Vehicle Description
Luxury car buyers in the late 1920s seemed to make a contest of
one-upping one another, and as such, high-end automobile builders
were more than happy to oblige in their extravagant wishes. 1926
saw Cadillac begin development of a new engine that would be
smoother and more powerful than anything else on the market and
surely capture the attention of buyers who constantly demanded The
Best or Nothing. Working in great secrecy, Cadillac engineers
developed a 452 cubic inch sixteen cylinder engine, installed in a
heavily upgraded chassis to handle the 165 horsepower output. The
purpose of the Sixteen was not only to get huge power, but rather
it was about silky smooth delivery and silent operation � two
aspects of motoring that were held in the highest regard at the
time. For this magnificent new chassis, Cadillac employed their two
new acquisitions - Fisher Body Works and Fleetwood Metal Body to
design and build their array of standard �catalog� bodies of which
it is estimated there were more than 70 variations possible. A
handful of individual chassis were sent to various coachbuilders
around the world, however most wore bodies by GM�s highly capable
in-house builders. The timing of the V16�s debut could not have
been worse, however. The stock market crash that signaled the
beginning of the great depression had happened just a few months
earlier and as the decade wore on, such opulence was frowned upon.
Thankfully, at the time of its release, the full effect of the
economic conditions had not yet reached the top of the market, and
demand for this stunning new Cadillac was strong. Sales were
encouraging for the first year or so, but gradually tapered off
during each subsequent model year. By the time the model run ended
in 1940, it was believed that GM lost money on every car built. Our
featured 1930 V16 Cadillac wears handsome and imposing 7-passenger
sedan coachwork by Fleetwood. Finished in a two-tone burgundy and
maroon combination, this Cadillac presents in wonderful condition
throughout. It wears and older but full nut and bolt restoration
executed to a very high standard with an emphasis on reliable
driving. The paint combination is very elegant, with deep burgundy
fenders, hood and body swage lines, with a lighter maroon shade
accenting the body, roof and the sweeps on the upper surfaces of
the hood. Six wide-whitewall tires on chrome wire wheels add some
visual lightness to this big, formal body. The proud chrome grille
is fitted with a stainless stoneguard and topped with a magnificent
Heron mascot. The quality of the chrome on the wheels, headlamps,
radiator shell and other body fittings is excellent.� Other fine
details include dual Cadillac mirrors mounted to the spare wheels,
a sun visor, trunk rack and toolboxes integrated into the running
boards. While the style 4375S was the most affordable and popular
of all the V16 body styles produced by Fleetwood, at $6,225 it
still cost more than sixteen times that of a basic Ford Model A
from the same period. What separated the 4375S from the 4375 was
the lack of a divider window in the former. For today�s
enthusiasts, that makes this standard sedan imminently more user
friendly thanks to greater adjustability for the driver�s seat. The
cabin on this example is trimmed in gray cloth front and rear, and
features regular seating for five along with a pair of folding jump
seats in the rear for two additional passengers. The trim is very
nice quality on the seats and door panels. Gray carpets are very
clean and tidy throughout. A bit of pleasing patina is found on the
steering wheel, handbrake handle and dash. Very nice original
instruments grace the intricately detailed fascia. Wood trim
surrounds the windows front and rear, and it presents in attractive
condition, and while it shows some age in areas, it is good looking
and far from needing any immediate attention. The massive V16
engine is very well presented with lots of porcelain black accented
by natural finish metals. Detailing is largely period correct
though a few concessions for modern reliability can be found. A
spin-on oil filter has been added for longevity, though it is
subtly integrated and painted black. The engine runs strong,
needing little to be ready for touring and weekend adventures with
the family. This beautiful Cadillac has been very honestly restored
to be enjoyed, though it retains a quality worthy of casual show.
The Fleetwood body is handsome and elegant, with passenger space
and weather protection that make it an excellent choice for CCCA
touring. The sublime and turbine smooth V16 delivers endless torque
and the synchronized transmission make it an absolute joy to drive.
In world of multi-cylinder full classics, this Cadillac V16
represents a tremendous value and is ready to be enjoyed to the
fullest.
