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1931 Cadillac 452A V-16 news, pictures, and information
 |  | View more photos Fleetwood All-Weather Phaeton Coachwork: Fleetwood |
This Fleetwood-bodied, dual windshield V-16 Phaeton was ordered by a young lady, Augusta Little, in 1931. One of 86 built, the unique dual windshield styling of this car serves as a striking complement to its remarkable engine.
While Ms. Little's fleet of vehicles grew to include Ferraris, BMWs and Jaguars, this 1931 V-16 Cadillac remained her favorite, driving it regularly before presenting it to the Cadillac Division in 1976, asking only that they take good car of here 'baby.' Adjusted for current economics, the original purchase price would grow to nearly $100,00 in today's dollars.
 |  | View more photos Fleetwood Sport Phaeton Style Coachwork: Fleetwood Chassis Num: 452A703249 |
The Sixteen was intended to establish Cadillac in the rarified realm of Packard, Peerless, and Pierce-Arrow. That it did, offering superb luxury and smooth, effortless power with minimal shifting. There was little to set them apart - until Cadillac unveiled its astounding ohv V16 Dual Windshield Sport Phaeton in 1931. It was a one-off body, never to be repeated.
The mutli-cylinder Cadillac's failed to sell well in the devastated Depression market. The peak was 1930-1931, when exactly 3,250 Sixteens and 5,725 Twelves were built. This car was manufactured in 1931 but was not sold until 1932. It was enjoyed for many years by several owners until 1985 when it was restored in Hollywood, CA, by a noted V16 Cadillac restorer.
This 1931 Cadillac V16 Sport Phaeton with coachwork by Fleetwood was offered for sale at the 2007 RM Auctions held in Amelia Island, Florida. It was estimated to sell between $550,000 - $650,000. It is powered by a 452 cubic-inch V16 engine mounted at a 45-degree angle and estimated to produce 185 horsepower. There is a three-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel vacuum assisted mechanical brakes.
The vehicle's restoration was finished in 1985. It is finished in dark blue with a blue leather interior. It was shown at the Pebble Beach Concours where it won its class. A year later, it was shown at the Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance where it won its class and the Best in Show award. It has earned an AACA National First Senior Award and scored a perfect 100 points in CCCA judging. It has earned top awards at the 2005 Greenwich Concours d'Elegance and the Concours d'Elegance of the Eastern United States.
Throughout the years, its restoration has been continuously re-touched.
At auction, the car did find a new owner. The selling price was inline with the estimated value, with a sale price of $561,000.
 | Fleetwood Roadster Coachwork: Fleetwood Chassis Num: 702368 |
As the cylinder wars of the early 1930s were in full force, along with the Great Depression, Cadillac lead the pack with their powerful nearly introduced V12 and V16 engines. Marmon followed with their 16-cylinder engine, but it never achieved the volume success of Cadillac's.
Cadillac's V16's were produced in limited numbers with less than 4,100 examples being created from 1930 through 1940. Most were created in the vehicles introductory year. The factory bodies were designed by Harley Earl who drew inspiration from the greatest marque's of the era with emphasis on those from Europe. The bodies were created in-house at GM-owned Fleetwood and Fisher facilities. It is believed that Cadillac offered a very wide range of optional body configurations to their clients, reaching 60 different designs.
The Cadillac were catered to the social elite and wealthy individuals. They carried a very expensive sticker price, yet even at those prices it is reported that Cadillac lost money on each one produced. The Fleetwood bodied roadster was the least expensive in the V16 catalog. A total of 105 examples were produced and each carried a sticker price of $5,000.
This vehicle has been treated to a total restoration that took four years to complete. Over $300,000 went into making this example one of the best and most original in existence. This car has Pilot Ray spot lights, and Tilt Ray headlamps and tail lamps. It is an AACA National First Prize winner in 2004.
At auction the car was estimated to sell for $250,000 - $350,000. Those estimates proved to be accurate as a new owner was found at the selling price of $275,000, including buyers premium.
 |  | View more photos Drophead Victoria by Lancefield Coachwork: Lancefield |
It has one-off custom coachwork by Lancefield of England
This car is one of a handful of right-hand-drive Cadillac's sent to England in 1930-1931, and is 1 of only 5 right-hand-drive Cadillac V-16s in existence.
This car was recently brought back to the US after spending its life in the hands of only two owners.
The car is making its Concours debut here at Amelia Island.
 |  | View more photos Fleetwood Sport Phaeton Style Coachwork: Fleetwood Chassis Num: 702797 |
GM responded by creating the LaSalle Company which was positioned below Cadillac. This allowed GM to take the Cadillac model to the next level which could be described as exclusive or ultra luxury. GM created the Art and Color department to help with styling.
In 1927 GM introduced a new design on the LaSalle model line that incorporated styling influences from both the European and American markets. The styling carried over in 1928 to the Cadillac's. One of the largest differences between the LaSalle and Cadillac at this point were the engines. The Cadillac's were offered with a new 45-degree V16 engine with an advanced overhead valve design and automatic hydraulic valve lash compensators. This meant that the engine would run quietly and with minimal vibrations.
Appearance was as important as performance and Cadillac's definitely redefined style. Most of the Sixteen-cylinder cars received coachwork by Fleetwood, however a select few were offered with coachwork by various artist such as Fisher. The engine had also received consideration, with Owen Nacker creating the exterior design. This made it the first vehicle to ever receive this level of detail under the hood. The valve covers were finished in a brushed aluminum raised pattern with a black enamel. All wires were hidden under covers and a false firewall.
Chassis # 702797
This Cadillac V16 Sport Phaeton left the factory with bodystyle number 4260 and chassis 702797, making it only one of eighteen Sport Phaetons in existence. It was bodied by Fleedwood.
It comes equipped with a Jaeger eight-day trip clock and speedometer. The tires are whitewall and sit on stainless spokes wheels. Spare wheels can be found mounted on both sides of the vehicle. There is a radiator stone guard, twin mounted windshield spot lights, and Pilot Ray driving lights.
Little is know of its early history prior to it being apart of the Rick Carroll collection. The next owner started a restoration but sold it before it was finished. It was then passed to a Florida collector named Mr. Lassiter, Jr. who had Henry Sykes complete the restoration. It was competed in 1987 and awarded its AACA National First Price award.
It was sold at auction in 1999 and purchased by the vendor.
 |  | View more photos Fleetwood All-Weather Phaeton Coachwork: Fleetwood |
Sporting a sixteen cylinder engine alone would be special, however, the car featured his is a rare Fleetwood Sport Phaeton model. These cars are identifiable by their unique retractable dual windshields and rear passenger instrumentation. The majority of the V-16 engines were fitted to closed bodied cars, while only 20% were allocated to open motoring vehicles. Only 86 Sport Phaetons were built, at a base price of $6,500. Just 18 remain.
The exclusive Cadillac V-16s ran between 1930 and 1940, and were produced for only the most discriminating buyers. Until the 1990's, only Cadillac and Marmon had ever made a production passenger car V16. A few notables such as Bugatti and Peerless made prototype V-16s. However, it is Cadillac that will always be linked to the 'sixteen.'
 |  | View more photos Fleetwood Sport Phaeton Style Coachwork: Fleetwood Chassis Num: 702401 |
A complete nut-and-bolt restoration was completed in 1990. It has earned National First Place awards in both AACA and CCCA judging. In CCCA Grand Classic judging, the car scored a perfect 100 points.
In 2008 the car was brought to the 2008 Automobiles of Amelia presented by RM Auctions where it was estimated to sell for $400,000 - $500,000. The estimates were nearly accurate, as the car was sold for $522,500 including buyer's premium.
 |  | View more photos Fleetwood Sport Phaeton Style Coachwork: Fleetwood |
Cadillac introduced new styling for 1928, but it took the might V-16, introduced in 1930, to realize the potential of the new design. Longer wheelbase allowed long, graceful hoods, while the chrome and cloisonné 'V-16' jewelry on the tie bar and hubcaps ensured that everyone knew this car was something special.
Under the hood, the new V-16 engine was an engineering masterpiece, featuring an advanced overhead valve design that incorporated automatic hydraulic valve lash compensators which ensured the engine ran as quietly as any side valve design. The narrow 45-degree cylinder bank angle produced a compact engine with good inherent balance.
Despite the undeniable magnificence of the V-16, the cars proved difficult to sell - in part because of the Depression sweeping across America, but also, in the case of this lovely Sport Phaeton, because its open style made it less practical for year-round motoring. Consequently, most were sold to wealthy families who could afford to own such an expensive car intended only for fair weather use.
 |  | View more photos Fleetwood All-Weather Phaeton Coachwork: Fleetwood |
 |  | View more photos Fleetwood Imperial Coachwork: Fleetwood Chassis Num: 702879 |
The interior features a radio, bud vase, a smoker's kit and 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 buyer's premium, though not within the estimated value of the vehicle, was enough to secure new ownership. The lot was sold.
 |  | View more photos Fleetwood Roadster Coachwork: Fleetwood |
 |  | View more photos Fleetwood Convertible Coupe Coachwork: Fleetwood |
Built on a 148-inch wheelbase chassis, more than 50 different body styles were available - a staggering selection.
Among these body styles was this attractive and sporty convertible coupe built by the Fleetwood Body Company, which had been purchased by General Motors and was being relocated from Fleetwood, Pennsylvania to Detroit. This Fleetwood convertible coupe cost its first owner nearly $7,000.
By 1931 the fully enclosable all weather open convertible body type was gaining in popularity over the true roadster. This handsome style 4335 convertible coupe by Fleetwood is distinguished by its V windshield and special hood contours. The 452 first series of the Cadillac V-16 was built in both 1930 and 1931, with the bulk of cars being constructed during the early months of 1930. This example is one of just 750 cars sold in 1931, still an impressive number in those dark days.
|  | View more photos Fleetwood All-Weather Phaeton Coachwork: Fleetwood |
The car is powered by the 452 cubic-inch, overhead valve, V16 engine developing 165 horsepower and had a top speed of 95 mph.
 |  | View more photos Fleetwood Sport Phaeton Style Coachwork: Fleetwood Chassis Num: 702406 Engine Num: 7-2246 |
It is fitted with a number of desirable accessories such as a pair of Pilot Ray auxiliary driving lights, dual side-mounted spares, radiator stone guard, chrome wire wheels, wind wings and a Jaeger Eight-Day trip clock and speedometer in the rear compartment. The interior features a machine-turned dashboard, uncluttered gauges and plenty of legroom for its occupants.
In 2009, this Sport Phaeton with coachwork by Fleetwood was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. The car was estimated to sell for $500,000 - $600,000. The lot was sold for the sum of $632,500 including buyer's premium.
 | | View more photos Fleetwood All-Weather Phaeton Coachwork: Fleetwood Chassis Num: 703110 |
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.
| | View more photos Fleetwood Roadster Coachwork: Fleetwood |
The overhead valve Cadillac Sixteen motor displaces 452 cubic-inches and develops 175 horsepower. It employs dual updraft Cadillac single-throat carburetors.
This Cadillac Sixteen roadster was purchased new by the Schaeffer family of the famous Schaeffer Pen Company. This automobile was a fitting choice for such a family. The Cadillac Sixteen roadster was the ultimate 'Gentleman's Car.'
Henry Martin Leland and his son Wilfred were partly responsible with making Cadillac one of the finest of all American Automobiles. Henry was renowned for his precision engineering and for standardizing manufacturing. He helped make Cadillac into one of the finest of all American Automobiles. Later, he founded Lincoln. Even after the Leland's departed from Cadillac, the marque remained a top-of-the-line figure.
Cadillac did not rely on four- or six-cylinder power. Every one of the company's cars was fitted with a V engine of 8, 12 or 16 cylinders. They were smooth and powerful.
During the late 1920s, the cylinder race was in full force. Cadillac's engineer Owen Knacker was tasked with developing a V16 engine that would keep Cadillac at the fore-front of the race. Their hopes were to displace Packard at the top of the luxury car market.
From 1930 through 1940 Cadillac produced a monsterous sixteen-cylinder engine. It was first displayed to the automotive community at the Detroit Opera House prior to the Detroit Auto Show. This was the largest number of cylinders to power an automobile of all time. The hood that housed the engine was intimidating, larger and longer than any other vehicle. Up to this point, there were only a few manufacturers that produced a twelve-cylinder engine, mechanical achievements in their own right. The introduction of the sixteen-cylinder engine was historical and seen as revolutionary at the time.
Up to the 1990's there have only been three manufacturers of a sixteen cylinder engine. The Bugatti Type 47 never made series production while the Marmon Corporation offering was short lived. In comparison, the Marmon built V-16 was more powerful. By using aluminum, the 491 cubic-inch engine with its overhead values weighed just over 900 pounds. The engine was formed by merging twin-eight cylinder engines in a 45-degree angle, giving the engine an impressive look and an astonishing 200 horsepower. The use of steel cylinder sleeves added to the longevity and durability of the engine. The V-16 engine earned Howard Marmon the Society of Automotive Engineers annual design award.
The Cadillac V-16 was the first and remained in production for eleven years.
A new sixteen-cylinder engine was introduced by Cadillac in 1938. This was not their first V16 enigne; their first had been designed by engineer, Owen Nacker of Marmon fame. It had an overhead valve design and mounted at a 45-degree to one another. Each back of the sixteen cylinders had their own exhaust and fuel system. The engine featured hydraulic valve adjusters that helped with the silent valve train operation. The exterior of the engine was equally as impressive, with all the wiring and hoses concealed under cover and finished in chrome, polished aluminum, porcelain and baked enamel. The result was a 452 cubic-inch engine that was nearly unmatched in the industry at the time.
A V12 version followed shortly after the introduction of the V16; it displaced 368 cubic-inches and was basically three-quarters of a V16. Both of these engines remained in production through 1937. The V12 did not resume production for 1938. A new engine was introduced in 1938 and that very different than its predecessors. It was an L-head design, cast in a 135-degree vee, and featured a monobloc design. The was easier and more economical to manfacutre and it weighed 250 pounds less, had 21 fewer cubic-inches, but developed the same power.
The V12 engine was used to power the Series 85 for 1937. The Series 75 and Series 85 were the same vehicle, with the exception of the powerplant. The Series 75 used a V8 engine. In 1938 the V12 was discontinued, and the V16 took its place. The sixteen-cylinder cars were shortened to a length similar to the Series 75, and the chassis and bodies were interchangeable.
There were twelve bodystyles available, including coupes, convertible coupes, and sedans, as well as the larger seven-passenger sedans and limousines. These larger vehicles were called Formal Sedans or Imperial sedans depending on whether they had a division partition.
The Series 90 experienced its best year in 1938 with 315 examples built. The five-passenger Touring Sedan was the most popular, with 41 sold.
In 1939, the front of the V8 Cadillacs were midly updated. The grille was raked back and the headlights were now mounted to the nose and flush with the top of the grille. Chrome moldings were added to the running boards and the fender ornamentaion was now fully chromed. The rear license plate was moved from the left fender to the trunk lid.
There were a total of 138 V16 cars produced in 1939. Few changes or modifications to the car followed for 1940. A total of 61 V16 cars were built this would be the final year for their production. A total of 4,400 examples were built over an eleven year period.
© 1998-2009. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Cadillac did not rely on four- or six-cylinder power. Every one of the company's cars was fitted with a V engine of 8, 12 or 16 cylinders. They were smooth and powerful.
During the late 1920s, the cylinder race was in full force. Cadillac's engineer Owen Knacker was tasked with developing a V16 engine that would keep Cadillac at the fore-front of the race. Their hopes were to displace Packard at the top of the luxury car market.
From 1930 through 1940 Cadillac produced a monsterous sixteen-cylinder engine. It was first displayed to the automotive community at the Detroit Opera House prior to the Detroit Auto Show. This was the largest number of cylinders to power an automobile of all time. The hood that housed the engine was intimidating, larger and longer than any other vehicle. Up to this point, there were only a few manufacturers that produced a twelve-cylinder engine, mechanical achievements in their own right. The introduction of the sixteen-cylinder engine was historical and seen as revolutionary at the time.
Up to the 1990's there have only been three manufacturers of a sixteen cylinder engine. The Bugatti Type 47 never made series production while the Marmon Corporation offering was short lived. In comparison, the Marmon built V-16 was more powerful. By using aluminum, the 491 cubic-inch engine with its overhead values weighed just over 900 pounds. The engine was formed by merging twin-eight cylinder engines in a 45-degree angle, giving the engine an impressive look and an astonishing 200 horsepower. The use of steel cylinder sleeves added to the longevity and durability of the engine. The V-16 engine earned Howard Marmon the Society of Automotive Engineers annual design award.
The Cadillac V-16 was the first and remained in production for eleven years.
A new sixteen-cylinder engine was introduced by Cadillac in 1938. This was not their first V16 enigne; their first had been designed by engineer, Owen Nacker of Marmon fame. It had an overhead valve design and mounted at a 45-degree to one another. Each back of the sixteen cylinders had their own exhaust and fuel system. The engine featured hydraulic valve adjusters that helped with the silent valve train operation. The exterior of the engine was equally as impressive, with all the wiring and hoses concealed under cover and finished in chrome, polished aluminum, porcelain and baked enamel. The result was a 452 cubic-inch engine that was nearly unmatched in the industry at the time.
A V12 version followed shortly after the introduction of the V16; it displaced 368 cubic-inches and was basically three-quarters of a V16. Both of these engines remained in production through 1937. The V12 did not resume production for 1938. A new engine was introduced in 1938 and that very different than its predecessors. It was an L-head design, cast in a 135-degree vee, and featured a monobloc design. The was easier and more economical to manfacutre and it weighed 250 pounds less, had 21 fewer cubic-inches, but developed the same power.
The V12 engine was used to power the Series 85 for 1937. The Series 75 and Series 85 were the same vehicle, with the exception of the powerplant. The Series 75 used a V8 engine. In 1938 the V12 was discontinued, and the V16 took its place. The sixteen-cylinder cars were shortened to a length similar to the Series 75, and the chassis and bodies were interchangeable.
There were twelve bodystyles available, including coupes, convertible coupes, and sedans, as well as the larger seven-passenger sedans and limousines. These larger vehicles were called Formal Sedans or Imperial sedans depending on whether they had a division partition.
The Series 90 experienced its best year in 1938 with 315 examples built. The five-passenger Touring Sedan was the most popular, with 41 sold.
In 1939, the front of the V8 Cadillacs were midly updated. The grille was raked back and the headlights were now mounted to the nose and flush with the top of the grille. Chrome moldings were added to the running boards and the fender ornamentaion was now fully chromed. The rear license plate was moved from the left fender to the trunk lid.
There were a total of 138 V16 cars produced in 1939. Few changes or modifications to the car followed for 1940. A total of 61 V16 cars were built this would be the final year for their production. A total of 4,400 examples were built over an eleven year period.
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Automobile information, history, and specifications from concept to production. | © 1998-2009 Conceptcarz.com
subscribe - RSSAutomobile information, history, and specifications from concept to production. | © 1998-2009 Conceptcarz.com