Vehicle Description
As the 1920s drew to a close, Cadillac was enjoying considerable
success in the hotly contested luxury car market. Locked in a tight
battle with its cross-town rivals at Packard, General Motors made a
bold move by adding La Salle as a stylish junior companion brand to
Cadillac. Harley Earl, who is widely considered as the father of
American car styling, was first hired to design the La Salle, and
with its immediate success, he was put in charge of the newly
created Art and Color Department at GM where he would soon make his
mark on the rest of the GM lineup. With Cadillac on firm footing,
company president Larry Fisher, together with Harley Earl set their
sights on creating an all-new flagship to lead the GM's most
prestigious marque into the 1930s. Earl and Fisher took a tour of
England and mainland Europe, visiting with traditional
coachbuilders such as Barker, James Young, Saoutchik, and Vanvooren
in search of inspiration. Meanwhile, in Detroit, Cadillac was set
to unveil a stunning new powerplant that would become the new Crown
Jewel at General Motors. Cadillac introduced two new engines based
on the same architecture - a V12 and a sensational, 452 cubic-inch
V16, both designed in-house by Owen Nacker. The engines were
technically and visually stunning, with overhead valves and stylish
Art Deco-inspired styling. Both engines were powerful, but it was
the mighty V16 that genuinely stole the headlines with its
175-horsepower output and unparalleled refinement. The V16 engine
was installed in a new, strengthened chassis with power-assisted
brakes and a "clashless" synchronized gearbox. Unlike its
competitors, General Motors utilized in-house coachbuilders Fisher
and Fleetwood to build the bodies for the new Series 452, with only
a select few cars going to outside firms. Nearly one hundred body
and wheelbase combinations were possible, which ensured the kind of
exclusivity that was necessary if Cadillac hoped to lure buyers
from the likes of Rolls-Royce and Hispano-Suiza. The basis styling
was penned by a team led by Harley Earl, while Fisher and Fleetwood
crafted some of the most beautiful bodies of the 1930s. Cadillac
wanted the V16 to remain at the pinnacle of the market and updated
it annually. For 1934, the entire Cadillac line was redesigned with
beautiful new styling, influenced by the Streamline-Moderne period,
and this design was updated again for 1935. The new design was
lower and longer than before, with pontoon fenders, bullet
headlamps, and clean, linear details. Mechanically, the V16 was
uprated to 185 horsepower and sat in a massive 154-inch wheelbase
chassis. Yet America was still in the throes of the Great
Depression, and despite all the visual splendor and engineering
excellence, V16 sales amounted to a mere 212 total chassis built
from 1934 through the end of the first generation in 1937. In spite
of the fact that GM lost money on every example they built, the
Cadillac V16 stands as one of the most desirable and collectible
American motorcars of the classic era. This fabulous 1935 Cadillac
Series 35-90 exemplifies the elegance and grandeur of the Classic
Era and is a stunning piece of early Streamline design and is one
of just 50 Sixteens produced in 1935. Chassis 5100087 is believed
to be one of only two that were built in 1935 in the Fleetwood
5-Passenger Convertible Coupe body style #5885. Equipped for long
journeys, the 5-passenger convertible coupe features a cavernous
built-in trunk, as well as a trunk rack for even more storage.
Other options include a radio, banjo steering wheel, chrome wire
wheels, gold goddess mascot, and a single trunk-mounted spare.
Unfortunately, 5100087's early history is unknown, and in recent
correspondence with Cadillac Historical Services, this car's serial
number falls in a group of cars whose records were not retained.
Previously part of the renown Blackhawk Collection, the V16
Convertible Victoria presents in excellent condition, with a
well-preserved, gently matured restoration. The elegant and
imposing Fleetwood bodywork is finished in a lovely dark red color,
set off handsomely with chrome wire wheels fitted with wide
whitewall tires. Opening the doors, you are treated to a tan
leather interior in excellent order, showing only the very
slightest creasing from light use. Gorgeous detailing adorns the
dash with its gold engine-turned escutcheons and correct original
instrumentation. Rear passengers are treated to a large leather
chair with a folding armrest, individual cigar lighters and
beautifully detailed ash trays. The tan canvas top is in excellent
condition. It is difficult to determine whether the body or the
engine is the star of this show. Opening the long bonnet reveals
one of the most awe-inspiring engines of the era. The Cadillac V16
is a masterpiece of form following function and a piece of
mechanical beauty. The narrow angle Vee is topped with black
painted rocker covers accented with polished ribs. The engine
compartment remains in superb condition and on a recent road test
the car performed and drove superbly, however there is evidence of
a prior repair to the block. Overall, the car is in excellent
condition, which is a testament to the high quality of the
restoration, as well as the loving care and maintenance the car has
enjoyed since. Few automobiles of the era can compare with the 1935
Cadillac V16 for its presence and style. With a 154-inch wheelbase
and an overall length of nearly twenty feet, this massive V16 makes
an undoubtedly bold statement. This remarkable automobile
represents the very best that Cadillac - and America - had to offer
in the period. It is a piece of art, history and engineering
brilliance that can be shown or toured with pride. Offers welcome
and trades considered For additional details please view this
listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7686-1935-cadillac-v16-convertible-victoria/
