Vehicle Description
To be OFFERED AT AUCTION at Auctions America's Fort Lauderdale
event, March 31-2, 2017.
Chassis No.
700537
Estimate:
$175,000 - $225,000 US
"Sixteen Cylinders: Performance such as the world has never
witnessed....The most highly individualized of all motor cars" This
is but one of the stylish advertising refrains forwarded by the
Cadillac Motor Car Company to promote their new-for-1930 V-16
engine. The new 16-cylinder Cadillac was shown for the first time
at the 30th National Automobile Show in New York City and would be
followed up by a showing at Chicago's Annual Automobile Show
included in the General Motors exhibit in the posh Stevens Hotel on
Michigan Avenue (now known as the Chicago Hilton) from January 25th
to February 1st, 1930.
The Chicago Tribune shared a letter from Cadillac President
Lawrence P. Fisher on January 23, 1930 in which he ebulliently
exclaimed that there was "nothing in America or the fashion centers
abroad to compare with the Cadillac V-16." There was no doubt that
this magnificent example of automotive engineering was the star of
this show.
The Cadillac V-16 was introduced after three years of process
development by Cadillac engineers and designers. The platform was
subjected to actual tests for hundreds of thousands of miles under
all available road and climatic conditions. When introduced, there
was not the slightest doubt as to its extraordinary capacities;
"its almost magical ease and efficiency."
Mr. Fisher expounded that "The Cadillac V-16 will be custom-built -
the very ultimate in luxury, comfort and security. Each car will be
built in the matter of power and speed to meet the wishes of the
owner. We believe that it will take its place in every home
enjoying the utmost which can be attained in exclusiveness and
desirability."
Four of the new Cadillacs would be sent abroad on a tour of 19
European cities. Fisher would later exult that many European
celebrities had bought one and that the European interest was due
to "no car of its exact type has ever been displayed there." Even
the respected W.O. Bentley was suitably impressed, commenting that
the V-16 "was the only car in which a rear seat ride could be taken
in perfect comfort at high speeds around Brooklands."
All the mechanical mastery was hugely complemented by the exclusive
nature represented by the most advanced accomplishments of
coachbuilder Fleetwood's craftsmanship. Prices began at just over
$5,000 and culminated at just under $10,000. In the tough economic
times that were on the immediate horizon the interest in and sales
of the Cadillac V-16 far exceeded expectations. America and
Cadillac succeeded in turning out a really high-class car selling
for a price that "stamps them automatically as such."
Running on the 148-inch wheelbase chassis, this Fleetwood-bodied
Cadillac V-16 is reported as being body style number 4361-5, known
as the Club Sedan. The associated build sheet registers this as
being one of only 31 with this chassis, engine, body combination.
The build sheet shows this Cadillac was delivered to the esteemed
Don Lee Cadillac in San Francisco, California and remains in its
original presentation colors of Mulberry Maroon and Black. Records
are reported to document that this was the 13th example of this
body style built. The styling is accented by the "unique LeBaron
hood treatment" that has a curved vee design starting at the
radiator and flowing down to the cowl accents; this swept motif
being used by a few of the exclusive car manufacturers of the
era.
This design exemplifies a sporty four-door sedan that, without the
roll-up divider window and traditional jump seats, was laid out for
use by the owner/operator and family without the need for the
popular chauffeur of the era. Designated as the 452 Series by
Cadillac; inspired by the cubic inches of the V-16 engine, this
highly regarded powerplant was promoted as delivering around 180-hp
from its 45-degree, overhead valve layout. A three-speed
synchromesh manual was the standard transmission. Fuel consumption
was conveyed as being in the range from 4.5 to 6.0 miles per gallon
and although these cars carried this massive sixteen cylinder unit,
the car is stated to have not been able to move the massive weight
past the 100-mph mark.
In that there is no shame; as the January 18, 1930 Courier-News
(Bridgewater, New Jersey) stated in its Saturday edition, "From the
mechanical standpoint most all cars are capable of traveling at
fairly high rates of speed with safety. However, speed with safety
is also dependent upon highway facilities." The Cadillac V-16 was
still going to get you down the road at a very respectable pace
with clocklike smoothness.
Presented with an award winning pedigree, (Ault Park Class Award
2014; Lake Mirror Classic; Amelia Island Concours Display 2014;
AACA St. Augustine Fall Meet Best in Class 2015) this inspiring
example of Cadillac V-16 Club Sedan has such desirable features as
�Goddess of Speed' radiator ornament, grille stoneguard, driving
lights, dual sidemounts with pedestal mirrors, trunk, windshield
sunshade , plus the intricate brightwork and design details
exemplified by the distinctive hood louvers, impressive headlights,
horns and tasteful pinstriped elegance. Wide whitewall tires are
fitted to wire wheels that have red rims and hubs with chromed
spokes, center caps and lock rings.
A product from the Depression Era; these cars commanded respect for
their innovative engineering and quality of construction from the
renowned Fleetwood Body Company providing elaborate finishes.
Incomparable beauty and contentment with prestige have been with
this model from day one.
