1931 Cadillac Series 370-A Twelve

Sold for $170,500 at 2016 RM Sothebys : Amelia Island.
Sold for $137,500 at 2016 RM Sothebys : Amelia Island.
Sold for $200,000 at 2016 Mecum : Monterey.
Henry M. Leland formed the Cadillac Automobile Company on August 22nd of 1902. When the Henry Ford Company faltered, Leland was brought in to evaluate the leftover assets. He persuaded Ford's remaining partners to continue the automobile business using Leland's proven 1-cylinder engine. They named the company in honor of Leland's distant ancestor, 17th-century French explorer Antoine Laumet de la Mothe, Sieur de Cadillac, founder of Detroit.

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 were hidden from view.

The 5-passenger phaeton model was priced at $4,045 and 5,725 cars were built.

This Cadillac 370A V-12 Phaeton has a body similar to Fleetwood's Sport Phaeton but was built by Fisher and does not have the roll-up windshield and instruments in the rear passenger compartment. Fleetwood, however, trimmed the interior of the cars and badged them appropriately.

This particular example is believed to be an original V-12 Phaeton, along with the current engine, number 1004917, is a replacement unit in this chassis. The car is equipped with dual side-mounted spares, wire wheels, dual Pilot Ray driving lights, dual horns, 'wind wings,' a radiator stone guard, a 'Goddess' radiator mascot, and a proper Cadillac accessory metal trunk. It also has side curtains and a top boot.

This car was owned by D. Richard Shonk of Ashton, Maryland. While in his care, it was awarded Cadillac-LaSalle Club Senior badge number 418 in 2002. It was acquired in 2002 by Robert Perry before joining the Kughn Collection around 2008. It is now a CCCA Senior Premier car as well, carrying badge number 2062.

The car was given a restoration in the late 1990s and has been driven just 169 miles since that work was completed. It is finished in maroon and cream.