This is a multiple award winning 1938 Cadillac V16 Convertible
Sedan that has accumulated a mere 15,000 miles since new. Having
benefited from beautiful repaint and new tan canvas convertible
top, this has been maintained and preserved to concours standards.
The interior is believed to be largely original and is in fantastic
condition, as one would expect for 15,000 miles. This is just one
of five model 38-9029 V16 Convertible Sedans made and is
undoubtedly the lowest mileage known extant. This V16 was delivered
new from the factory to The Chesapeake Cadillac Co. and found in
the late 1980s in a garage in Harrisburg, PA as an incredible mint
original car. The V16 was then acquired by a well-respected
collector of Duesenberg and Packards, Dr. Robert Gates from
Mendham, NJ. Dr. Gates wanted to make this a concours quality
example and sent the V16 to Steve Babinskys Automotive Restorations
in New Jersey. Mr. Babinsky is respected as having one of the best
restoration facilities in the United States. He proceeded to take
this mint original Cadillac and competed a bare metal respray,
completely new tan canvas convertible top, rebuild the mechanicals
and rewired the electrical system. In his words, this was one of
the nicest hes seen. The restoration work by Automotive
Restorations was performed from 1999 to 2004. Dr. Gates enjoyed
showing his cars but by 2011 liquidated his collection due to his
advanced age. Scott Simdorn from Ottertail, MN acquired this V16
from collector car icon Tom Crook in Kent, WA on January 23, 2011.
The V16 has earned its national Senior First from the Classic Car
Club of America as well as the AACA National First in 2011. It has
also earned first place at various concours events. Today she
presents beautifully and would continue to perform well on the show
field as well as on tours. The livery was beautifully refinished in
its original Black. The paint is polished for concours and most all
of the stainless-steel trim and chrome is beautifully finished.
There are various scratches on the rear bumper and the running
boards are original and the rubber is somewhat dry, but incredible
for an original example. The wide white walled tires are thought to
be the second set of tires installed on the car since new. The
tread is almost as new even though the tires themselves are decades
old. The dual side mounted spares look formal and add to the
presence of this 141 inch wheelbase Cadillac. The interior is a
mixture of original and restored. The rear seats are most
definitely the original black leather. The front seats may have
been replaced. The interior is absolutely stunning. The brown moss
tread carpeting is gorgeous. The Fleetwood clock is installed in
the rear compartment below the division window. The art deco styled
dashboard is beautiful with nicely functioning gauges and
instruments. The interior is surrounded in wood which is all
original and beautiful. The engine compartment is well detailed and
the original 431 cid V16 was rebuilt by Automotive Restorations
ensuring that it is performing beautifully today. The V16 produces
185 bhp and runs and drives very well. The engine is very quiet
(save for the squeaky fan belt, etc.). The chassis appears all
original and in very nice condition. It reflects being well
serviced and maintained. Included in the sale are some original
tools and tool bag, a top boot cover and a copy of the original
factory build sheet. For more information and details, please call,
text or email Harry Clark at 1.602.245.7200 or
[email protected] . The V16 is available for viewing at
our Phoenix showroom.
