For Sale: 1935 Cadillac V16 in Saint Louis, Missouri

As the 1920s drew to a close, Cadillac was enjoying considerable success in the hotly contested luxury car market. Locked in a tight battle with its cross-town rivals at Packard, General Motors made a bold move by adding La Salle as a stylish junior companion brand to Cadillac. Harley Earl, who is widely considered as the father of American car styling, was first hired to design the La Salle, and with its immediate success, he was put in charge of the newly created Art and Color Department at GM where he would soon make his mark on the rest of the GM lineup.
With Cadillac on firm footing, company president Larry Fisher, together with Harley Earl set their sights on creating an all-new flagship to lead the GM's most prestigious marque into the 1930s. Earl and Fisher took a tour of England and mainland Europe, visiting with traditional coachbuilders such as Barker, James Young, Saoutchik, and Vanvooren in search of inspiration. Meanwhile, in Detroit, Cadillac was set to unveil a stunning new powerplant that would become the new Crown Jewel at General Motors. Cadillac introduced two new engines based on the same architecture - a V12 and a sensational, 452 cubic-inch V16, both designed in-house by Owen Nacker. The engines were technically and visually stunning, with overhead valves and stylish Art Deco-inspired styling. Both engines were powerful, but it was the mighty V16 that genuinely stole the headlines with its 175-horsepower output and unparalleled refinement.
The V16 engine was installed in a new, strengthened chassis with power-assisted brakes and a "clashless" synchronized gearbox. Unlike its competitors, General Motors utilized in-house coachbuilders Fisher and Fleetwood to build the bodies for the new Series 452, with only a select few cars going to outside firms. Nearly one hundred body and wheelbase combinations were possible, which ensured the kind of exclusivity that was necessary if Cadillac hoped to lure buyers from the likes of Rolls-Royce and Hispano-Suiza. The basis styling was penned by a team led by Harley Earl, while Fisher and Fleetwood crafted some of the most beautiful bodies of the 1930s.
Cadillac wanted the V16 to remain at the pinnacle of the market and updated it annually. For 1934, the entire Cadillac line was redesigned with beautiful new styling, influenced by the Streamline-Moderne period, and this design was updated again for 1935. The new design was lower and longer than before, with pontoon fenders, bullet headlamps, and clean, linear details. Mechanically, the V16 was uprated to 185 horsepower and sat in a massive 154-inch wheelbase chassis. Yet America was still in the throes of the Great Depression, and despite all the visual splendor and engineering excellence, V16 sales amounted to a mere 212 total chassis built from 1934 through the end of the first generation in 1937. In spite of the fact that GM lost money on every example they built, the Cadillac V16 stands as one of the most desirable and collectible American motorcars of the classic era.
This fabulous 1935 Cadillac Series 35-90 exemplifies the elegance and grandeur of the Classic Era and is a stunning piece of early Streamline design and is one of just 50 Sixteens produced in 1935. Chassis 5100087 is believed to be one of only two that were built in 1935 in the Fleetwood 5-Passenger Convertible Coupe body style #5885. Equipped for long journeys, the 5-passenger convertible coupe features a cavernous built-in trunk, as well as a trunk rack for even more storage. Other options include a radio, banjo steering wheel, chrome wire wheels, gold goddess mascot, and a single trunk-mounted spare. Unfortunately, 5100087's early history is unknown, and in correspondence with Cadillac Historical Services, this car's serial number falls in a group of cars whose records were not retained.
Previously part of the renown Blackhawk Collection, the V16 Convertible Victoria presents in excellent condition, with a well-preserved, gently matured restoration. The elegant and imposing Fleetwood bodywork is finished in a lovely dark red color, set off handsomely with chrome wire wheels fitted with wide whitewall tires. Opening the doors, you are treated to a tan leather interior in excellent order, showing only the very slightest creasing from light use. Gorgeous detailing adorns the dash with its gold engine-turned escutcheons and correct original instrumentation. Rear passengers are treated to a large leather chair with a folding armrest, individual cigar lighters and beautifully detailed ash trays. The tan canvas top is in excellent condition.
It is difficult to determine whether the body or the engine is the star of this show. Opening the long bonnet reveals one of the most awe-inspiring engines of the era. The Cadillac V16 is a masterpiece of form following function and a piece of mechanical beauty. The narrow angle Vee is topped with black painted rocker covers accented with polished ribs. The engine compartment remains in superb condition and on a recent road test the car performed and drove superbly, however there is evidence of a prior repair to the block. The Cadillac's current condition is a testament to the high quality of the restoration, as well as the loving care and maintenance the car has enjoyed since.
Few automobiles of the era can compare with the 1935 Cadillac V16 for its presence and style. With a 154-inch wheelbase and an overall length of nearly twenty feet, this massive V16 makes an undoubtedly bold statement. This remarkable automobile represents the very best that Cadillac - and America - had to offer in the period. It is a piece of art, history and engineering brilliance that can be shown or toured with pride.


Offers welcome and trades considered.