1933 Cadillac Series 452-C Sixteen Fleetwood Convertible Victoria

In 1933, despite the Great Depression, Cadillac planned to build 400 V-16 cars. In fact, only 125 were sold compared to over 3,500 in 1932, and just two of the 452Cs had a Fleetwood Convertible Victoria body. The list price was $7,500, an incredible sum for such economically dismal times. The Fleetwood Metal Body Company, which had been in business since 1900 and built many luxury bodies for Cadillac, had been absorbed into General Motors in 1931. Once owned by actor Robert Montgomery, this car has been completely restored with period features like Art Deco instruments and an inlaid wooden dash. The distinctive coachwork with its Vee-shaped radiator and skirted fenders was built on a 149-inch wheelbase. Cadillac is one of the only two manufacturers to ever build a series of V-16 engines for their road cars (the other is Marmon), and they remained in production for 11 years. The V-16 engine was rated at 165 horsepower but offered closer to 200.

Cadillac planned to build a series of 400 V-16 cars in 1933. In fact, only 125 were produced and just two of these Convertible Victoria 452Cs were built that year. This car was once owned by actor Robert Montgomery. This is a very original car that has never been restored, and it has lovely period touches like the art deco instruments and the inlaid wooden dash. The Fleetwood Metal Body Company designed and built most of the luxury bodies for Cadillac during this period. The coachbuilder had been in business in Pennsylvania since 1900 but was absorbed into General Motors in 1931. Cadillac is one of the only two manufacturers to ever build a series of V-16 engines for their road cars (the other being Marmon), and they remained in production for eleven years.

The five-passenger Convertible Victoria, also known as the Convertible Coupe, rested on a 149-inch wheelbase. There were just two examples originally produced in 1933, originally priced at $7,500.

This example is largely unrestored and is a California car from new and retains its original engine, chassis, and body. The original owner was Hollywood film star Robert Montgomery, who was honored with two stars on the Hollywood 'Walk of Fame' for his achievements in both film and television.

The car has a pair of side-mounted spare tires, dual rearview mirrors, a single Pilot-Ray driving lamp, a rear luggage rack, and a set of painted steel wheels with hubcaps and period-style wide whitewall tires. The interior features an inlaid wooden dash with metal insert panels housing Art Deco-inspired instruments. The odometer reads just 74,000 miles since new.

In 2009, this car was offered for sale at the Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey presented by RM Auctions where it was estimated to sell for $350,000 - $450,000. The lot was sold for the sum of $412,500, including the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2009