Vehicle Description
When Cadillac launched their flagship sixteen-cylinder Series 452
in 1930, America was staring down the barrel of an unprecedented
economic depression. In the first year of production, Cadillac
managed to sell 2,887 V16s - an impressive figure for such an
exclusive automobile. But sales dropped immediately after and
continued their downward trend throughout the model's nine-year
production run. By 1937, sales of the V16 sank to just 49 cars.
However, General Motors remained committed to keeping Cadillac 'The
Standard of the World,' and the V16 was an effective marketing tool
despite low production. General Motors needed to revitalize their
most prestigious model, and for the 1938 model year, Cadillac
introduced an entirely new flagship Sixteen (now named Series 90),
with a redesigned engine, chassis, and body. The 1938 Series 90
ushered in Cadillac's second-generation V16 engine. Owen Nacker's
original V16 was a brilliant and ambitious piece of engineering,
and while it was exceptionally refined, it was also massively
complex. Cadillac's new V16 was a simplified yet effective L-head,
monobloc design with a 135-degree V-angle and square bore/stroke.
The new engine was considerably less expensive to produce, with
1,627 individual parts compared to 3,273 for the original, and at
1,050 pounds, it was about 250 pounds lighter. Cadillac engineers
accomplished all of this without sacrificing output, as the new
engine was rated at 185 horsepower at 3,600 RPM. Fleetwood was the
primary coachbuilder for Series 90 production bodies. The styling
fully embraced the Streamline Moderne era, with bullet headlamps
mounted to pontoon fenders and side-mount spares concealed beneath
metal enclosures. GM's Art and Colour Section, still under the
direction of Harley Earl, took full advantage of the grand 141-inch
wheelbase chassis, with graceful and elegant forms and finely
judged art-deco details. The new car was well-received, and sales
improved for 1938, yet still, Cadillac built just 311 of the Series
90 that year, and the magnificent V16's days were numbered. This
grand and imposing Cadillac is one of just ten 1938 Series 90 V16s
fitted with Fleetwood's Convertible Coupe body. It has been part of
a significant private collection since 2005 and is presented in
outstanding condition, with a quality that is equally suited to the
concours field or touring the open road. The deep maroon paintwork
is beautifully finished and is complemented by excellent
brightwork, a beige canvas top, and a richly appointed tan leather
cabin. Cadillac's elegant goddess mascot sits proudly atop the
radiator, while twin spare wheels tuck into the pontoon fenders and
are fully encased in metal covers adorned with discreetV16badges.
Shortly after acquiring this Cadillac, the owner thoroughly
serviced and detailed it to his exacting standards, ensuring it
presented beautifully and ran flawlessly. Since the initial
restoration, the soft trim has been extremely well-maintained and
is beautifully supple, showing an inviting character that
encourages regular enjoyment. The instrument panel is finished in
woodgrain-effect metal, which is beautifully done and in superb
condition, showing only some slight crazing in the lacquer on the
glovebox door. Equipment includes a banjo steering wheel, heater,
clock, and column-shifted 3-speed gearbox. While cataloged as a
two-seat model, this example features the optional jump seats,
accommodating two occasional passengers behind the front seat.
There's also a cavernous trunk with enough space to swallow about a
month's worth of luggage. The L-Head V16 is a very different animal
from the previous OHV version. Whereas the early models featured
enameled valve covers and decorative shrouds to hide extraneous
wiring and plumbing, there's no such need on the second-generation
V16. The unique 135-degree V-angle means the engine sits very low
in the chassis and is largely hidden by the fenders and side
panels. Two downdraft carburetors feed the individual banks, and
twin oil-bath air cleaners dominate the engine bay. Records show
this car received an extensive engine-bay detailing and thorough
mechanical service when the owner acquired it, and it has been
maintained in top-running order since, with the signature
refinement for which these engines are renowned. Receipts on file
also show the gearbox was rebuilt in 2006, ensuring the car is up
to the task of serious touring. In 2007, this Cadillac earned a
Classic Car Club of America Senior National 1st Prize award at the
CCCA annual meeting. It has rarely been shown since, making it a
perfect entry into a wide range of prestigious concours. Whether on
the show field or the road, this shining example of Cadillac's
late-30s masterpiece is ready to take pride of place in your
collection. Offers welcome and trades considered For additional
details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7234-1938-cadillac-v16-convertible-coupe/
