1931 Cadillac Series 370-A Twelve Fleetwood Convertible Coupe

The Cadillac V-12 engine was reportedly identical to the company's V-16 model but with four fewer cylinders. The 368 cubic inch unit had a cast iron and aluminum crankcase, mechanical valve lifters with hydraulic silencers, and four main bearings. Rated at 135 horsepower and 285 pound-feet of torque, the engine gave the twelve-cylinder Cadillac a top speed of 80 mph, ranking it among the fastest automobiles of its day. The transmission was a selective synchromesh three-speed manual unit. Two wheelbase sizes were offered with the 140-inch platform for five-passenger models and the 143-inch platform for seven-passenger models. The V-12-equipped cars featured hoods five inches longer than their V-8 counterparts.

A 1931 Cadillac V-12 roadster was piloted by the company's test chief Willard Radar at the Indianapolis 500 in the Memorial Day Classic.

This 1931 Cadillac Series 370-A is believed to have been given a nut-and-bolt restoration and is finished in a two-tone green finish with hand-painted cream pinstriping over saddle leather upholstery and a canvas convertible top. The painted steel center-lock wheels with stainless steel spokes and polished Cadillac hubcaps are wrapped with wide whitewall tires.

The Convertible Coupe coachwork was bodied by Fleetwood and period features include the six-wire-wheel appointment with dual, fender-mounted spares. There are Pilot Ray driving lights, a leather-trimmed rumble seat, a golf bag door, a Flying Goddess radiator mascot, optional, fender-mounted, locking, rearview mirrors, and a green luggage rack.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2022