1940 Cadillac Series 90 Sixteen Convertible Coupe

The year 1940 was most important for Cadillac as well as the rest of the automobile industry. In fact, it draws the line between the end of an era and the beginning of another, troubled by the war which was going on in Europe. At this stage, Cadillac had offered the Fleetwood Convertible, one of five models designed for its clientele. The 90 series was engineered with the powerful V-16. This engine gained less popularity and after being available for 11 years, the market for grand luxury cars disappeared primarily because of the war.

A total of fifty-five 1940 Cadillac 90 Series vehicles were produced with the V-16 engine. This car is one of only two Convertible Coupes produced that year. The Series 90 sits on a 141.3-inch wheelbase and is powered by a 431 cubic-inch, V-16 engine developing 185 horsepower. The vehicle weighs 4,970 pounds and sold new for $5,440.

The basic five-passenger Cadillac sedan of 1940 sold for $1,745 with a V-8 but $5,140 with a V-16 - a premium no longer really justified, as Cadillac's V-8 was one of the smoothest engines anywhere. It was the last year for the V16 engine.

Some of Cadillac's most important engineering developments, and some of its most beautiful cars, appeared in the 1940s.

A little over 50 V-16 Cadillacs were produced in 1940. The V-16 had a displacement of 431 cubic inches and developed 185 horsepower. This Convertible Coupe is quite rare with only a few produced.

Cadillac produced the V-16 from 1930 through 1940. The hood of the V-16 was intimidating - larger and longer than any other vehicle produced. Twelve-cylinder engines were rare enough, but only a few manufacturers dared to build a sixteen.

Interestingly, only about 4,000 16's were made during the 11 year run. They were clearly for the wealthy and those with a desire to drive big and drive fast.

This Convertible Coupe is considered one of the rarest and most desirable V16's ever made.