Vehicle Description
General Motors was riding a wave of success in the late 1920s.
Cadillac was enjoying brisk sales thanks to the volume-leading V8
models and the new junior LaSalle brand was performing well in the
showroom, thanks in large part to the work of one Harley Earl,
widely considered to be the father of American car styling. Around
this time, Harley Earl and Cadillac boss Larry Fisher toured
Europe, visiting the storied traditional coachbuilders in England
and France such as Barker, James Young, Saoutchik, and Vanvooren in
search of inspiration for a new Cadillac flagship. But instead of
building bare chassis and employing traditional body builders,
Cadillac would offer a full catalog of coachbuilt bodies that they
would sell as complete cars. To accomplish this, GM had previously
purchased both Fisher Body and Fleetwood Metal Body to essentially
have full control of its own in-house coachbuilders and was fully
capable of offering a complete range of custom, semi-custom and
catalog bodies. Cadillac was on the verge of unveiling a new halo
model that they hoped would stamp their authority on the luxury
automobile market and to do so, they needed the most stylish
bodywork they could offer. In 1930, just after the stock market
crash, Cadillac unveiled the breathtaking �multi-cylinder� engines.
A V12 appeared alongside a headline-grabbing V16. The extravagant
V16 was an immediate sensation and production began in earnest with
demand strong, even on the verge of the Great Depression. The 452
cubic inch V16 made an astounding 175 horsepower in combination
with turbine-like smoothness and refinement.�Nearly one hundred
body and chassis combinations were possible thanks to the resources
of Fisher and Fleetwood, which ensure exclusivity, a must for the
type of clientele Cadillac sought. Sales were very strong for 1930,
but tapered off dramatically in subsequent years. It is widely
believed that GM lost money on every V16 they build through 1940.
Today, the Cadillac V16 remains one of the most desirable and
collectible motorcars of the classic era. This 1931 Cadillac model
452A V16 All-Weather Phaeton is a magnificently restored example of
the king of the multi-cylinder classics. Wearing fantastic
coachwork by Fleetwood,�it is finished in the striking color
combination of a rose main body over dark red fenders, wheels and
swage lines. It is a truly breathtaking example, restored to a
world-class standard by the renowned Alan Taylor Co. Inc. It was
subsequently shown at Pebble Beach in 2003 and benefiting from
light use and exceptional care, it remains in stunning condition to
this day. It still wears its original Fleetwood body (per the
included build sheet) and is presented in the same specification as
it left the factory in 1931. The body features many interesting
details, such as a split, opening �Pennsylvania windshield� (named
such as it was a signature of the Fleetwood Body Works) and a glass
division between driver and passenger compartments. It is also
fitted with dual sidemount spares topped with correct Cadillac
mirrors, twin Pilot Ray spotlamps, radiator stone shield, goddess
mascot and a matching dark-red colored trunk that has been restored
to the same exceptional standard as the rest of the car. Wheels are
painted red and highlighted with polished stainless spokes for a
gorgeous effect. Paint, chrome and finishes remain in impeccable
condition, virtually every bit as beautiful as it was when first
presented at Pebble Beach. The lavish, early art-deco styled cabin
is trimmed in tan leather covering the seats and door panels,
accented with brown carpets. Interior soft trim exhibits virtually
no wear, particularly considering the restoration was completed
over a decade ago. Engine turned alloy trim accents the dash,
another signature of Fleetwood cars. The tan top is similarly
excellent, and remains fully functional. Of course, this being an
All-Weather Phaeton, passengers are treated to full glass side
windows and a well-sealed top. During fair weather, the top, side
glass, and thin B-pillars lower to reveal a handsome and elegant
machine with a separate rear windscreen to keep passengers
comfortable during high-speed open runs. As one would expect from
an Alan Taylor restoration, the engine bay is exquisitely detailed
using concours-correct finishes, fittings and hardware. Likewise,
it all functions beautifully and the performance is outstanding.
The Cadillac Sixteen is one of America�s finest motorcars, and this
example is surely one of the very best available today. The unique
color combination suits the style of the era and the quality of the
restoration is beyond reproach. It is of course ideally suited for
show, yet has been restored and prepared to a standard that make it
reliable and usable for touring. This is a rare opportunity to
acquire an utterly gorgeous Cadillac that embodies the slogan, �The
Standard of the World�.
