1932 Cadillac Series 370-B Twelve Sedan

The carburetors for the 1932 Cadillac V-12 engine were now supplied by Detroit Lubricator and were supplied with fuel by a positive displacement pump rather than a vacuum tank. To protect the engine, a self-cleaning oil filter actuated by the vacuum-boosted clutch pedal was added. Improvements to the braking included a vacuum booster, a system that became even more necessary as the coachwork became more elaborate and heavier. Two-position driver-selectable shock absorber settings were now standard.

Changes to the coachwork were minor for 1932. The roof heights were lowered slighter giving it a more modern appearance. The headlights were free-standing without a tie bar, and the fenders and running boards flowed from one element to the other. The radiator was entirely enclosed in a grille shell.

This vehicle is a 1932 Cadillac 370-B V12 Imperial Seven-Passenger Sedan. It has fully enclosed coachwork that offers quality, comfort, and luxury. There is a roll-up divider window, black leather upholstery in the front, and brown cord cloth on the permanent and occasional rear seats. Amenities in the rear compartment include a smoker's kit and a Jaeger clock and an accessory case. The rear quarter windows and the back window have rollup shades. The car is painted in onyx black and there are dual side-mounted spares in hard covers with rearview mirrors. There are body color wire wheels with chrome trim rings, wide white wall tires, and a luggage rack with dual blue dot taillights. There are dual cream and tan coach lines.

The car has been restored since new and has remained in mostly good condition. There are some minor chips along the edges and joints of moving panels.

In 2009, this Fleetwood-bodied Imperial Sedan was offered for sale at the Houston Classic Auction presented by Worldwide Auctioneers and held in Seabrook, Texas. The lot was estimated to sell for $50,000 - $70,000 and offered without reserve. The lot was sold for $59,000 plus the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | May 2009