Vehicle Description
In 1930, Cadillac rocked the luxury car establishment with the
sensational debut of their all-new sixteen-cylinder engine. The
unveiling of the V16 and its twelve-cylinder sibling marked
Cadillac's opening salvo in the so-called multi-cylinder war that
followed. The race to match Cadillac's prestige ultimately spelled
the end for Marmon, Auburn, and others that tried to follow suit
but lacked the budget to survive the ensuing economic meltdown.
With few peers, the Cadillac V16 was one of the most sought-after
luxury cars in America, offering 175 horsepower and unparalleled
refinement. Named for its displacement in cubic inches, the Series
452 V16 shared its architecture and overhead-valve layout with the
smaller V12. The mighty engine's size and power required a new,
strengthened frame with improved braking and damping, along with a
more robust gearbox, axles, and more. The chassis also had to cope
with large and heavy coachwork, typically in the form of elaborate,
lavishly trimmed limousines and sedans from GM's primary body
suppliers, Fleetwood and Fisher. However, a select few customers
opted for something altogether more sporting, choosing Fleetwood's
marvelous 2/4-passenger roadster. Considered by many to be the Holy
Grail of V16 Cadillacs, the Fleetwood roadster is undoubtedly one
of the classic era's most iconic motorcars. Roadsters accounted for
a tiny fraction of production compared to sedans and limousines,
and many existing cars are made up from spares or cut from coupes.
This marvelous example, chassis 703165, is one of a handful of
genuine V16 roadsters, verified by the original build sheet
supplied by GM Archives. It is beautifully presented in Silver Mink
over Sable Brown fenders, offered in excellent order with a
very-well preserved older restoration that benefits from recent
freshening. According to registry and build sheet data, this car
was completed by Fleetwood and shipped to Mabbett Motors of
Rochester, New York, on September 18, 1931. Little else of its
early history is documented, until it resurfaced in the 1960s when
"Cadillac Jim" Pearson of Kansas City, Kansas, acquired it from Mr.
Lou Moore of State College, PA. Pearson was one of the pioneering
characters of the car-collecting hobby, and he saved numerous
classics from the scrap-heap when the general public considered
them little more than "used cars." In the 1970s, another renowned
collector, Mr. Dick Gold of Minnesota, bought this Cadillac from
Jim Pearson, and it is believed he commissioned a full,
nut-and-bolt restoration. Besides being a respected expert and
collector, Mr. Gold also served as the CCCA President. After
restoration, the Cadillac earned both AACA National First Prize and
CCCA Senior First Prize awards and appeared at prestigious concours
events for decades after. Gold sold the car in the late 1980s,
before it was passed to a European collector. Subsequent owners
included a roster of well-known and respected enthusiasts who
maintained the car in excellent condition through the years. As
offered here, the Cadillac V16 Roadster presents in excellent
condition, with well-preserved, gently matured restoration. The
sable brown over silver mink paint is quite attractive, with a few
minor imperfections on close inspection consistent with the
restoration's age. Accessories include dual side-mount spares,
Pilot Ray driving lamps, stone guard, chrome hood vent doors,
painted trunk Goddess mascot, and more. The car wears new Firestone
whitewall tires on chrome wire wheels and a newly fitted chocolate
brown canvas top provides a lovely complement to the livery. The
brown leather upholstery is restored to period-correct standards
and is presented in fine condition, showing some light creasing
from use that enhances its appealing character. Carpets and
interior panels are excellent, as are controls and chrome interior
fittings. There is a matching brown leather rumble seat behind the
cockpit, which shows slight signs of use. Side curtains and the top
boot are stowed on the rear floor and accessed via the golf bag
door. The Cadillac V16 was one of the first examples of a styling
department influencing engine design. Harley Earl's newly formed
Art and Colour Section at GM was flexing its muscles, and he
rightly suggested that an engine of such stature deserved to be a
showpiece. Earl's influence is seen in the linear Art Deco detail
on the valve covers and the clean, uncluttered appearance. Wires
and plumbing are tucked out of sight, and the engine is finished in
beautiful black porcelain enamel. The enamel finishes are in
excellent condition on this car, with few indications of
heat-related cracking in the manifolds. Overall, the mighty V16 is
tidy, clean, and appropriately detailed for an older, award-winning
restoration. The pairing of Cadillac's magnificent sixteen-cylinder
engine with Fleetwood's glamorous, sporting roadster coachwork
created one of the preeminent American cars of the Classic Era.
This well-known, finely restored, and documented example represents
the ultimate in 30s-era glamor and will undoubtedly be a star of
its next keeper's collection. Offers welcome and trades considered
For additional details please view this listing directly on our
website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6895-1931-cadillac-v16-roadster/