1931 Cadillac 452A V-16

Model History

Auction sales research

Specifications

Body styles and Chassis Data

Exterior Photos Interior Photos

All-Weather Phaeton Coachwork: Fleetwood Chassis Num: 703110   Sold for $231,000 at 2009 Worldwide Auctioneers. The Cadillac V16 engine had a small 3-inch bore, allowing Cadillac to place the cylinders close together, minimizing the engine's length and the length of the crankshaft. The crank ran in five main bearings and the combination of the short crankshaft and many bearings eliminated annoying harmonics. With the small 3-inch bore and 4-inch stoke, Cadillac was able to use its existing transmission and driveline. The engine had a 45-degree angle which minimized the engine's width, allowing it to fit under the hood. It used overhead valves which aided in access to the valve train for service. It employed the first application of hydraulic valve adjustment, which also aided in quiet operation of the valve train and minimizing maintenance. The spark plug wires traveled from the distributor to the plugs under covers. The valve covers, manifolds, and carburetors were monochromatic with carefully selected details and highlights. The coachwork was designed by the Art and Colour department under the direction of Harley Earl. The car was so successful, that Cadillac continued production virtually unchanged into 1931. For 1930, Cadillac had produced 2,887 cars of which about 2,500 were sold to retail buyers. A further 750 or so were sold in 1931, and Cadillac's management responded by slowing production drastically while working off existing inventory, building only 364 V16s in 1931. This 1931 Cadillac 452A V16 is an All-Weather Phaeton with coachwork by Fleetwood in Style number 4380. It is more conservatively known as the convertible sedan, and has a body beltline which drops at the rear seats which create a recess into which the top nearly completely folded, making a horizontal line from the radiator through the hood, cowl, and window sills. The front and rear doors are hinged on the body center post, allowing for easier entry to both the front and rear compartments. This V16 Cadillac was in the Sterling McCall Cadillac Museum for many years. It is painted in blue with matching leather upholstery, beige carpets and kick panels, with carved wood cappings and trim. There are sidemounted spares with rear view mirrors, wide white wall tires on chrome centerlock wire wheels, a pair of Pilot-Ray driving lights, dual chrome bell horns, fender top marker lights, vee windshield, and a radiator protected by a stone-guard and egret radiator cap mascot. The interior features a crank-operated divider window, and Jaeger clock. The car wears an older restoration with only little signs of its age. In 2009, this V16 All-Weather Phaeton was offered for sale at the Houston Classic Auction in Seabrook, Texas, presented by Worldwide Auctioneers. The car was estimated to sell for $225,000 - $275,000 and offered without reserve. It was sold for the sum of $210,000, plus buyer's premium. By Daniel Vaughan | May 2009

Auction Sales Information
Auction	Worldwide Auctioneers : The Houston Classic Auction
Estimated Value:	$225,000-$275,000
Sale Price	$231,000

Event	Group
Worldwide Auctioneers : The Houston Classic Auction	1904-1932