Vehicle Description
1930 Cadillac V-16 Series 452 All-Weather Phaeton with Coachwork by
Fleetwood Cadillac astonished the world's automotive elite when it
introduced a spectacular new ultra-luxury car, powered by an
amazing 16-cylinder engine, at the 1930 New York Show. This new
super-sized Cadillac would set a new benchmark for silent and
superbly impressive performance. The 452 cubic inch V16 made an
astounding 175 horsepower in combination with smoothness and
refinement. It is widely believed that GM lost money on every V16
they built through 1940. The extravagant V16 was an immediate
sensation and production began with strong demand, even on the
verge of the Great Depression. Fifty-four semi-custom body styles
were offered by Fleetwood to the prospective buyer, ranging from
sporty roadsters and phaetons to formal limousines and town cars.
Prices began at $5,350 and ran to $9,700 in an age when a new Ford
could be bought for less than $500. The All-weather Phaeton style
number 4380 came in two versions. The standard version, which was
fully open, carried a price tag of $6,650. The deluxe version, with
a divider window which could be rolled down, was priced at $7,350.
This car was originally purchased by Mr. Rudolph Loening of New
York City, and retained by him for about seven years. The V-16 was
then acquired by an army officer who was assigned to foreign duty
shortly thereafter, forcing it into storage where it remained until
1960. It was then brought out of hibernation and acquired by Albro
Case of Hartford, CT. It was purchased by Elrner Franzen in 1969
and then likely passed onto the respected Darling collection in
Minneapolis. It was most recently with another prominent
Minneapolis collector.This particular example is finished in pale
green lacquer with a black swept panel, fenders and aprons. Some of
this paint may be original but is flaking in areas. The interior is
excellent and trimmed in light brown Bedford Cord with light brown
carpets and a tan Hartz cloth lop. The car has the deluxe division
window, dual side mounts, a luggage rack and the correct goddess
mascot. The indicated mileage is 42,595, which is commensurate with
the overall condition of the automobile. Although not much used in
recent years, it is now running and driving very well with a quiet
engine and excellent shifting. A solid, straight, and highly
original car that is ready for paintwork at this time. The
Fleetwood body features many interesting details such as a split
opening windshield and glass division between driver and passenger
compartments. Cadillac created the V-16 to compete with the best
automobiles in the world. The majestic Cadillac V-16 established an
unsurpassed standard of excellence for American cars and surviving
examples rank among the world's most desired Classics. Cadillac
described the All-weather Phaeton as "a car combining the dash and
swagger of the sporting models with the practical features of the
sedan." Today, the Cadillac V16 remains one of the most desirable
and collectible motorcars of the classic era. Coachwork by
Fleetwood Engine No. 701323 Body No. 84 Style No. 4380 16-cylinder
45 degree V-Type 3-speed transmissionPrice: $267,500
