Vehicle Description
This 1938 Cadillac Series 90 V-16 7 Passenger Sedan is an
impressive CCCA Full Classic that is ready to be enjoyed on your
future CARavan! Initially introduced during the 1930 model year,
the Cadillac V-16 was an incredible display of Cadillac engineering
as well as an epic statement for the few that owned them. Of
course, the V-16 could not have debuted at a worse time with the
United States and global economies plunging into the worst
financial crisis ever during the Great Depression. As the decade
progressed, Cadillac continued to offer its V-16 models but they
were not as big of a success for the GM marque as they had hoped
for. By 1938, virtually all of Cadillac's luxury counterparts,
including Duesenberg, Cord, Marmon, Auburn, and Pierce-Arrow, had
failed due to the financial conditions of the Great Depression
which greatly affected the high-end luxury automobile market. The
two surviving American luxury marques that were able to survive
were Cadillac and Packard. Unlike Cadillac, Packard introduced
lower-cost cars during the Depression years that were able to
bolster the independent automaker's sales during the downturn. On
the other hand, Cadillac continued to selling its ultra luxurious
(and expensive) automobiles and likely picked up an even bigger
market share as the competition failed, or in the case of Packard,
exited or at least placed a greater focus outside the highest end
of the market. While it was clear that consumer tastes were
shifting away from massive luxury cruisers by the late 30s,
Cadillac surprised everyone when it introduced a brand new Series
90 V-16 in October 1937 at the New York Automobile Show. Cadillac's
intention with its new V16 design was to create an even roomier
passenger cabin and also to lower the car's overall profile and
center of gravity. Cadillac's Series 90 came in 12 different
Fleetwood-built semi-custom bodies ranging from coupes to large
4-door limousine-esque boulevard cruisers. The 1938 Series 90 V-16
models also received a major facelift from now-famous automotive
designer Bill Mitchell. The most obvious changes occurred in the
front profile highlighted by a new chrome grille design featuring
die cast "egg crate" styling. Mitchell also reworked the front
fenders giving them a squarer silhouette. The new-look front
fenders straddled a new, rear-hinged hood with a brand new tapered
appearance and marking the first time that Cadillac's hoods opened
in the front. Despite the implementation of a brand new,
revolutionary design Cadillac's V-16 line still did not generate
tremendously more sales with a total of 315 V-16 models produced in
1938 making this particular Series 90 sedan quite a rare
automobile. Nonetheless, due to its gorgeous style and impressive
design, the 1938 Cadillac V-16 Series 90 has been deemed a "Full
Classic" by the Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) which makes this
car eligible for CCCA CARavans and other events. This particular
V-16 Cadillac comes to us from a southern-based collector who
stewarded this engineering and styling marvel for the better part
of the last decade. Powering this '38 Cadillac is a 431 Cubic Inch
V-16 engine fed by a pair of Carter dual barrel carburetors that
together were said to have created 185 horsepower when new. The 431
V16 is backed by a 3 speed manual transmission that is shifted
using the column-mounted "3-on-the-tree" shifter. Exhaust exits
this massive Cadillac's power plant via a single exhaust system
that generates a wonderful sound out of the chrome-tipped tailpipe.
Being that Cadillac, and especially its Series 90 V-16 models, were
some of the most luxurious cars of their day, they come loaded with
fantastic options and technologically advanced standard equipment!
Riding on a set of wide whitewall tires, each accented with a full
V-16 trimmed wheel disc, this 1938 V-16 Cadillac has a truly
luxurious look, whether parked in your garage or driving to the
local CCCA car show. This 1938 Cadillac Series 90 also comes
equipped with dual covered side-mounted spare tires that further
elevate the exterior's luxurious look. Hydraulic drum brakes in all
four corners was quite a luxury back in 1938 since they provide for
greater stopping power which is especially important when driving
this 5,000+ pound behemoth. A driver's side chrome mirror is
another welcome addition to this 7 passenger Pre-War Cadillac since
it makes squeezing into a tight parking space much easier and
improves sight lines while cruising. The front and rear chrome
bumpers both show well and each are equipped with a pair of chrome
bumper guards. The all steel Fleetwood body has been tastefully
finished in elegant black paint that completes the gorgeous
exterior look of this wonderful Pre-War classic. Inside, this 1938
Cadillac Series 90 V-16 7 Passenger Sedan exudes high-end luxury!
The front bench seat, along with the rear bench seat and auxiliary
jump seats have been upholstered in tasteful tan broadcloth. The
broadcloth door panels, wood-rimmed window surrounds, painted dash,
and steering wheel all appear to be nice condition and all retain a
gorgeous stock appearance. Instrumentation includes a 110 MPH
speedometer, temperature gauge, oil pressure gauge, battery gauge,
and fuel gauge, along with indicators for the exterior lighting
controls. The dash also comes outfitted with an AM radio, cigar
lighter, clock, and locking glovebox, along with several other
controls, further elevating the overall luxury look and feel of
this premium Cadillac. The roomy rear passenger compartment is fit
for a king (or queen)! The broadcloth covered rear bench seat is
ultra comfortable and features a folding center armrest along with
padded side armrests as well, each sporting integrated ash
receivers and cigar lighters. The broadcloth covered folding
auxiliary jump seats also look great and make for a novel touring
experience for a couple extra passengers. A robe cord, roll up
curtains, and several interior lights complete this Cadillac's
high-end interior. Whether you're buying your very first Full
Classic Car or you're a full fledged member of the Classic Car Club
of America or Cadillac and LaSalle Club, this 1938 Cadillac Series
90 V-16 7 Passenger Sedan would make an excellent choice. Give
Ellingson's a call today at 763-428-7337!
