Vehicle Description
Representing the final year Cadillac offered its luxurious V12
engine following its original introduction in 1931. Production at
Cadillac was at an all-time high coming off its 1936 model year,
and sales continued to double for 1937, indicating signs that the
Great Depression was finally behind them. With only Packard giving
them relentless competition in the top spot in the luxury
automotive marketplace, Cadillac continued to dominate with their
engineering prowess offering multiple model lines on several
chassis platforms. The larger V12 and V16 engines were reserved for
the 138" wheelbase, with very few ever produced. Total V12
production across all models totaled just 474 units, while the V16
was tallied just under 50 units annually.
Offered here is a 1937 Cadillac Series 85 Twelve 5-Passenger
Convertible Sedan finished in classic Black over Black Leather
interior, with Tan Stayfast cloth convertible top. It represents
one of approximately twenty Series 37-8529 examples built by
Fleetwood for the 1937 model year, powered by a 150-horsepower
368ci V12 engine (#4130181) mated to a 3-speed manual transmission.
This Cadillac is highlighted with further rarity by possessing the
Imperial Glass Divider option separating the driver compartment
from the rear passenger compartment. Features and equipment options
include dual side-mounted spare tires with painted metal covers,
wide whitewall Firestone Deluxe Champion tires measuring 7.50-16,
full chrome wheel covers, bustle-back trunk compartment, folding
sun visors, cowl ventilation, and full dash instrumentation that
includes an inoperable clock and AM radio.
This example hails from a longtime collector based in the Indiana
area, where the car was cosmetically and mechanically restored to
be a respectable short distance touring and parade example. It was
fully repainted many years ago, along with all new leather interior
seating and door panel surfaces, complete folding convertible top
with soft boot cover, along with tan carpeting throughout. It has
been fully rewired, along with a fully rebuilt engine, complete
with valve job using Egge valves & valve guides, cam rollers, &
springs; and conversion to more reliable Carter updraft carburetors
with auxiliary electric fuel pump. Recent service includes new
spark plugs, rebuilt carburetors with kits supplied from the
Carburetor Shop, all new engine & transmission mounts, rebuilt
water pump, fresh engine oil, fuel sender floats, and stainless
steel wiper blades.
It continues to run and drive very well, making for a terrific
addition to any collection. The St. Louis Car Museum markets
vehicles internationally and can assist with shipping
recommendations. When you factor in the rarity of these production
12-cylinder Convertible Sedans, chances are you will not see
another on the market anytime soon! We encourage prospective buyers
to schedule a chance to review it in person and we look forward to
working with all interested parties. Thanks for looking!
