To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' The Petersen Automotive
Museum Auction event, 8 December 2018.
Estimate:
$90,000 - $140,000
- Special-ordered factory show car, as documented by its build
sheet
- Superbly preserved original paint and interior
- Preservation Class winner at the 2012 Palos Verdes Concours
d'Elegance
- Full mechanical restoration by marque experts
- Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) Full Classic
Already known worldwide for their exceptional engineering and
superb build quality, Cadillac stepped into the world of
aeronautic-inspired design soon after the stock market crash of
1929. By 1935, when the car offered here was built, Cadillac was
producing some of the finest streamlined luxury cars ever built.
With an eye for detail, Cadillac managed to improve performance,
reduce wind and road noise, and give their cars a timeless look by
concealing many of the car's external features within the bodywork
itself. Coupled with this, both the radiator and windshield were
set at a decided rake, giving the car the appearance of travelling
at great speed even while at rest. Clearly, the designers at
Cadillac knew how to make the most of every line, every detail, and
the 355D Convertible Coupe could easily be considered one of their
finest accomplishments of the pre-war era.
According to its factory build sheet, this car was special-ordered
for the "General Motors Spring Show" in Albany, New York.
Presumably this would have been a promotional event sponsored by
General Motors or the like. The car was rushed for delivery and
finished in all-black with a tan top, wire wheels with black metal
covers, and matching side-mounted spares. It was also ordered with
a Goddess radiator mascot, pair of license plate frames, and a
flexible steering wheel.
As offered here, it is still fitted with rare factory dual
side-mounts and remains largely original. It has never been
cosmetically restored, retaining both its original black paint and
its original interior. The car presents beautifully, with a highly
attractive patina that underlines the car's originality. It was
treated to a mechanical restoration, including a full engine
rebuild, a new wiring harness, gas tank, and shocks, by a noted
automotive restorer, the late Ernie Foster of Torrance, California.
Speaking to the quality and originality of the presentation, this
Cadillac won the coveted Best in Preservation Class award at the
prestigious 2012 Palos Verdes Concours d'Elegance.
It is without a doubt one of the finest extant original examples of
the 355D Convertible Coupe and will make an ideal partner on any
CCCA CARavan. Furthermore, it is sure to be a strong competitor in
any Preservation Class competition, where it would certainly be a
welcome entrant.To view this car and others currently consigned to
this auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/ca18.
