Vehicle Description
By the close of 1920�s, Cadillac had cemented its reputation as
America�s most technically innovative manufacturers. Many features
on cars that we take for granted were first credited to Cadillac �
the electric starter, safety glass, electric lamps, the all-steel
roof (previous cars had fabric roof sections), the first
synchromesh transmission, the first dual-plane crankshaft V8 and
even the first V16 engine. Cadillacs of the era were renowned for
their exceptional build quality, elegant style and robust
performance and were considered to be among the best automobiles in
the world. The 1929 model year saw a light redesign that didn�t
appear outwardly different from the �28 models, but it was a
significant year for Cadillac. Just a few tweaks were made to the
styling of the front end by a new hire named Harley Earl; a man who
would go on to be one of the most famous stylists in history and
put GM at the top of the game in terms of style. Styling aside, the
most significant changes for �29 lay beneath the bodywork. The 341
cubic inch, 95 horsepower V8 was mated to an all-new �clashless�
synchromesh gearbox, freeing drivers from the need to double clutch
when changing gears and elevating Cadillac to the top of the luxury
car market with this newly found ease of operation. The new gearbox
allowed the car to be driven much more smoothly and deliver quiet
performance � particularly important in chauffeur driven town cars.
1929 also saw the introduction of safety glass, yet another
industry first. Braking and road holding were also excellent thanks
to the strong chassis and powerful four-wheel mechanical brakes.
Delco dual-action shock absorbers were fitted for the first time,
and the 141� wheelbase made for a smooth and luxurious ride. A
myriad of different body designs were offered mainly from Fisher
and Fleetwood, though customers could of course specify a
coachbuilder of their choice. Open, closed, sporty or formal, a
Cadillac buyer could tailor a car to suit their specific needs.
This handsome 1929 341B features rare and desirable roadster
coachwork by Fisher (Style 1184) wearing a very well-maintained
older restoration. The attractive paint scheme features pale green
fenders accented with gray main body sides and a gray hood, with
pale green repeating on the rear deck. Bodywork is straight and
attractive with good shut lines and panel fitment, showing this was
a high quality restoration when first completed. It is, of course,
nicely appointed for the period with features such as; dual
sidemount spares, dual pilot ray lights, a golf bag door, rumble
seat, running board courtesy lights, radiator stoneguard and flying
goddess mascot. The simple and elegant interior is trimmed in light
tan leather which presents in very nice condition, and new dark tan
carpeting provides a bit of contrast. �The folding soft top is new
and trimmed in dark tan canvas to compliment the interior.. 1929
was the final year for the Style 1184 roadster body to be offered
in the Fisher catalog and it was one of the most sporting offerings
of the Cadillac range, as this car�s folding windscreen and rumble
seat allude. Power for the 341B comes via the 341 cubic inch L-head
V8 engine that produced an advertised 90 horsepower. The engine is
well detailed and tidy. Performance is quite respectable for a car
of the era, and it is an absolute joy to drive thanks to the
all-synchro gearbox (the first year for this feature on a Cadillac)
and strong duplex mechanical brakes with internal shoes. The
chassis is well detailed and largely correct, showing evidence of
use though remaining tidy and in excellent mechanical order. The
CCCA recognizes the 341B as a Full Classic, and this example�s
reliable, well-sorted nature makes it an ideal choice for CARavan
touring or Cadillac LaSalle Club tours and events. This is quite
simply beautiful car that looks magnificent on the road and has
just the right amount of pleasing patina on the restoration to feel
wonderfully sorted and capable from behind the wheel.