1931 Cadillac Series 452-A Sixteen Sport Phaeton Style

There has always been pressure and competition to continue to improve the automotive product. During the 1920s and 1930s, this was no different. In many respects, the General Motors division was doing an exceptional job outdoing or keeping up with, the competition. Their top-of-the-line offering was Cadillac, which was feeling pressure from marques such as Pierce-Arrow, Packard, and Lincolns, to name a few. Body styles and coachwork continued to improve and become more refined. With each new product produced, the durability, quality, performance, and handling were redefined and expectations were set higher.

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 Cadillacs. One of the largest differences between the LaSalle and Cadillac at this point was the engines. The Cadillac was 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.

The appearance was as important as performance and Cadillac definitely redefined style. Most of the Sixteen-cylinder cars received coachwork by Fleetwood, however, a select few were offered with coachwork by various artists 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 black enamel. All wires were hidden under covers and a false firewall.

Chassis # 702797

This Cadillac V16 Sport Phaeton left the factory with body style number 4260 and chassis 702797, making it only one of eighteen Sport Phaetons in existence. It was bodied by Fleetwood.

It comes equipped with a Jaeger eight-day trip clock and a speedometer. The tires are whitewalls 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 spotlights, and Pilot Ray driving lights.

Little is known 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 completed in 1987 and awarded its AACA National First Price award.

It was sold at auction in 1999 and purchased by the vendor.

By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2007