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Unemployment nearly doubled to 16.3 percent in 1931 and America began to realize the long-term economic effects of the stock market crash of 1929. Despite the economic downturn, Cadillac, like other prestige manufacturers, found itself in the middle of the 'cylinder wars.' After introducing a V-16 in 1930, it added a V-12 model in 1931. The Twelve and Sixteen shared parts as well as dimensions and angles, so production didn't have to proceed from scratch. While the horsepower of the 368 cubic-inch, 135 horsepower V-12 was well below that of the 452 cubic-inch, 175 horsepower V-16, its performance was similar with 285 lb-ft of torque and a top speed of more than 80 miles-per-hour.
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.
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.
The Cadillac Series 370 had many similarities to its V-16 counterpart but was outfitted with a twelve-cylinder engine. Most of the bodywork was constructed by Fisher with Fleetwood providing the interior coachwork.
During the close of the 1920's General Motors noticed luxury manufacturers such as Duesenberg and Auburn were rapidly becoming the prestigious nameplates for many families. 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 body styles to accommodate 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 was plenty of optional equipment that could be purchased to suit the buyer's needs such as a trunk, tire covers, mirrors, heater, and more.
Unfortunately, the Great Depression was responsible 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 the 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. The original price was $3,945.
First Place AACA National Winner- #W17611, CCCA Premier Winner- #2689SP
During the close of the 1920's General Motors noticed luxury manufacturers such as Duesenberg and Auburn were rapidly becoming the prestigious nameplates for many families. 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 body styles to accommodate 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 was plenty of optional equipment that could be purchased to suit the buyer's needs such as a trunk, tire covers, mirrors, heater, and more.
Unfortunately, the Great Depression was responsible 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 the 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. The original price was $3,945.
First Place AACA National Winner- #W17611, CCCA Premier Winner- #2689SP
No auction information available for this vehicle at this time.
1931 Cadillac Series 370-A Twelve Auction Sales
Recent Sales of the Cadillac Series 370-A Twelve
(Data based on Model Year 1931 sales)
1931 Cadillac V-12 Fleetwood Convertible Coupe Sold for USD$154,000 2024 Broad Arrow Auctions : Amelia | |
1931 Cadillac 370-A V-12 Roadster by Fleetwood Chassis#: 10-894 Sold for USD$187,000 2023 RM Sothebys : Hershey | |
1931 Cadillac V-12 Dual Windshield Sport Phaeton Sold for USD$162,400 2023 Worldwide Auctioneers : The Auburn Auction | |
1931 Cadillac convertible coupé V12 370A par Fleetwood Chassis#: 1005430 Sold for USD$129,090 2023 Artcurial : Retromobile | |
1931 Cadillac Model 370A V-12 Sport Phaeton Sold for USD$224,000 2022 Broad Arrow Auctions : The Passion for the Drive | |
1931 Cadillac V-12 Convertible Coupe by Fleetwood Sold for USD$198,000 2022 RM Sothebys : The Hershey Auction | |
1931 Cadillac V-12 Victoria Coupe Chassis#: 1002367 Sold for USD$68,100 2022 Worldwide Auctioneers : The Auburn Auction | |
1931 Cadillac 370A V-12 Fleetwood Sport Phaeton Chassis#: 1003326 Sold for USD$418,000 2022 Mecum : Monterey | |
1931 Cadillac 370A V-12 Roadster Chassis#: 1004524 Sold for USD$257,600 2021 Worldwide Auctioneers : The 14th Annual Auburn Auction | |
1931 Cadillac 370A V-12 Dual Cowl Sport Phaeton Chassis#: 1001581 Sold for USD$346,000 2021 Worldwide Auctioneers : The 14th Annual Auburn Auction | |
1931 Cadillac V-12 370-A Convertible Coupe Sold for USD$100,800 2021 Gooding & Company : Pebble Beach Concours Auction | |
1931 Cadillac V-12 Sold for USD$192,500 2021 Mecum : Kissimmee | |
1931 CADILLAC V12 PHAETON Chassis#: 1001774 Sold for USD$187,000 2020 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale, AZ | |
1931 Cadillac 370 Roadster Sold for USD$88,000 2019 Mecum : Chicago | |
1931 Cadillac V-12 Five-Passenger Sedan Sold for USD$36,850 2019 RM Auctions : Auburn Fall | |
1931 Cadillac V-12 Phaeton by Fleetwood Sold for USD$192,500 2019 RM Auctions : Auburn Fall | |
1931 Cadillac 370-A All Weather Phaeton Chassis#: 1004488 Sold for USD$121,000 2019 Mecum : Monterey | |
1931 Cadillac V-12 Five-Passenger Sedan Sold for USD$36,850 2019 Auburn Spring : RM Auctions | |
1931 Cadillac 370A 5-Passenger Sedan Sold for USD$26,950 2019 Mecum : Indianpolis | |
1931 Cadillac 370-A V12 Roadster Sold for USD$133,547 2019 H & H Classics - Imperial War Museum, Duxford |
Cadillac Series 370-A Twelves That Failed To Sell At Auction
1931 Cadillac Series 370-A Twelve's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1931 Cadillac V12 Series 370A Five Passenger Phaeton | 2024 Bonhams : Amelia Island Auction | $90,000 | $120,000 | ||
1931 Cadillac V-12 Series 370A Seven Passenger Dual Windshield Touring Coachwork by Fleetwood | 2024 Bonhams : The Scottsdale Auction | $100,000 | $125,000 | ||
1931 Cadillac V-12 Roadster | 2020 Mecum : Glendale | $100,000 | |||
1931 Cadillac V-12 Convertible Coupe by Fleetwood | 2020 RM Sothebys : Scottsdale Arizona | $225,000 | $275,000 | ||
1931 Cadillac 370-A V-12 Roadster | 1002070 | 2020 Worldwide Auctioneers : Scottsdale Arizona Auction | |||
1931 Cadillac V-12 Series 370A Roadster | 1003333 | 2019 Worldwide Auctioneers : Pacific Grove Auction | |||
1931 Cadillac V-12 Phaeton in the style of Fleetwood | 2018 RM Sothebys : Fort Lauderdale | $160,000 | $200,000 | ||
1931 Cadillac 370A Two Door Sport Coupe | 2017 Russo & Steele : Newport Beach | ||||
1931 Cadillac 370-A V12 Coupe | 1000451 | 2015 H & H Auctions Imperial War Museum | |||
1931 Cadillac V12 Seven-Passenger Phaeton | 2014 WorldWide Auctions The Houston Classic Motorcar Auction | $160,000 | $180,000 | ||
1931 Cadillac V-12 Rumble Seat Coupe 2013 CCCA Senior First Place | 1001141 | 2013 Mecum Auction Anaheim 2013 | $180,000 | ||
1931 Cadillac V-12 Convertible Coupe | 2013 Auctions America Auburn Fall | $170,000 | |||
1931 Cadillac V-12 Roadster Restored with Only 47,481 Original Miles | 2012 Mecum Dallas, TX | $145,000 | $150,000 | $200,000 | |
1931 Cadillac 370-A V-12 Roadster | 1002070 | 2012 RM Auctions St. Johns, Michigan | $160,000 | $190,000 | $225,000 |
1931 Cadillac Series 370A Fleetwood Roadster | 2012 Leake Auctions Tulsa | $18,000 | |||
1931 Cadillac V-12 Roadster | 2012 Branson Auction Spring 2012 | $197,100 | |||
1931 Cadillac Model 370 V12 S | 1162-10-1 | 2011 RM Auctions Hershey | $70,000 | $90,000 | $110,000 |
1931 CADILLAC 370A V12 ROADSTER | 1003473 | 2011 Worldwide Auctions The Auburn Auction | $175,000 | $225,000 | |
1931 Cadillac V-12 Five-Passenger Phaeton by Fleetwood | 1000378 | 2011 RM Auctions Concours d'Elegance at St. Johns | $200,750 | $170,000 | $210,000 |
1931 CADILLAC FLEETWOOD ROADSTER | 2011 Auctions America Spring Carlisle | $95,000 | |||
1931 Cadillac 12 Cyl Dual Cowl Phaeton | 2009 Leake Auctions Dallas 37th Annual Leake Auto Auction Market Hall | $102,000 | |||
1931 Cadillac 12 Cyl Dual Cowl Phaeton | 2009 Leake Auctions Dallas 37th Annual Leake Auto Auction Market Hall | $95,000 | |||
1931 Cadillac 370A Phaeton | 2009 Mecum Monterey Auction | $90,000 | |||
1931 Cadillac V12 All-Weather Sport Phaeton | 1002654 | 2009 Bonhams Automobiles d'Exception à Retromobile | $180,000 | $240,000 | |
1931 Cadillac V12 Convertible Coupe | 101039 | 2004 Vintage Motor Cars at Meadow Brook Hall | $96,000 | $100,000 | $125,000 |
1931 CADILLAC FLEETWOOD CONVERTIBLE | 2003 Kruse Auction Auburn, IN | $72,000 | |||
1931 CADILLAC FLEETWOOD ROADSTER | 2003 Kruse Auction Auburn, IN | $340,000 | |||
1931 CADILLAC FLEETWOOD 370 A 4 DR PHAETON | 2003 Kruse Auction Auburn, IN | $100,000 | |||
1931 CADILLAC SERIES 370 DUAL COWL PHAETON | 2003 Kruse Auction Auburn, IN | $67,000 | |||
1931 Cadillac V-12 Coupe | 2003 Michigan Spring Classic Car Auction | $34,000 |
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1931 Cadillac Series 370-A Twelve
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