Vehicle Description
In 1930, Cadillac stunned the automotive world with the
introduction of its breathtaking new sixteen-cylinder models. Sales
of the V8 and entry-level LaSalle models were strong in spite of
economic hardships, and Cadillac was determined to show its
competitors that it was, indeed the Standard of the World.
Instantly, the V12 and especially the V16 models catapulted
Cadillac to the top of the luxury class. An extraordinary array of
coachwork options was available to satisfy the most discriminating
buyer, and everything from the body to the engine bay was designed
with beauty and elegance. The V12 and V16 engines shared many
common components, but it was the V16 with its turbine like
smoothness and unprecedented 175 horsepower output that grabbed the
headlines. Subtle changes were made for the 1932 models which
included a longer wheelbase, new carburetors, a mechanical fuel
pump, heavier axles and larger brakes. Also new for 1932 were
adjustable shock absorbers operated from the dashboard to further
tune the ride to satisfy passengers. All Cadillac transmissions
were fitted with quiet operating helical-gear transmissions,
eliminating the whine and crash of a straight-cut gearbox. 1932
marked the first time a series of Fisher bodies became available on
the Sixteen. These included sedans, coupes, a roadster, a
convertible coupe and three open phaetons. In fact, these were the
only phaetons available on the Sixteen, and just six were built, a
single standard phaeton with no division, two sport phaetons with a
long rear cowl and passenger windshield, and three special phaetons
with the short rear cowl. As for Fleetwood bodies, the range was
curtailed somewhat. The 30 choices offered in 1930-31 had been
reduced to 21, sedans, cabriolets, limousines and a single
convertible coupe. The 1931 experience had no doubt tempered
Cadillac's expectations, and history validated the wisdom. At
year's end, just 296 Sixteens had been sold versus 1,709 V12s. This
V16 chassis began life wearing a formal sedan body which, when
acquired by Bill Hatch of Chicago was in a rough state. The formal
sedan body was beyond repair, so another body was sourced - this
handsome Special Phaeton, which was originally fitted to V12
chassis 1301344, is nonetheless period appropriate and extremely
handsome. The body, finished in light metallic blue with dark blue
fenders and swage line, is a spectacular Fisher design that wears
much of its original sheetmetal, thanks to a careful restoration.
The paintwork remains in very good order, wearing the years since
its restoration extremely well. The fit and finish are extremely
nice, and the chrome is largely in very good order. It is lavishly
detailed with a proper 1932 Cadillac Goddess mascot, chromed hood
vents, twin long-trumpet horns, and dual sidemount spares with
painted covers. It has been recently treated to a fresh set of
blackwall tires that impart a magnificent sporty look when combined
with the navy blue wheels and polished stainless spokes. This fine
example is also a previous AACA National First Prize winner. Like
the exterior, the interior is fabulously detailed and very well
presented, showing little use on the restoration. Blue leather on
the seats appears virtually unworn, and the excellent carpeting and
door panels are accented with exquisite woodwork on the dash, door
caps and rear passenger fascia. The original AC speedometer reads
120 mph - which must have seemed astonishing in 1932. A Jaeger
eight-day clock keeps time, and the instrumentation is replicated
in the rear for passengers to keep an eye should the driver be
having too much fun exploiting all of that power. In spite of the
fact that there are some years on the restoration, this Cadillac
still looks remarkably fresh. The previous owner was a skilled
mechanic who ensured it was maintained in excellent mechanical
order and it remains ready to enjoy on the road. The engine
compartment is clean and well detailed, with mainly correct
finishes and fittings, with just a few areas showing signs of
regular use. An AACA National First prize winner, it also runs and
drives extremely well and should offer its next owner a thrilling
and rewarding ownership experience.
