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1931 Cadillac 370A V12 news, pictures, and information | ||
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 |  |  | Fleetwood Phaeton Coachwork: Fleetwood |
Cadillac earned a reputation early on for precision manufacturing and reliability. The company also perfected the interchangeability of parts as well as many other early innovations. General Motors acquired the company in 1909 and positioned it as the prestige division. Cadillac's introduction of V12 and V16 powered cars in 1930 kicked off the 'cylinder wars' among the American luxury marques leading Packard to introduce their line of Twelve's.
The V12 engine was introduced in October of 1930, just nine months after the V16 and rode on a 140 inch wheelbase chassis shared with the V8 models. The 368 cubic-inch L-head engine with dual carburetors produced 135 horsepower. Hydraulic shock absorbers, synchromesh transmission and vacuum assisted brakes made for comfortable driving. The car was designed to make a statement and all engine wiring and plumbing was hidden from view.
The 5-passenger phaeton model was priced at $4,045 and 5,725 cars were built.
 | Fleetwood Phaeton Coachwork: Fleetwood Chassis Num: 10-2034 Engine Num: 1004197 | |
| Sold for $192,500 at 2008 RM Auctions. | ||
This V12 example is a Five-Passenger Phaeton with coachwork by Fleetwood. Its original owners resided in Los Angeles, California and had left the factory equipped with metal tire covers, a Goddess radiator ornament, and an export-type windshield that can fold down. It still wears its original Fleetwood body though the car has been restored to period correct standards in the late 1990s. It has received First Place honors in 2002 at a Grand National meet, was awarded a Senior badge by the Cadillac LaSalle Club and is a CCCA Premier winner.
In 2008 this 1931 Cadillac V12 Series 370-A Five-Passenger Phaeton with coachwork by Fleetwood was brought to RM Auctions 'Vintage Motor Cars of Meadow Brook' where it was estimated to sell for $225,000-$275,000. Though bidding did not reach those estimates, it was high enough to satisfy the vehicles reserve and the lot was sold. A high bid of $192,500 was enough to secure new ownership.
By Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2011
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The V-12's, introduced just nine months after the V-16's, were built on a 140 inch chassis that was also shared by the V-8 that was the mainstay of Cadillac's line-up. The smaller engine was known for free revving and smooth, even power. Twenty different models were available in the V-12 as opposed to over 50 in the V-16 model. The Roadster, the sportiest vehicle in the lineup, was one of the most desirable of the V-12 cars available. Cadillac's current 2003 prototype V-16 takes styling cues from the V-12 and V-16's of this era.
Collection of Art EngleSource - SDAM
 |  |  | Fleetwood Roadster Coachwork: Fleetwood Engine Num: 1004534 |
| Sold for $187,000 at 2007 Christies. | |||
For 1931 Cadillac reinforced their slogan 'The Standard of the World' by offering four passenger car choices powered by eight, twelve or sixteen cylinder engines. There were a total of twelve body styles and included customer specified designs by some of the most prominent coachbuilders of the era, including Fleetwood and Fisher.
With Harley J. Earl employed as General Motors head of the Art and Color styling department, Cadillac was able to produce impressive designs that put many of their competition out of business, with some help from the Great Depression of the time.
This Roadster carried a sticker price of $3,945 in 1931. It features a rumble seat and side access door to the rear bodywork. It is well equipped with many optional features such as goddess mascot, directional following auxiliary lights, spare tire with cover and rear view mirror to each running board and set into the fenders. It has been treated to a comprehensive restoration in the 1980s and has been well preserved since that time.
At auction this car was estimated to sell for $80,000 - $160,000 and offered without reserve. The selling price exceeded the estimated value and sold for $187,000.
 |  |  | Fleetwood Roadster Coachwork: Fleetwood |
During the close of the 1920's General Motors noticed luxury manufacturers such as Duesenberg and Auburn were rapidly become the prestiqious name-plates for many familys. To compete in this expanding marketplace, Cadillac bought Fleetwood, a custom body building manufacturer. Fleetwood was tasked with building custom bodies using various designs and bodystyles to accomodate a wide customer base.
The twelve cylinder engine had a reputation for its dependability, durability, and smooth and quiet ride. The 90-degree, L-head eight cylinder engine with cast iron on an aluminum crankcase was capable of producing nearly 100 horsepower. The hydraulic shock absorbers and large, low-slung rear springs gave the occupants a level of comfort that was unmatched. The transmission was synchromesh with three gears and the large mechanical drum brakes provided excellent stopping power. There were plenty of optional equipment that could be purchased to suite the buyers needs such as a trunk, tire covers, mirrors, heater and more.
Unfortunately, the Great Depression was responsibly for the low production numbers of Cadillac's most prestigious automobiles. Many manufacturers, especially those that catered to the wealthy clientele, were affected and many went out of business.
This example is of 74 1931 370-A, V-12 Fleetwood Roadsters built and one of seven known survivors. Bodied in the Fleetwood, Pa plant prior to GM moving entire Fleetwood Body Works to Detroit. This car was delivered to Don Lee Cadillac, Inc. Dealership in San Francisco on 10/29/1930. This car has been given a restoration which took 8,000 man hours to complete.
In 1931, a V-12 Roadster was used as the Indy Pace Car. Original price was $3,945.
First Place AACA National Winner- #W17611, CCCA Premier Winner- #2689SP
 |  |  | Fleetwood Phaeton Coachwork: Fleetwood Chassis Num: 1001774 |
| Sold for $214,500 at 2009 Worldwide Auctioneers. | |||
This particular 370-A V-12 Cadillac is a Fleetwood-bodied Dual Cowl Sport Phaeton resting on a 140-inch wheelbase. It has a gently raked one-piece windshield, and compact close-coupled passenger compartment that blends the dual cowl with an ample rear passenger compartment. Both the front and rear doors are hinged at the front. The hood is a mere four-inches shorter than the one found on the V-16. This car has been given a restoration and finished in emerald green with chrome hood side vent doors, beige leather upholstery with beige carpets, and a beige cloth top. The car rides on chrome spoke center-lock wire wheels with body color hubs and rims. There are dual side-mounted spares with chrome enclosures, wide whitewall tires, a luggage rack, wire mesh radiator stone-guard, dual Trippe driving lights, a goddess radiator cap mascot and wind wings. In the rear body deck is a small door and luggage compartment for short trips when added luggage trunks were not required. Inside, there is a Jaeger clock and a dashboard that features engine-turned inserts on either side of the instrument panel.
In 2009, this 370-A DC Phaeton was offered for sale at the Houston Classic Auction in Seabrook, Texas, presented by Worldwide Auctioneers. The lot was estimated to sell for $220,000 - $270,000 and offered without a reserve. It was sold for the sum of $195,000, not including buyer's premium.
By Daniel Vaughan | May 2009
 |  |  | Fisher Coupe Coachwork: Fisher Designer: Harley Earl |
The 370 Series was introduced in October of 1930 and powered by a 368 cubic-inch V12 that offered 135 horsepower. The roadster bodystyle rested on top of a 140-inch wheelbase and had similarities to the larger V16 bodies built by Fisher. All interiors were built by Fleetwood. The hood was four inches shorter than the V16 and five inches longer than the V8. The instrument panel was similar to the V8. The headlights were one inch smaller in diameter than the V16 and the dual rear lights were ball shaped like the V8. A roadster was used as a pace car in Indy and model year sales reached 5733 units.
 |  |  | Fisher Coupe Coachwork: Fisher Designer: Harley Earl |
In 1931, Cadillac produced only two V12 roadster with rear mounted spare tires. This example is believed to be the only one left in existence.
By Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2009
 |  |  | Fleetwood All-Weather Phaeton Coachwork: Fleetwood Designer: Harley Earl Chassis Num: 1004245 |
| Sold for $99,000 at 2006 RM Auctions. | |||
The term 'All Weather Phaeton' was Cadillac's way of saying a convertible sedan with roll-up windows. This 370A was awarded a First National Junior Award at the 1969 AACA meet in Hershey, PA. It scored 96.5 points at the CCCA meet in Indianapolis in 1969. It has won twice at the Concours d'Elegance in Cincinnati, Ohio.
By Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2011
 |  | Fleetwood Sedan Coachwork: Fleetwood Designer: Harley Earl |
By Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2011
| | | Fleetwood Roadster Coachwork: Fleetwood |
A bright white Series 370 V-12 roadster like this one was driven by Willard 'Big Boy' Rader and paced the 1931 Indianapolis 500. As the flagship, the V-12 and V-16 garnered all the fanfare, but the V-8 powered models sold in steady numbers helping Cadillac's bottom line during difficult economic times.
This particular car was bodied in Fleetwood, Pennsylvania and shipped to Don Lee Cadillac in San Francisco on October 29th of 1930. It is one of 91 Model 370 roadsters built by Cadillac in 1931, and one of only eight known to have survived. It is the beneficiary of an 8,000 man-hour restoration completed in 2004.
 |  |  | Fleetwood Convertible Coupe Coachwork: Fleetwood Designer: Harley Earl |
The V12 engine was introduced in October 1930, just nine months after the V16 and rode on a 140 inch wheelbase chassis shared with the V8 models. The 368 CID L-head engine with dual carburetors produced 135 horsepower. Hydraulic shock absorbers, synchromesh transmission and vacuum assisted brakes made for comfortable driving. The car was designed to make a statement and all engine wiring and plumbing was hidden from view.
 |  |  | Fleetwood All-Weather Phaeton Coachwork: Fleetwood Designer: Harley Earl Chassis Num: 1004792 |
| Sold for $192,500 at 2012 Gooding & Company. | |||
The Cadillac was in need of a 'refreshing' so Mr. Wichard brought it to a Long Island worship to have mild re-painting done. After returning from a three week vacation in Europe, he found the car totally dismantled. Furious, he took the car from the shop and shipped it to the Seaburg Brothers of Sydney, Ohio for a complete restoration. A day after the vehicle was moved, the Long Island shop burned down. The restoration took 18-months to complete. Wichard added a Pilot-Ray light, a Lowbody traveling trunk with luggage, and special-order steel wheel covers for the spare.
Mr. Wichard retained the Cadillac until 1995 when it was sold to Jack Gorman of San Antonio, Texas, who kept the car 12 years before selling it to the present owner.
In October 1966, the car won the Antique Automobile Club of America Junior National Award and then, a year later, the AACA's President Cup in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In July 1967, it went on to take the Grand Classic Award bestowed by the Classic Car Club of America.
The car wears an older (completed in the late 1960s or early 1970s) restoration. It has a 368 CID overhead valve V-12 engine and a three-speed manual transmission.
In 2012, the car was offered for sale at the Pebble Beach auction presented by Gooding & Company. The car was estimated to sell for $180,000 - $220,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $192,500 inclusive of buyer's premium.
By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2012
 | Fisher Town Sedan Coachwork: Fisher Designer: Harley Earl Chassis Num: 4000698 | |
| Sold for $49,500 at 2013 RM Auctions. | ||
The car has a restored original Cadillac accessory trunk and folding rack, and it is equipped with Senior Trippe driving lights.
In 2013, the car was offered for sale in Scottsdale, Arizona by RM Auctions. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $49,500 including buyer's premium.
By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2013
The Detroit, MI based Cadillac Company offered three different and very distinct chassis and drive trains, a V8, V12 and the massive V16 in 1931. The series 355-A had eight cylinders, the 370-A had twelve-cylinders, and a continuation of the 1930 and 1931 series 452 and 452-A V-16. A total of 10,717 automobile were produced.
Over 5725 370A vehicles were produced from 1930 to 1931. It was available in the two door coupe, 4 door limousine, 2 door roadster, 4 door sedan and the 2 door Tourer. Model year sales were 5,733.
The 370-A series was very similar to the 1930-31 V-16 except some bodies were built by Fisher, but all body interiors were built by Fleetwood.
The hood was four inches shorter than the V-16, and five inches longer than the V-8. The battery was mounted in the right front fender, and the coach sill was modified with a single molding on the splash shield.
The headlights were smaller in diameter than the V-16 headlights by one inch, and the instrument panel was very similar to the V-8 panel. It also had ball shaped dual rear headlights like the V-8 and dual hors that were smaller than on the V-16.
The front tread was the same as the V-8, and the frame had divergent side rails like the Series 355. Rear springs were mounted under the frame rails.
The sedans had two wheelbases, 140' and 143', though the semi-commercial unit had a 152' wheelbase.
Featuring very fine Fleetwood coachwork in standard Fisher bodies, the Fleetwood Body Company was also located in Detroit Michigan.
With a OHV V12 engine, 368 cid and 135 hp, the 370A was priced at $4,895 when new. Able to reach 160km/h, the Cadillac Fleetwood Sport Phaeton came with a narrow-angle V16 power unit.
The 370-A engine had dual intake silencers that were slightly smaller than the single unit on the V-8 engine. The silencers were positioned at the rear were the V-16 vacuum tanks were mounted.
It also had carburetors that were reversed yet very similar to the V-16 so the air inlet was located at the rear.
The V-16 oil filter was mounted on the center of the dash near a single vacuum tank.
The Cadillac V-12 was the official pace car in 1931 for the Indianapolis 500.By Jessica Donaldson
For more information and related vehicles, click hereOver 5725 370A vehicles were produced from 1930 to 1931. It was available in the two door coupe, 4 door limousine, 2 door roadster, 4 door sedan and the 2 door Tourer. Model year sales were 5,733.
The 370-A series was very similar to the 1930-31 V-16 except some bodies were built by Fisher, but all body interiors were built by Fleetwood.
The hood was four inches shorter than the V-16, and five inches longer than the V-8. The battery was mounted in the right front fender, and the coach sill was modified with a single molding on the splash shield.
The headlights were smaller in diameter than the V-16 headlights by one inch, and the instrument panel was very similar to the V-8 panel. It also had ball shaped dual rear headlights like the V-8 and dual hors that were smaller than on the V-16.
The front tread was the same as the V-8, and the frame had divergent side rails like the Series 355. Rear springs were mounted under the frame rails.
The sedans had two wheelbases, 140' and 143', though the semi-commercial unit had a 152' wheelbase.
Featuring very fine Fleetwood coachwork in standard Fisher bodies, the Fleetwood Body Company was also located in Detroit Michigan.
With a OHV V12 engine, 368 cid and 135 hp, the 370A was priced at $4,895 when new. Able to reach 160km/h, the Cadillac Fleetwood Sport Phaeton came with a narrow-angle V16 power unit.
The 370-A engine had dual intake silencers that were slightly smaller than the single unit on the V-8 engine. The silencers were positioned at the rear were the V-16 vacuum tanks were mounted.
It also had carburetors that were reversed yet very similar to the V-16 so the air inlet was located at the rear.
The V-16 oil filter was mounted on the center of the dash near a single vacuum tank.
The Cadillac V-12 was the official pace car in 1931 for the Indianapolis 500.By Jessica Donaldson
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 1931
Cadillac
models |
| Cadillac 355 Eight |
| Cadillac 452A V-16 |
| Similar Vehicles | |
 | 1931 Chrysler CG Imperial |
| Similar Automakers | |
| Chevrolet | Chrysler |
| Dodge | Ford |
| GMC | Hummer |
| Jeep | Lincoln |
| Mercury | Pontiac |
| Saturn | |
| Similarly Priced Vehicles from 1931 |
| Lincoln Model K ($72-$7,405) |
| Cadillac 355 Eight ($2,700-$3,800) |
| Pierce Arrow Model 41 ($4,300-$9,500) |
Average Auction Sale: $138,690 |
| Cadillac: 1931-1940 |
| Similar Automakers |
| Cadillac History |
| Other models by Cadillac |
| Manufacturer Website |
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