1931 Cadillac Series 452-A Sixteen Imperial

This 1931 Cadillac Series 452 4100 V16 Seven-Passenger Imperial Sedan has coachwork by Fleetwood. It has the 'Madame X' raked windshield configuration and includes dual Pilot Ray driving lamps, a radiator stone guard, dual side-mounted spare tires, a green-tined glass sun visor, wooden running boards, and a rear-mounted luggage rack and trunk. There are wide whitewall tires, painted wire wheels, chrome-plated hubcaps, and trim rings.

The interior features a radio, a bud vase, a smoker's kit, and a vanity in the rear compartment. There are forward-facing jump seats, a footrest, a mesh hat net on the headliner, a roll-up divider, and a roll-up rear window shade.

In 2008 this car was brought to the 2nd Annual Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey presented by RM Auctions where it was estimated to sell for $125,000 - $175,000. There was a reserve, but that was lifted shortly after bidding began. A high bid of $104,500 including the buyer's premium, though not within the estimated value of the vehicle, was enough to secure new ownership. The lot was sold.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2008