Vehicle Description
In New York on January 4, 1930, Cadillac stunned the motoring world
as it introduced the breathtaking new V-16. While Bugatti had
already produced a 16-cylinder engine by pairing two inline
eight-cylinder units, Cadillac's was the first true 16-cylinder
automobile engine designed and purpose-built from scratch. Working
under legendary GM engineering chief Charles Kettering, Owen Milton
Nacker led V-16 development beginning in 1926, with strict secrecy
including cover stories worthy of a covert operation and notations
on various blueprints claiming the V-16 was simply Cadillac's
contribution to a new GM bus design. Featuring modern
overhead-valve cylinder heads, a 45-degree cylinder bank angle, and
external manifolds, the Cadillac V-16 engine was easily accessible
in the engine compartment for maintenance and repairs. Beautifully
finished and presented, Cadillac's V-16 was the first automotive
engine ever to be "styled" with completely hidden wiring and
polished aluminum and porcelain surfaces, topped off with a pair of
striking rocker covers featuring brushed aluminum fins. The V-16
was also renowned for incredible smoothness, thanks to evenly
spaced firing intervals and a massive forged crankshaft, supported
by five main bearings. The V-16 engine was whisper-quiet, thanks to
ingenious hydraulic valve silencers.Other innovations included a
lightweight silicon-aluminum crankcase, five-point engine mounts,
and carefully engineered pistons and rings, plus a single
distributor with two sets of breaker points controlled by two
separate ignition coils. Among the V-16's many attributes, it could
be driven in high gear just above idle without stalling, allowing
uncanny ease of operation in virtually any operating environment.
Conservatively rated at 175 horsepower with a higher-compression
185-hp variant optional, the V-16 delivered incredible low-end
torque - 320 pounds-feet at just 1,200 to 1,500 RPM - and propelled
Cadillac's massive long-wheelbase chassis and a veritable multitude
of luxurious bodies by Fleetwood and select other custom
coachbuilders with ease. Cadillac managed to survive the rapidly
declining luxury-car market of the early 1930s thanks to the
financial resources of its parent company, GM. Without this
support, Cadillac could never have produced such a
limited-production, luxurious, and commanding automobile. Although
the V-16 was brilliantly engineered and sold quite well at first,
its fast-shrinking Depression-era market meant that the V-16 was
produced in small numbers - 4,378 in all according to marque
experts - through 1940. While the V-16 chassis, internally
designated Series 452, was an engineering tour de force, its
coachwork was equally impressive in terms of styling and luxury.
Based entirely on a regal 148-inch wheelbase for 1930 and 1931, the
V-16, often known simply as the "Sixteen," was available with an
exceptionally wide array of custom coachbuilt bodies by Fleetwood
and Fisher, encompassing virtually every style and passenger
configuration imaginable. Undoubtedly, the most sporting of these
offerings was Fleetwood Style no. 4302, a graceful 2/4-passenger
roadster with outstanding proportions and clean lines devoid of
extraneous chrome trim. The lightest factory body style on the V-16
chassis, its relative lightness made it a startling performer. This
1931 V-16 Fleetwood-style roadster is the product of a meticulous
restoration, with power delivered by engine no. 702104. According
to a copy of its build sheet, this engine was first mated to a
Style no. 4361S Club Sedan body supplied to a buyer in Chicago. It
was later owned by Wayne Merriman, a prolific early Cadillac V-16
collector and historian from Kansas. The present roadster body was
newly built to the original Style no. 4302 by the well-known
craftsman Dick Kingston for Cadillac V-16 collector Walt Dietzel of
Oklahoma. Following completion, the V-16 joined a noted and
respected collection Detroit, Michigan. According to V-16
historians Alan Merkel and Chris Cummings, that collector sold the
Cadillac in 1993 and it subsequently resided in Europe until 2022,
when it returned to the United States. As offered, this sporting,
yet commanding 1930 Cadillac V-16 roadster is a sparkling example
with an extremely well-preserved restoration finished in striking
Black paintwork with Burgundy leather upholstery and a black cloth
folding top. Notwithstanding some very slight age-appropriate
mellowing, the passenger compartment remains in superb order, and
the engine compartment is clean and attractive, showcasing the
famous V-16 powerplant to superb effect. The Red-finished chassis
frame and chrome-spoked wheels, accented by Burgundy pin striping
and shod with period correct Blackwall tires, heighten curb appeal.
Desirable period accessories include the radiator stone guard,
"Goddess" radiator mascot, Pilot Ray auxiliary lamps, side-mounted
spares with mirrors, wind wings, a luggage rack and trunk, plus
side curtains. A Cadillac V-16 roadster is one of the most
desirable automobiles of the Classic Era�, and the example offered
here is simply superb with its collector-grade restoration,
purpose-built coachwork, striking livery, and many desirable
features and accessories. Best of all, it is extremely well-sorted
mechanically and a joy to drive, thanks to regular maintenance and
enjoyment under prior ownership. Running and driving beautifully,
this wonderful 1931 Cadillac V-16 2/4-Passenger Roadster affords
you the opportunity to show it with pride, while being capable of
enjoyment on a wide range of today's classic touring events. Offers
welcome and trades considered For additional details please view
this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7223-1931-cadillac-v16-roadster/
