Vehicle Description
EXHIBITED AT 2013 PEBBLE BEACH CONCOURSCHRONICLED IN CADILLAC V-16S
LOST AND FOUNDFASCINATING KNOWN HISTORYRARE AND HANDSOME FLEETWOOD
BODY452 CI V-16 ENGINE3-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION FULLY INSPECTED &
PROFESSIONALLY DETAILEDLEGENDARY CCCA FULL CLASSIC AUTOMOBILEREADY
TO SHOW AND ENJOY AS DESIRED Initiated in 1926 with development led
by Owen Nacker, the breathtaking Cadillac V-16 debuted for sale as
a 1930 model and ruled the rapidly shrinking elite-car market
through 1937 with its original overhead-valve design, followed by
the simplified L-head V-16 engine for 1938-39. Offered with a
stunning array of 72 body styles, the 1930 edition represents the
bulk of V-16 production, with 3,251 examples built. All surviving
Sixteens are highly collectible, with this dashing Fleetwood-bodied
2/4-Passenger Coupe exemplifying the sporty side of these mighty
CCCA-recognized Full Classic legends.Part of the Fleetwood-built
4300 series of bodies for Cadillac's V-16 chassis, the style number
4376 2/4-Passenger Coupes were produced at the original Fleetwood
works in the Pennsylvanian town of the same name. A dramatic and
sporty coupe, in grand scale with a 148-inch wheelbase chassis, it
features beautiful styling cues including delicate chrome moldings
surrounding the side windows, a daring "Pennsylvania" split
windshield, and visually striking two-tone paint delineated by
Duesenberg-style sweep panels extending through the hood line. Few
people in the world could afford a Sixteen, especially such a
fabulously impractical Coupe in the early 1930s. Accordingly, only
98 examples are understood to have been built to this
design.History is fascinating, documented in Chris Cummings's book,
Cadillac V-16s Lost and Found. The very existence of this example
is miraculous today, given its reported use in demolition derbies
during the early 1950s, when luxury cars of the 1930s were more
common and not as highly prized as they are today. The late Karl
Kahlberg, a classic automobile enthusiast from the Chicago area,
rescued this rare V-16 and at the time, it showed plenty of damage
to its front fenders but otherwise remained remarkably intact.
Eventually, Mr. Kahlberg sold the vehicle to Grover C. Philips, of
Chillicothe, Missouri. Following Mr. Philips's eventual passing,
the Sixteen was restored in Kansas City, Kansas, by "Sonny" Elliott
and Jeff Pearson of Pearson Restorations. Shortly after the
restoration was completed, it was acquired by a new owner, who
elevated the restoration and addressed its details. The current
owner acquired the Sixteen in October 2015.Featuring a handsome,
period-correct color combination of Black and Light Metallic
Pewter, the Sixteen retains its glamorous original Fleetwood-built
"V-windshield" body. Power is delivered by 452 CI V-16 Engine
Number 701540, which was transplanted into this chassis earlier in
its history. The wire-spoke wheels are believed original to the car
and mount wide Whitewall tires. The passenger compartment is
trimmed in custom-fitted Tan Torino leather. Post-restoration, the
V-16 was invited to the 2013 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance,
where it completed the Tour d'Elegance and achieved 2nd in Class
honors.As offered, the V-16 has enjoyed collector care, and it is
confirmed to be a fine, drivable example of these iconic and mighty
1930s luxury cars. Prior to listing for sale, it benefits from
inspection and professional detailing, rendering it ready for
showing and touring enjoyment as desired. Extremely rare, handsome,
and accompanied by interesting published provenance, this iconic
1930 Cadillac V-16 2/4-Passenger Coupe is ready to enhance or
establish your collection of true Classic Era greats. Contact us
today and see it for yourself, obtain full details, and make it
yours in time for the upcoming spring and summer show and touring
seasons!