1932 Cadillac Series 370-B Twelve Special Phaeton

The Cadillac Series 370-A was introduced in 1931 and was powered by a twelve-cylinder engine and built atop a 140- and 143-inch wheelbase. The 368 cubic-inch V-12 engine was essentially a truncated version of Cadillac's overhead-valve V-16 engine, and was the company's first and only production twelve-cylinder model. Production 135 horsepower, it delivered 40 fewer horsepower than its V-16 sibling (horsepower did increase to 150 hp in 1935). Updated subsequent models, designated Series 370-B through 370-E, introducing a new chassis and other mechanical advancements. The Cadillac V-12 model was renamed the Series 80 and 85 in 1936, and its wheelbase size decreased and the coachwork was almost exclusively Fleetwood turret-top bodies.

During its seven-year production lifespan, Cadillac produced fewer than 11,000 twelve-cylinder models, with 1,740 of those being 370-B models.

This 1932 V-12 Special Phaeton is believed to be one of as few as 13 Special Phaetons built for that model year. Per the build sheet, this Fisher-bodied example left the factory with a Ravenswood Brown exterior, wire wheels, Goddess ornament, and dual side-mounted spares with color-coordinated covers. The tan canvas top protects the saddle brown leather interior.

This Cadillac was delivered in March of 1932 to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and is believed to have had only three owners since the 1960s (including Milford 'Tiny' Gould of Trucksville, Pennsylvania). While in the care of Mr. Gould, the Cadillac earned the Classic Car Club of America National First Prize at Buck Hill Falls, Pennsylvania in January 1965. The car also won Junior and Senior Antique Automobile Club of American first prizes. When Mr. Gould sold the Cadillac, it was to another resident of Pennsylvania. The current owner purchased the Special Phaeton in 1993 and has retained it for the past thirty years.

The car wears an older restoration. More recently, the car was given an engine rebuild, replacing all six tires, reupholstering the interior, and replacing the side curtains.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2024