forward-facing "opera seats" fold from
the floor to accommodate two additional passengers, and an umbrella
holder is incorporated into the central division, placed curb-side,
of course. Other amenities include a dome light, central folding
arm rest, beautifully restored wood trim and a Fleetwood branded
Jaeger 8-day clock. With its handsome formal coachwork and high
quality older restoration, this Cadillac V16 by Fleetwood is a very
usable example of this iconic classic motorcar. As a recognized
Full Classic and with its pleasingly mellowed restoration, it is
ideally suited for CCCA CARavan touring and similar events, a
practical and beautifully presented machine from the pinnacle of
the American Classic Era.