Vehicle Description
The spectacular Cadillac V16 first stunned audiences at the New
York Auto Show in 1930. The order books filled quickly, but after
initially strong sales, production had dwindled as the American
economy faltered on the cusp of the Great Depression. As the 1930's
wore on, such lavish motorcars were frowned upon by even the
wealthiest of buyers who preferred discretion over flash. Despite
the dire economic conditions, the V16 soldiered on as GM's halo
model, and it stood proudly as a symbol of Cadillac's unrivaled
engineering excellence. For the 1938 model year, Cadillac
completely redesigned the car with an all-new engine and body
design. The new V16 replaced Owen Nacker's exotic and costly
overhead valve design, which Cadillac was said to have lost money
on every one built. Displacing 431 cubic inches, the new V16 was a
more conventional design based on that of the V8, with a simple
side-valve configuration and unusually wide 135-degree cylinder
bank angle. The engine produced 185 horsepower (about ten more than
the old unit) and weighed a staggering 250 pounds less than the
original V16. Most importantly, it was significantly cheaper for
Cadillac to produce, and therefore it stood a chance at finally
making the Sixteen profitable. Cadillac's new V16 Series 90 rode on
the same 141-inch wheelbase as the V8 series 75, allowing for the
sharing of bodies from the Fleetwood and Fisher catalogs. Twelve
catalog body styles were available for the 1938-1939 model years,
designed under the guidance of the masterful Bill Mitchell; the
young prot�g� of Harley Earl. 1938 saw a dramatic shift in design
as the influence of the streamline era became more prominent. The
1938 Cadillac marked a very significant point for GM, as it bridged
the gap between the traditional classic form of the early 1930's
and the fully integrated style of the early post-war period. We are
pleased to offer this outstanding 1938 Cadillac Series 90 V16,
wearing the elegant and imposing Imperial Limousine body with
division window, style number 9033 from the Fleetwood Catalog. It
is one of just 95 built, equipped from new with numerous
interesting options and features. The factory build sheet shows
this car was specified with dual heaters, footrests in the rear,
radio, special upholstery, and opening rear quarter lights. This
unique Cadillac was delivered through John D. Wendell Cadillac of
Albany, New York and is believed to have been purchased new by
Herbert Lehman, who served as New York's Governor from 1933-1942.
Lehman's ownership has yet to be verified, however, subsequent
owners are known to include Clarence Stanbury, who owned it from
1968-1988, followed by Keith Isoman of Hornell, NY who kept it from
1988-1993. The next owner was Gene Kahn of Coupeville, Washington
who was responsible for this breathtaking, concours-quality
nut-and-bolt restoration. The car was sound, complete and
rust-free, yet the project consumed six years, costing Mr. Kahn
more than $160,000. Since its stunning restoration, it has had two
subsequent owners and logged fewer than 3,000 miles. The quality of
the restoration is remarkable, looking resplendent in gorgeous
black paint, concours quality bright work and exquisite detailing
of the fittings and trim. Fleetwood's body is a formal yet
wonderfully elegant design with an integrated trunk and dual
side-mount spare wheels hidden beneath full steel covers. It sits
proudly on the road, rolling on wide-whitewall Firestones with full
wheel covers. Accessories include dual Trippelite driving lamps and
a beautiful goddess mascot that also cleverly doubles as the handle
for the hood locking mechanism. Factory records show the interior
was ordered with several unique touches. The gray broadcloth
upholstery was faithfully reproduced using the original interior as
a pattern. Rear occupants ride on an opulent wool-upholstered rear
bench, and a pair of opera seats fold out of the floor, upholstered
in complementary tan cloth. Beautiful detailing includes a
functioning intercom for driver and passenger, working clock in the
division panel, and beautifully refinished wood trim. Up front, the
driver rides on hard-wearing black leather, which repeats on the
door panels. The factory-fitted radio has been restored, and the
dash is exquisitely refinished in wood-graining and tan paint on
steel panels. Detailing under the hood is up to the same standards
set by the rest of the car. Some of the porcelain finish has flaked
off the intake manifolds, which is not uncommon for a car that has
seen moderate use. However, the overall presentation is strong with
plumbing and wiring true to original, and correct fittings and
hardware used throughout the engine bay. Powerful and incredibly
smooth, the V16 engine is completely rebuilt and runs beautifully.
It is a delight to drive, wafting along on ample torque, with
sublime smoothness and poise. This is an impressive example of the
rare and highly exclusive Fleetwood Imperial Sedan. Restored to a
standard rarely seen on these cars, it has been lovingly maintained
and is beautiful in nearly every respect. As a CCCA Full Classic,
it is eligible for shows and CARavan Tours, as well as events with
the AACA, Cadillac Club, or numerous other tours and shows. Few
cars in history have matched the Cadillac Sixteen's stature and
prestige, which is faithfully represented through this car's
impeccable, high-quality restoration.
