Vehicle Description
Cadillac sales were moving steadily in 1931, with no less than four
separate passenger models equipped with either eight, twelve, or
sixteen-cylinder engines. The introduction of the V-16 the year
prior piloted Cadillac's luxury brand past its rivals in the
automotive field, and the V-12 would be announced late in 1930 for
yet another engine option for Cadillac buyers. Unfortunately, the
Great Depression still had a grasp on a worsening economy, so sales
of the upper variants were in decline. The powerful V-8 Model 355A
rode on a well-balanced 134" chassis and was still a strong seller
for 1931. Changes to the styling included ventilated hood doors
that were spring released with a button in place of hood louvers,
along with a chrome screen covering the radiator matching the V-12
and V-16 models. There were 12 distinctive body styles available
for the nimble 355A chassis, including this very handsome
5-passenger Town Sedan!
We are delighted to represent this beautifully restored 1931
Cadillac 355A Town Sedan finished in classic Black with Yellow
pinstripe and matching wheels, and soft Tan ribbed broadcloth
interior! It remains an incredibly genuine example with every
factory accessory available! Under the hood rests a remarkably
quiet and smooth running 353ci L-head V8 providing 95 horsepower
through a 3-speed synchromesh transmission. Features include dual
side-mounted spare tires with rare hardcovers, Cadillac dual
outside rearview mirrors, Cadillac Pilot-Ray automatic driving
lamps (turn directionally with the steering rack), Cadillac
spotlight, lockable rear trunk with auxiliary folding rack, Klaxon
horns, Cadcolite rear taillamps, cowl side fresh air vents,
windshield ventilator crank-up window, Cadillac heater, front
storage map pocket; rear passenger window privacy shade, reading
lamps, door map pockets, and assist handle. On the ground are wire
spoke wheels wrapped in 7.00-18 wide whitewall tires.
This Fisher-built body is as tight a snare drum when you open and
close any door or panel! Having a known history dating back to
1981, this longtime, collector-owned Cadillac is likely the most
correct in existence today, especially considering the level of
restoration it received from the past two owners. It was frame-up
restored by renowned Cadillac specialist, Jim Pearson, of Kansas
City, Missouri in 1981 for then owner of 10 years which followed
with First Place honors at the Classic Car Club of America
Nationals! He would keep and maintain this Town Sedan for another
33 years before selling it to Robert Lambert in January 2015.
Needing a freshening to the aging restoration, it would undergo
approximately 1500-man hours of fine detailing to exacting Cadillac
standards.
Mr. Lambert should be very proud of these results as they are
nothing short of stunning! Every minor detail from the direction of
the trim screw heads, functionality of all components including the
Jaeger clock, motoring function on the open road, and extreme
attention to Cadillac correctness is simply breathtaking! This can
be further confirmed having earned 98/100 points and a Gold Award
at the Winter Park Concours in Winter Park, Florida along with a
Best-in-Class award at the Lake Mirror Classic Concours held in
Lakeland, Florida. Today, it is showing 61,171 miles on the
odometer, of which approximately 500 were added sparingly over the
past 9 years for regular exercise. It has been fitted with an
auxiliary electric fuel pump and turn signals for aiding in
starting after times of storage and added safety when driving. You
would be hard-pressed to find another Cadillac with such a glorious
presentation and show winning qualities! Included in the sale will
be some factory tools and show equipment for easy display at
events. Please call with questions or to arrange a chance to view
this piece of outstanding automotive history in person. Thanks for
looking!
