1940 Cadillac Series 90 Sixteen Imperial Sedan

Shortly after the world was plunged into the Great Depression, where jobs and fortunes were lost in rapid succession, many of America's top manufacturers unveiled their pinnacle of automotive luxury. Some introductions were coincidental and had been in development for years, while others were in response to those introductions and the need to compete at that new level. Cadillac's all-new V-16 engine was unveiled at the 1930 New York Auto Show, where it shocked the automotive world and raised the stakes in the luxury car market.

Orders for Cadillac's multi-cylinder model were initially strong, but as the 1930s progressed, it became more and more difficult to sell. Production of the V-16 Cadillac was retired in December 1939, ahead of the 1940 model year.

Seven-Passenger Imperial Sedan coachwork by Fleetwood
The current owner of this Imperial Sedan purchased it in 2008 and treated it to a multi-year, no-expense-spared, frame-off restoration by their in-house restoration staff. The V-16 engine was rebuilt at a cost of nearly $30,000, and Dan Kilpatrick of Chouteau, Oklahoma was commissioned to retrim the interior to original specifications. The exterior was given two-tone blue over black fenders with the interior upholstered in Tan Embassy Pattern Broadcloth.

Options bestowed upon this Imperial Sedan include a heater, twin bumper-mounted Trippe Safety Light fog lights, and dual side-mounted spare tires with covers. The rear passenger compartment contains dual cigarette lighters, a padded footrest, privacy curtains, foldaway jump seats, and a divider window.

The 431 cubic-inch L-head V-16 engine with dual downdraft carburetors produces 185 horsepower at 3,800 RPM. There is a three-speed manual transmission, four-wheel hydraulic brakes, and an independent front suspension with a live rear axle.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2024