Vehicle Description
This 1931 Cadillac 370A V-12 7-Passenger Dual Windshield Touring
Phaeton is the epitome of luxury pre-war cruising and it comes
outfitted with loads of outstanding options! By 1930, Cadillac had
established itself as a dominant player in the American luxury
automobile market, offering high-end V-16 models as well as more
accessible Cadillac V8s and LaSalles. In April of that year,
Cadillac Motor Car Company president Lawrence P. Fisher announced
to Cadillac-LaSalle dealers that the brand would launch a new
mid-range vehicle-the 370 Model-equipped with a newly developed
V-12 engine. This V-12 was essentially a scaled-down version of the
V-16, with four fewer cylinders. Introduced in 1931 as the 370-A,
the V12 Cadillacs were well received and sold successfully.
However, this success came at the cost of reduced demand for the
more expensive V-16 models, as the worsening effects of the Great
Depression led many buyers to choose the more affordable V12s,
which were still seen as luxurious and impressive. This particular
'31 Cadillac V-12 Phaeton comes to us from Arizona-based collectors
who showed great care for this CCCA Full Classic following its
extensive, meticulous restoration. Under the side-opening louvered
hood on this Fleetwood-bodied 1931 V-12 Cadillac is a 368 Cubic
Inch V-12 engine fed by a pair of single barrel carburetors that
together were rated at 135 horsepower when new. Exhaust exits this
Cadillac's V12 powerplant via a dual exhaust system that generates
a terrific sound out of the polished exhaust tips. The 368 V12 is
backed by 3 speed manual transmission that is shifted via a
floor-mounted shifter, and makes for a superb touring driving
experience. Being that Cadillac was America's premier luxury
automaker in the early 30s, this 1931 V-12 Phaeton comes loaded
with all of the fantastic standard options that instantly elevated
Cadillacs above all other pre-war cars along with numerous optional
rarely-seen accessories. Notably, the original MSRP of the optional
accessories approach $1,000 which equated to almost 20% of the
original MSRP of the car itself. With vacuum assisted mechanical
brakes front and rear, bringing this 1931 Cadillac 370-A to a
complete stop is much easier which is especially important for a
car weighing over 5,000 pounds. Riding on a set of optional 7.50-18
wide whitewall tires mounted on chrome wire wheels and accented
with Chrome hubcaps emblazoned with the Cadillac crest, this 1931
Cadillac V-12 Dual Windshield Phaeton has an ultra luxurious look
whether you're parked at the local CCCA chapter's car show or
cruising in their CARavan event. Further adding the highly upscale
look of this '31 Cadillac are the dual side-mounted matching spare
tires, each topped with a chrome Cadillac Metal Cover side view
mirror and secured with leather straps. A pair of massive chrome
headlights are assisted with a pair of fender topped chrome driving
lights as well as a set of optional "Pilot Ray" driving lights that
adjust with the direction of the steering wheel. The chrome-trimmed
radiator is protected by a chrome Radiator screen and is topped
with the optional Cadillac Goddess hood ornament. Sitting atop the
optional trunk rack is an optional metal covered trunk that is
color-matched the paint scheme of this gorgeous Cadillac. This
Cadillac Phaeton's convertible top has been reupholstered in tan
fabric with green binding and it is raised and lowered by hand.
Also included with this Cadillac V-12 are matching removable canvas
side windows that can better enclose the passengers in this open
touring car. The all steel Fleetwood body of this '31 Cadillac 370A
Phaeton has been repainted in a two-tone paint scheme consisting of
Seafoam Green with Camden Green fenders and accents, along with
straw colored beltline pinstriping, that together complete the
wonderful exterior appearance of this Full Classic Cadillac. This
1931 Cadillac 370A V-12 7-Passenger Dual Windshield Touring
Phaeton's interior is absolutely outstanding! The front and rear
bench seats, along with the folding rear jump seats have been
reupholstered in Buckskin leather that beautifully complements the
wonderful body finishes. The green carpeting with buckskin-colored
binding along with the Buckskin leather side and door panels and
accents, and the leather-wrapped robe cord are also absolutely
gorgeous and exude Cadillac prestige. The leather door panels are
also equipped with side pockets along with ornate ash receivers.
The interior also comes equipped with several fantastic options!
The driver and front seat passenger are further protected from
bothersome wind thanks to the addition of side wings that are
completely adjustable and were a notable upgrade above the more
scant draft deflectors. In the rear passenger compartment is the
optional glass chrome-trimmed tonneau shield along with a canvas
curtain that was touted by Cadillac as having the ability to "to
eliminate under-drafts and assure complete protection from dust."
The engine-turned trimmed dash features an impressive
center-mounted instrument cluster equipped with a 100 MPH
speedometer, temperature gauge, amp gauge, oil pressure gauge, and
fuel gauge along with a clock. The instrument cluster also features
a pair of lights and a cigar lighter along with controls for the
manual choke and spark advance. Whether you're buying your very
first pre-war CCCA Full Classic or you're already a card carrying
member of the Classic Car Club of America who wants to add another
beauty to their collection, this 1931 Cadillac 370A V-12
7-Passenger Dual Windshield Touring Phaeton would make an excellent
choice. Give Ellingson's a call today at 763-428-7337!
*368 Cu. In. V-12
*Dual 1 Barrel Carburetors
*3 Speed Manual Transmission
*135 Horsepower
*Wide Whitewall Tires on Wire Wheels
*Vacuum-Assisted Drum Brakes
*1 of 5,733 V-12 1931 Cadillacs Produced
*Seafoam Green Body w/ Camden Green Fenders
*Plush Tan Leather Interior
*Rear Mounted Trunk & "Pilot Ray" Driving Lights
*Stock Instrumentation
*Odometer Reads: 1,086 Miles
