To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Amelia Island event, 8 - 9
March 2019.
Estimate:
$200,000 - $250,000
- Fewer than five examples believed to be built for 1934
- Recently cosmetically restored and freshly detailed
- New black convertible top with matching boot
- Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) Full Classic
- Eligible for all club events and CARavans
Cadillac V-12s began arriving in dealer showrooms in October 1930,
a month later than V-8s for the 1931 model year. Overshadowed by
its "big brother" V-16, the V-12 afforded lively performance at a
cost of about $700 over comparable V-8 models. The Twelve and
Sixteen shared parts as well as dimensions and angles, so
production did not have to proceed from scratch. The Twelve was
nearly the performance equal of the big Sixteen, with strong torque
and similar top speed; from its 368-cu. in., it produced 135 hp and
285 foot-pounds of torque and a top speed of 80 mph-plus.
Cadillac boldly claimed itself, "The Standard of the World." Among
luxury makes, it was certainly an understatement with offerings of
134-, 140-, and 143-in. wheelbases; bodies by Fisher and Fleetwood;
three different engine configurations; and the more moderately
priced LaSalle as part of its lineup. It arguably began a trend
that eventually led to Cadillac's domination of the luxury car
field over rival Packard.
Cadillac built a total of 683 Series 370D V-12s for 1934, all
riding a 146-in. wheelbase. Though exact production records are not
available, this five-passenger Convertible Sedan is believed to be
one of fewer than five built that year. A total of 18 body styles
were offered, all with coachwork by Fleetwood. Six models had flat
windshields and 12 used the modified V-windshield like this
example. In addition to all-new styling, which featured pontoon
front fenders with horizontal creases on the leading edges, 1934
Cadillacs and LaSalles featured one-year-only delicate bi-plane
bumpers, which add to their desirability today.
The data tag denotes that this vehicle was built by General Motors
of Canada Limited at its Oshawa Walkerville Regina, Ontario,
facility with Body Job No. 6185LX30. It is a former AACA First
Junior winner in 1994, Senior Award winner in 1995, and it received
its First Preservation Award in 1996. Though an older restoration,
the Cadillac has been recently cosmetically restored to its former
glory and has been driven less than 300 miles since. The car
presents nicely in grey with black fenders and a red leather
interior and has been fitted with a new black convertible top with
matching boot. The car has been fully detailed, including the
undercarriage, and is equipped with a roll-up rear division window;
dual side-mounted spare tires with metal covers; whitewall tires;
and a factory trunk rack with Cadillac metal accessory trunk.
A Classic Car Club of America Full Classic, it is eligible for all
club events and CARavans. To view this car and others currently
consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/am19.
