Vehicle Description
To be OFFERED AT AUCTION at Auctions America’s Hilton Head event, November 5, 2016.
Chassis No.
400043
Estimate:
$ 60,000 - $ 80,000 US
Sandwiched between the light-hearted 1920s and the beginnings of World War II; the 1930s featured a huge disproportion in the lifestyles of the regular citizens and those considered part of “high society.” The “Roaring Twenties” were so named due to the thriving economy and the upsurge of consumerism as the American public unreservedly embraced their future. More leisure time was found with methods of efficiency being found both at home and at work. People began having more time for social and cultural pursuits that included music, film, literature and carousing. The automobile and the stature created by having the “right” car in the coach house was part of this evolution and Cadillac had established themselves as a key player in this domain.
When “Black Friday” crashed the party on October 29, 1929 there were those who still could lead a life of extravagance. While the majority experienced this period in despair; the dynastic-type families escaped the reality on the street by continuing to live the highlife, the grander the better. Some top-flight automobiles would survive this difficult era and in great style, though in fewer numbers built. The Cadillac brand was one of these and by 1933 the “Standard of the World” ushered in a period of attractive styling and streamlining.
Nineteen thirty-three, in many ways represented the best of times and the worst of times for Cadillac at that point in company history. On one hand, its evolutionary styling appeared fresh and new; however, sales bottomed out during this worst year of the Depression. There was nowhere to go but up, and the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair titled “A Century Of Progress” was one of the places where automotive manufacturers had a chance to display their wares. New was Fisher No-Draft ventilation, soon to sweep the industry. Continuing refinements included more pleasing body lines. There were sixteen body styles on two wheelbases, and the Style #252 Five-Passenger Town Sedan with blind rear quarters was one of the more exclusive-looking offerings by Fisher Body. Many consider the club sedan to be the most attractive of all the four-door offerings. This one, on a 140-inch wheelbase, shows off these fantastic proportions.
Finished in two-tone green and wearing an older repaint, this 1933 Cadillac V-12 Town Sedan is powered by the celebrated 368-cid, 135-hp V-12 engine that is backed by a three-speed manual transmission. The interior is reported as being original with the exception of the front seat bottom cushions and backs. The car is noted as being “very rare, excellent, solid and original, except for an older repaint.” The odometer shows 45,000 miles and although the owner feels these may be original, the title is exempt. The car is further reported to “run and drive wonderfully.” Mechanicals, such as the chassis and engine, have been examined and rebuilt as necessary. The body and fenders are stated as very solid throughout, and the wood has no rot. The original instrumentation is said to all function properly.
The Cadillac Motor Car Co. build sheet accompanies the car and shows that this car was originally sent to Greenlease Moore, Inc. in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and confirms Job 33-12-252 as a Fisher-bodied Town Sedan. The original color is shown to be blue; equipment seen on the Cadillac and confirmed on the build sheet includes dual side-mounted spares, painted metal tire covers and wire wheels. The Cadillac also is fitted with whitewall tires. Being recognized as a Classic by the CCCA, this would make “an excellent car for tour or show.”
The 1932 to 1935 era encompasses old car appeal, but have sophistication and performance to continue to make them a joy to drive today.
