Vehicle Description
By the teens, Cadillac was known not only as a luxury car brand but
also as a practitioner of precision engineering, and an early
adopter of new and advanced technology. In 1908 Cadillac had won
the Royal Automobile Club's Dewar Trophy after three new Cadillacs
were disassembled and put back together with a mix of components
from the other cars, and including some factory replacement parts,
followed by a 500 mile test. GM's flagship marque also led the way
when engineer Charles Kettering invented the self-starter in 1912.
Without a need to hand crank automobiles, internal combustion
automobiles could now appeal to a broader segment of customers,
including women and the elderly, who had previously favored
electrics. Then, there was the V-8 engine: Cadillac may not have
invented the V-8 but was the first to successfully produce it in
large numbers following the company announcing it in September
1914. Cadillac continued to champion the use of the L-head,
90-degree V-8, relying on it solely until January 1930 when the
Series 452 came along with the company's new V-16 engine, followed
by the V-12 powered Series 370 in September of the same year. But
that didn't mean that the V-8 was abandoned; it still remained
Cadillac's bread-and-butter engine. However, by the time Cadillac
introduced the Series 353 in September 1928, it had grown from the
original 70 horsepower 314cid unit introduced 1914, to a 353cid
engine producing 95 horsepower. The Series 353 was based on a
sturdy cross-braced ladder frame with a beam axle up front and a
fully floating rear axle. Longitudinal leaf springs were fitted at
all corners, as were Delco double-acting shock absorbers. Power was
sent to the rear wheels by way of a smooth-shifting, synchronized
three-speed manual transmission. The Series 353 came standard with
wooden artillery wheels, although steel or wire wheels were
available at additional cost. Cadillac offered seven standard
bodies from Fisher, and an even larger range of custom bodies and
variations from Fleetwood. This lovely 1930 V-8 Cadillac was
delivered new with Fisher Style Number 30158, which is listed as a
2/4-passenger coupe body. That meant that two passengers sat inside
the car and that - weather permitting- two more could be perched
over the rear axle in a rumble seat. Just forward of the rumble
seat, there was even a compartment designed to hold a full set of
golf clubs. Like all the bodies offered on the Series 353 chassis,
the beautifully-proportioned coupe was glazed with safety glass.
Restored some years ago, the body is finished in claret red with
black fenders, gray coach lines, and wire wheels. The fixed roof is
covered in a period correct black vinyl fabric. The opulent
interior is trimmed in grey wool fabric, while the rumble seat is
upholstered in leather. A glossy black instrument panel sits
forward of the large steering wheel and houses six elegantly
detailed instruments, which include a clock, speedometer with
odometer, ammeter, water temperature, oil pressure and fuel level
gauges. This lovely Cadillac remains an extremely attractive car
inside and out. Equipped with chrome radiator stone guard, goddess
mascot, dual side mounts, a pair of Trippe driving lights, and a
folding rear luggage rack, it is nicely accessorized and highly
appealing. Although there are a few small blemishes in the paint
and the chrome shows very minor pitting in some places, the
interior and rumble seat upholstery appear remarkably fresh and
crisp. Additionally, the engine bay is well detailed with black
enamel manifolds and spark plug covers. The car is in very good
mechanical order, with the smooth, powerful V8 pairing nicely with
a well-sorted chassis. This elegant Cadillac is a Classic Car Club
of America Full Classic, and is ideal for participation on their
CARavan� tours and show events, where the power, refinement, and
prestige can be enjoyed to the fullest. Offers welcome and trades
considered For additional details please view this listing directly
on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7442-1930-cadillac-353-coupe/
