Vehicle Description
"The Standard of the World" was not only Cadillac's advertising
slogan, but it was a doctrine for its engineers and designers to
live by. During the 1930's, the company went to great lengths to
live up to that claim, building ever more exclusive and stylish
models. Despite the economic hardships, the junior LaSalle brand
and entry-level Cadillac V8 models were selling well, and some
much-needed cash was swelling the coffers. Cadillac decided the
time was right to add a bit of excitement to the "multi-cylinder"
engine race that was going on between high-end manufacturers around
the world. In 1930 they shocked the motoring world with
introduction of both a V12 and an unprecedented V16 engine
displacing 452 cubic inches. This put Cadillac right into the thick
of the battle with such prestigious manufacturers as Hispano-Suiza,
Lagonda, Rolls-Royce and their chief rival, Packard. Both engines
were designed simultaneously by Cadillac engineer Owen Nacker, and
they shared the same basic layout as well as many common
components. The V12's output was a healthy 135 horsepower, while
the V16 put out a full 175 horsepower - a headline grabbing figure
for its day. In 1933, a V16 Imperial Cabriolet started at $6,250
and stretched to a whopping $8,000 for the top line All Weather
Phaeton. The starting price was a full $3,000 more than a
comparable V12 model, keeping in mind that a 1933 Chevrolet cost
$445. Of course, a whole range of custom and semi-custom bodies
were available from within GM and outside coachbuilders. The
Cadillac LaSalle Club has put the number at approximately seventy
different combinations of chassis and body options, which
undoubtedly allowed a high degree of exclusivity, considering just
125 of a planned 400 examples were built. The V16 Cadillac remains
to this day one of the most collectible, exclusive and desirable of
all American classics. Imposing, elegant and visually striking,
this 1933 Cadillac Model 452C V16 All Weather Phaeton represents
the most expensive and exclusive Cadillac offered at the time. Only
eight cars were built in 1933 with this coachwork. Chassis 5000082
was originally equipped with a Fleetwood 5575-S sedan body.� The
car was purchased by well-known collector Jack Passey in the
1950's, and is mentioned in his book, For The Love Of Old Cars.
Jack kept the car for 10 years or so, and sold it to a collector in
New Jersey. He eventually purchased his beloved 1933 V16 back, and
the car was later sold to Fred Weber in St Louis, Mo. The Weber's
had a large collection of V16 Cadillacs at the time, and were
actively restoring and trading cars.� They sold 500082 to the
McGowan brothers, who had acquired a 1932 Cadillac V16 with an
original 1933 V16 All Weather Phaeton body from Dana Morgan in
California. �When the car was restored, this original V16 body was
mated to the chassis. This stunningly beautiful machine has been
fully restored to world-class concours standards and remains in
excellent order throughout. The incredible Fleetwood coachwork
exhibits the early beginnings of streamline design, thanks to its
fully-formed fenders, split and tapered radiator shell and Art-Deco
inspired streaks and slashes. It is truly a work of art and
absolutely breathtaking to behold. This example is finished in deep
navy blue and fully accessorized to reflect its standing at the top
of the range. At the front end, a fabulous quad-bar front bumper
features polished strips and body-colored inserts. The badge bar
wears a pair of Pilot Ray spot lamps and the horns are magnificent
Deco pieces with concentric chrome inserts in the trumpets. The
1933 Cadillac is instantly recognizable thanks to the body-color
split grille, which on this example is graced with a gold plated
Cadillac emblem and goddess mascot. Dual sidemount spare wheels
wear painted covers and the running boards are fitted with polished
strips that accentuate the long, flowing lines, in true Art Deco
fashion. In the rear is found a bustle back trunk along with a
chrome trunk rack, dual tail lights, a repeating quad-bar bumper
and correct dual-exhausts. The paintwork is executed to a
magnificent standard and while this restoration was completed
several years ago, it remains in impeccable order. Chrome trim and
polished brightwork are likewise exquisite. Blue painted wheels
wear full chrome wheel covers and whitewall tires, the smooth
covers further enhancing the streamline styling. Opening the doors,
you are treated to a complementary blue leather interior that is
accented with exquisite inlaid wood trim. The leather is in
excellent order, showing only the very slightest creasing from
light use, just barely gaining a broken-in appearance. Gorgeous
detailing adorns the dash with its textured inlays, 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, and this being an
all-weather phaeton, passengers are gifted with roll-up glass
windows and a folding B-pillar to seal out the elements. 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. It is a piece of mechanical beauty. The
narrow angle Vee is topped with black painted rocker covers
accented with polished ribs. Virtually every nut, bolt, clamp and
fastener is concours correct and precisely placed. This truly is a
showpiece from top to bottom. Few automobiles of the era can
compare with the 1933 Cadillac V16 for its presence and style. 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 than can be shown or toured with pride.
