For Sale at Auction: 1938 Cadillac Antique in Atlanta, Georgia

Chassis No. 5270052
Engine No. 5270052
Body No. 6

Cadillac's second-generation Series 90 V-16 was introduced in 1938 with a completely redesigned engine, a new 135-degree flathead design of 431 cu. in. with a nine-main-bearing crankshaft, for silky-smooth and quiet operation, and, similar to an Alfa Romeo engine of this era, two of everything - dual carburetors, fuel pumps, distributors, and water pumps. Mounted on a shorter 141 inch wheelbase chassis, it was produced for three seasons with an impressive roster of closed and open Fleetwood bodies, all of them superbly built and beautifully appointed with the very finest materials.

According to its build sheet, a digital copy of which is included in the history file, this particular Series 90 was delivered with its current chassis and engine, number 5270052, as well as this handsome "two-window" town sedan body, style number 9039, one of just twenty produced for 1938. Equipped with heater/defroster, radio with aerial, and flexible steering wheel, as well as a concealed rear-mounted spare rather than the usual "sidemounts," it was supplied to its original owner by the Chaplin Motor Company of Portland, Maine. V-16 historian Chris Cummings notes that later owners included the well-known Cadillac historian, Ron Van Gelderen.

The Cadillac was later owned by longtime Cadillac-LaSalle Club member, Richard Taylor of Pennsylvania. Finished in a marvelous rich Antoinette Blue with complimentary tan broadcloth interior and hogshair carpeting, the car was exhibited by Mr. Taylor in Antique Automobile Club of America competition, winning its AACA Junior First Prize in 1988, and in CLC events, winning a National Senior First Prize. It was later acquired by another collector in the Philadelphia area, from whom the Gateway Automobile Museum purchased the car in the spring of 2004.

Dressed with dual Lorraine spotlights and all the wonderful trim features expected of one of these highly detailed cars, the Cadillac remains in excellent overall condition, with only minor signs of age and use throughout. Examination shows that it was a body-off restoration, with even all hardware on the chassis taken apart, and new lines, gas tank, and exhaust fitted, as well as the engine compartment fully and beautifully restored. All glass is properly etched, including front and rear vent windows. For the age of the work the car is in remarkable condition from stem to stern. The trunk contains a tool roll, lug wrench, and spare wheel and tire, as well as proper canvas-bound hogshair carpeting.

Showing 99,961 miles at the time of cataloging, this is surely one of the finest second-generation V-16s available anywhere - deserving of a home in another outstanding collection of Classics.