1937 Cadillac Series 85 Convertible Sedan

This 1970 Cadillac V12 Series 85 was offered for sale at the 2007 RM Auctions held in Amelia Island, Florida. It was offered without reserve and estimated to fetch between $140,000 - $180,000. It is powered by a 368 cubic-inch V12 engine tilted at a 45-degree angle and capable of producing 150 horsepower. There is four-wheel drum brakes and a three-speed selective synchromesh manual gearbox.

Cadillac shocked the world with the introduction of the V16 engine. The car was a paragon in the luxury car segment and had mechanical prowess. A V12 engine based on the sixteen-cylinder unit was introduced in 1931. It was basically the V16 engine with four fewer cylinders. The car added to the versatility of the Cadillac model lineup; it possessed the luxury of the V16 cars, but with a twelve-cylinder unit and a more affordable price.

The V16 and V12 engines brought with them a slew of new mechanical improvements. All of the wiring was completely hidden; there was excessive use of polished aluminum which added to the engine's visual allure. There was a hydraulic valve lash compensation system which aided in the efficiency of the overhead valve configuration. This resulted in silent running operation.

A new chassis design was introduced in 1934 which would be used for several years. It would be used to house many engines and various body styles. It remained unaltered by 1937, though styling progressed throughout the years. The large pontoon front fenders and egg crate grilles were easily distinguishable as the Cadillac marque.

For 1937 Cadillac had a very versatile lineup with engine sizes including a V8, V12, and V16 unit. Prices ranged from $1000 to $9000. The V8 and V12 body styles shared the same 138-inch wheelbase. The engine and price tags were all that differentiated these two series, the Series 75 and Series 85. An insignia on the grill and trunk gave reference to which series the vehicle hailed from.

Cadillac sold 46,152 vehicles in 1937, setting a new sales record. As many other marques were going out of business, Cadillac was flourishing.

This 1937 Cadillac Series 85 V12 Convertible Sedan has been treated to a recent ground-up restoration. It is finished in black with a tan soft top and a red leather interior. It was ordered with optional dual side-mounted spares and covers, wheel discs, and a flexible steering wheel. At auction the car found its next owner, selling for $118,250.

By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2007