1930 Cadillac Series 452A V16 Madame X Sedan

At a time when the United States and the rest of the world would still be rather unaware of the scale-backs that would result from the events on that Black Tuesday, Cadillac would be busy making efforts to go big. Only a few months after that fateful day in October, Cadillac would unveil the key element that would cement its reputation.

In January of 1930, Cadillac would debut to the world its 16-cylinder engine. Immediately, the carmaker would enter very select company. Practically overnight, Cadillac would embark on an even greater path of finery. Cadillac would become an even greater draw to the governmental and affluent figures of society.

While many would consider the engine to be a work of art, the engine and platform provided many coachbuilders the perfect canvas upon which to mount their elegant designs. Metal, wood, canvas and leather would all be combined with the creative heartbeat hidden within to offer customers luxury and performance for which Cadillac remains famous.

In all, there would be some 54 body styles from which customers could choose. Among the many body styles, there would be varying levels of sportiness and luxury. The 4100 series would be considered the finest, most glamorous, within the extensive line.

At the time, there was a famous stage play known as 'Madame X'. The story follows the life of a wife who had been thrown out of her own house by her husband when it had been discovered she had had an affair. Over the course of the story, the woman becomes embroiled in some bad relationships that lead to her killing her lover to protect her son. The melancholy existence and circumstances lead the woman to make an impassioned plea for mercy and ends in her sudden, almost noble death.

Such intrigue, drama, darkness and nobility could be realized in Cadillac's Sedan Cabriolet design built by Fleetwood. Though never used by Cadillac themselves, the Sedan designed by Fleetwood would forever become synonymously known as the Madam X Sedan.

This is just such an example. Body style number two, this particular V-16 Madame X Sedan is also a cabriolet meaning the car has a 'convertible-look' through the use of a padded leather roofline.

Though not entirely gospel, it is believed just a total of seven V-16 Cadillacs would be produced with the Fleetwood Sedan Cabriolet body style. Fashioning number 2, this particular example is considered the first to have been built, especially with the one-piece windshield. While there are some unknown elements to its story there is a good possibility this is the only remaining example of a Madame X Sedan Cabriolet.

Don Lee Cadillac, based in Los Angeles, would take initial delivery of the car. Still carrying its original engine, the 1930 Cadillac would end up as part of a number of collections throughout its history, including one Wayne Merriman.

Years before the car would be restored and would be finished in its present green and black scheme. Carrying many of its original accents and accessories, the Madame X Sedan Cabriolet even retains its evocative goddess mascot.

A sight to behold, complete with its wool upholstery, rear-mounted truck, chrome wire wheels, dual driving lights, smoking sets and vanities, the Madame X Sedan Cabriolet is certainly among the most luxurious and opulent of all pre-war Cadillacs.

This stately and formal Cadillac would be offered via RM Auctions as part of their 2014 Hershey gathering. Bolstered by its luxurious presence and V-16 power the 1930 Cadillac would be a highly-anticipated feature of the auction and the bidding would rise north of $200,000. When the gavel fell, a sale price of $242,000 had been realized.

By Jeremy McMullen