1935 Cadillac Model 452-D Series 60 Imperial Cabriolet (Vee Windshield)

Cadillac introduced their V-16 engine nearly a year before Marmon introduced theirs. Marmon even had a head start over Cadillac. It is still unknown why Cadillac introduced a V-16 powerplant. Their company was well established as a builder of V8s and was not 'threatened' by Marmon in terms of the American luxury car marketplace. One belief is that Cadillac wanted to continue its reputation (and to reinforce this belief) for building the finest motor car in the world.

This 452-D Convertible Sedan was purchased by Dr. Atwood from well-known Classic Car Club member Gold of Minneapolis. It was purchased in October 1984. It was in the original family and it was an original, unrestored car wearing its original paint, chrome, and upholstery. While in Dr. Atwood's care, the car was given a restoration.

The restoration was finished in 1991. It had previously achieved AACA National Junior and Senior First status. Upon completion of its restoration, it was brought to the 1991 Pebble Beach Concours where it took a First in Class. From there, it was brought to the AACA Easter Fall Meet at Hershey, winning AACA's 1991 Chocolate Town Trophy. It achieved a Grand National First at Dayton, Ohio, in 1992 and was nominated as AACA's Outstanding Vehicle for the year.

The car is painted in its original yellow. There is a tan canvas top and the interior is brown leather. The odometer reads just 277 miles, probably the distance traveled since restoration. There is an authentic radio in the panel, its power supplied by a Cadillac 'B' Eliminator under the hood.

In 2009, this V16 Imperial Convertible Sedan was offered for sale at the Automobiles of Arizona auction presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $300,000 - $400,000 and offered without reserve. The lot was sold for the sum of $473,000 including the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2020

Cadillac built a mere fifty V16s in 1935, as production of the V16 was near the end. Less than a dozen are currently known to survive.

The restoration of this car was done in the original Diana Cream color with brown upholstered leather. It was built for a member of the Eli Lily pharmaceutical family. As an Imperial, this car has a limousine-style interior with a division window, and it is one of just six built. It was delivered through Hoosier Cadillac in Indianapolis.

While Cadillac was arguably ahead of its time with the introduction of the V16 in 1930, sadly they lost money on every car built. This limousine was designated body style 5880 and cost a staggering $7,850.

This 1935 Cadillac Series 452-D Imperial Convertible Sedan was purchased by Dr. Atwood from long-time Classic Car Club member Gold of Minneapolis in October 1984. Gold had found the car courtesy of a mailman that he paid to peek in garages for him. The car was found in the ownership of its original owner.

While in Dr. Atwood's possession, it was given a restoration by a New Jersey firm named Automobile Restorations, Inc. The work was finished in 1991 and brought to Pebble Beach that year. It was then brought to the AACA Eastern Fall Meet at Hershey, winning AACA's 1991 Chocolate Town Trophy. It achieved a Grand National First at Dayton, Ohio, in 1992 and was nominated as AACA's Outstanding Vehicle for the year.

The paint color is the original yellow which has no visible flaws. The tan canvas top is new, and there is a clear plastic cover for use when the car is stored. The interior is brown leather, and the carpeting is brown. There is a roll-down division window with ample foot room for rear seat passengers with room under the division partition.

It is believed that the car has traveled just 277 miles since its restoration. There is an authentic radio in the panel, its power supplied by the Cadillac 'B' Eliminator under the bonnet.


In 2009, this Imperial Convertible Sedan was offered for sale at the Automobiles of Arizona auction presented by RM Auctions. The car was expected to sell for $300,000 - $400,000. As bidding came to a close the lot had been sold for $473,000.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2009