1932 Cadillac Series 452-B Sixteen Fleetwood Madame X Sedan

For 1932 the V-16 had minor exterior styling changes and was designated the model 452B, indicating it was the second iteration of the 452-cubic-inch V-16 series.

The Cadillac V-16 became a symbol of status and prestige and was available in more than 70 different custom body styles. The 7.4 liter 165 hp engine was designed and calibrated to produce minimal vibration and noise. Cadillac produced just 4,076 examples of the V-16 over the 11-year production run. Only 300 V-16s were built in 1932. One of the most expensive and exclusive versions was the 'Madam X Imperial Sedan' named by Harley Earl after a 1929 movie by the same name starring actress Ruth Chatterton.

This spectacular car was a special order built for R.S. McLaughlin, the President of General Motors of Canada. This vehicle is an excellent example of the sophisticated use of color and trim to give a relatively convertible body type the look of a true custom creation. The stylish coachwork was accented with gold door handles and German Silver moldings. The stylishly shaped rear quarter windows accent the styling of this one-off Madam X sedan. The rakishly angled windshield and A-pillar designed by Earl were distinctive Madame X styling traits.