Vehicle Description
When Cadillac launched its flagship sixteen-cylinder Series 452 in
1930, America was staring down the barrel of an unprecedented
economic depression. In the first year of production, Cadillac
managed to sell 2,887 V16s - an impressive figure for such an
exclusive automobile. However, sales dropped immediately afterward
and continued their downward trend throughout the model's nine-year
production run. By 1937, sales of the V16 had sunk to just 49 cars.
General Motors remained committed to keeping Cadillac 'The Standard
of the World,' and the V16 was an effective marketing tool despite
its low production. GM needed to revitalize its most prestigious
model, and for the 1938 model year, Cadillac introduced an entirely
new flagship Sixteen (now named Series 90), with a redesigned
engine, chassis, and body. The 1938 Series 90 ushered in Cadillac's
second-generation V16 engine. Owen Nacker's original V16 was a
brilliant and ambitious piece of engineering, and while it was
exceptionally refined, it was also massively complex. Cadillac's
new V16 was a simplified yet effective L-head, monobloc design with
a 135-degree V-angle and square bore/stroke. The new engine was
considerably less expensive to produce, with 1,627 individual parts
compared to 3,273 for the original, and at 1,050 pounds, it was
about 250 pounds lighter. Cadillac engineers accomplished all of
this without sacrificing output, as the new engine was rated at 185
horsepower at 3,600 RPM. Fleetwood was the primary coachbuilder for
Series 90 production bodies. The styling fully embraced the
Streamline Moderne era, with bullet headlamps mounted on pontoon
fenders and side-mount spares concealed beneath metal enclosures.
GM's Art and Colour Section, still under the direction of Harley
Earl, took full advantage of the grand 141-inch wheelbase chassis,
with graceful and elegant forms and finely judged art-deco details.
The new car was well-received, and sales improved for 1938, yet
still, Cadillac built just 311 of the Series 90 that year, and the
magnificent V16's days were numbered. This grand and imposing
Cadillac is one of just twenty 1938 Series 90 V16s fitted with
Fleetwood's "Two Window" Town Sedan body. The initial owner
acquired this elegant motorcar from the Chaplin Motor Company of
Portland, Maine, and V-16 historian Chris Cummings noted later
ownership by the esteemed Cadillac historian, Ron Van Gelderen.
Subsequently, this Cadillac found a dedicated caretaker in longtime
Cadillac-LaSalle Club member Richard Taylor of Pennsylvania before
becoming part of a significant private collection in 2004. The car
is presented in outstanding condition, with a quality that is
equally suited to the concours field or touring the open road. The
deep Antoinette Blue paintwork is beautifully finished and is
complemented by excellent brightwork, and a richly appointed tan
broadcloth cabin. Adorned with dual Lorraine spotlights and a host
of intricate trim details characteristic of these meticulously
designed vehicles, this Cadillac remains in remarkable overall
condition, bearing only minor signs of aging and use. A closer look
reveals a meticulous body-off restoration, with painstaking
attention paid to the chassis, including the overhaul of all
hardware. New lines, gas tank, and exhaust were thoughtfully
fitted, and the engine compartment was masterfully restored.
Notably, all glass retains its proper etching, including front and
rear vent windows. The trunk houses a tool roll, lug wrench, spare
wheel and tire, along with impeccably bound canvas-covered hogshair
carpeting. The L-Head V16 is a very different animal from the
previous OHV version. Whereas the early models featured enameled
valve covers and decorative shrouds to hide extraneous wiring and
plumbing, there's no such need on the second-generation V16. The
unique 135-degree V-angle means the engine sits very low in the
chassis and is largely hidden by the fenders and side panels. Two
downdraft carburetors feed the individual banks, and twin oil-bath
air cleaners dominate the engine bay. An award winner, this
Cadillac has earned the coveted AACA National First Prize and CLC
National Senior First Prize and is ready to garner more awards.
Whether on the show field or the road, this stunning example of
Cadillac's late-30s masterpiece is ready to take pride of place in
your collection. Offers welcome and trades considered For
additional details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7593-1938-cadillac-v16-town-sedan/
