Vehicle Description
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.
Collection Guarantee Disclosure
Please note that as part of a larger collection to be offered at
live and online auctions, the Consignor of the Gateway Collection
has been guaranteed a minimum price for certain cars, including
this Lot, by Broad Arrow. Depending on the final Hammer Price
obtained for those Lots, Broad Arrow may benefit financially.
