Vehicle Description
As the 1920s came to a close, Cadillac was riding high and fully
embracing the official slogan 'The Standard of the World.' In 1930,
the breathtaking Series 452 stole the headlines with its mighty 175
horsepower overhead-valve sixteen-cylinder engine. The equally
advanced V12 followed a year later to add their stamp of authority
on the multi-cylinder race among premium automakers. The
eight-cylinder Series 355-A was Cadillac's mainstay, going
head-to-head with Packard's Eight and Super Eight lines. In 1931,
the new 355-A replaced the Series 353 with revised styling and
mechanical refinements. The new 353 cu.in. 90-degree L-head V8
produced 95 horsepower and was fitted with a 3-speed synchromesh
gearbox, set into new chassis inspired by the Sixteen. The V8
engine held a significant weight advantage over its multi-cylinder
stablemates - upward of 1,000 pounds - making it the driver's
choice of the lot. Cadillac offered a wide selection of catalog
body styles, each crafted by GM's closely held official
coachbuilders Fisher and Fleetwood. Renowned for its impressive
performance and effortless usability, the Series 355 remains
popular among today's collectors and touring enthusiasts. As a CCCA
Full Classic�, the 355 is eligible for a wide variety of events
where enthusiasts can enjoy its performance and exquisite Harley
Earl-penned styling to the fullest. This 1931 Series 355-A features
the lovely 2/4-passenger convertible coupe coachwork, style number
4535 from the Fleetwood catalog. This striking Cadillac has been
restored to a high standard and is beautifully presented in an
appealing yet understated two-tone livery of Hessian Maroon with
black fenders and Espania Red coach lines, just as it left Don
Lee's Los Angeles showroom, per the build records. It now wears a
beautifully preserved and authentic older restoration, with
excellent paintwork, concours-quality chrome, and period-correct
detailing. Period accessories include dual side-mount spares with
mirrors, radiator stone guard, heron mascot, dual taillights, and a
trunk rack. The striking good looks are finished with six wire
wheels featuring body-color hubs and polished stainless-steel
spokes, shod with wide whitewall tires. Inside, lovely black
leather features on the seats and panels. Like the exterior, the
interior surfaces are beautifully and authentically finished, with
period-correct patterns and materials used throughout the cockpit.
Correct white-on-black AC instruments sit in a central cluster with
the distinct, machined sunburst motif. Occasional rear passengers
can enjoy a windy ride in the rumble seat, while a golf bag door
provides easy access for luggage. The canvas soft-top is in
excellent order and fits snugly, and offers excellent protection
from the elements, with the benefit of roll-up glass windows.
Cadillac's 353 cubic-inch L-head V8 engine is well-detailed with
correct gloss black cylinder heads and bare alloy castings. Proper
fittings and hardware point to a high-quality restoration, and
while the engine shows some signs of regular use on the exhaust
manifolds and crankcase, it is overall very clean and
well-presented. The crisp presentation is enough to make this
Cadillac a standout in Cadillac La-Salle Club shows, CCCA events,
and regional concours events. It is a CCCA Full Classic� and will
undoubtedly be an exceptional choice for CARavan tours and similar
driving events where the power and poise of the 355 are fully
appreciated. Whichever way its next custodian chooses to enjoy it,
they can rest assured this is a marvelous example of the style,
quality, and performance that defines Cadillac's landmark 1931
automobiles. Offers welcome and trades considered For additional
details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7152-1931-cadillac-series-355-a-convertible-coupe/
