1931 Cadillac Series 452-A Sixteen Sport Phaeton Style

Cadillac had largely failed to make headway against Packard, while Lincoln - bolstered by Edsel Ford's attractive new bodies - was gaining ground. Cadillacs were relatively boring, with old technology and stodgy styling.

Cadillac introduced new styling for 1928, but it took the mighty V-16, introduced in 1930, to realize the potential of the new design. The longer wheelbase allowed long, graceful hoods, while the chrome and cloisonné 'V-16' jewelry on the tie bar and hubcaps ensured that everyone knew this car was something special.

Under the hood, the new V-16 engine was an engineering masterpiece, featuring an advanced overhead valve design that incorporated automatic hydraulic valve lash compensators which ensured the engine ran as quietly as any side valve design. The narrow 45-degree cylinder bank angle produced a compact engine with good inherent balance.

Despite the undeniable magnificence of the V-16, the cars proved difficult to sell - in part because of the Depression sweeping across America, but also, in the case of this lovely Sport Phaeton, because its open style made it less practical for year-round motoring. Consequently, most were sold to wealthy families who could afford to own such an expensive car intended only for fair weather use.